The Chicago Principals and Administrators Association (CPAA), the union representing Chicago’s principals and assistant principals, extends its sincere thanks to Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova as she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her professional journey.

Ms. Chkoumbova has been a vital partner in strengthening the relationship between CPS leadership and CPAA. Her leadership helped usher in a new era of transparency and collaboration, and she played a key role in fostering the open and honest dialogue that now defines our working relationship with the district.

As a former teacher, principal, and network chief, Ms. Chkoumbova brought a rare and essential perspective to her role; one rooted in lived experience and a deep understanding of school operations. She was an early and unwavering supporter of CPAA’s right to unionize, and she recognized the importance of principals and assistant principals having a collective voice in shaping the conditions under which they lead.

Her presence at the bargaining table during ongoing negotiations for our first-ever Collective Bargaining Agreement has been a clear asset to both CPAA and the district. By respecting and elevating the school leader voice, she demonstrated a commitment to students and helped lay the groundwork for meaningful, long-term collaboration.

“Bogdana consistently approached her role with a profound respect for those leading our schools. She viewed leadership not as a title, but as a responsibility to engage with integrity and move forward, even in the face of past challenges. Her commitment to public education and to equity was evident throughout her tenure. She brought a strong belief in what CPS can achieve for Chicago’s young people, and that belief shaped her work in meaningful ways. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on our members and on the profession itself. We are grateful for her service and wish her continued success in the path ahead.” — CPAA President Troy LaRaviere

We are confident that Ms. Chkoumbova leaves the office stronger than she found it, with a clear and inclusive path for her successor to continue. While we will miss her presence within CPS leadership, we remain thankful for the progress made during her tenure and are optimistic about what lies ahead.

Media Inquiries:
Tiphani Chaplin, Director of Communications
news@mycpaa.com