CPS Commemorates National Principals Month

CHICAGO— Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will recognize National Principals Month throughout October with a series of events aimed at honoring and highlighting the dedication, expertise, and accomplishments of the District’s more than 600 principals.

Principals play a vital role in all aspects of school life. They support students and staff, organize school initiatives, and engage with families and communities. Through their leadership, CPS schools provide high-quality instruction and curricula that promote academic success and personal growth.

“Our principals ensure our children are walking into a school where they can focus on their education,” said Interim CEO/Superintendent Dr. Macquline King. “As school leaders they work with staff and community leaders toward ensuring students have access to the resources they need to succeed academically and in life.”

The CPS Department of Principal Quality (DPQ), in partnership with The Chicago Public Education Fund and the Chicago Principals & Administrators Association (CPAA), is hosting a series of events across the District in celebration of National Principals Month. Highlights include the Annual Storytelling Evening presented by The Chicago Public Education Fund at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, followed by CPAA’s annual Gold Coast Gala held at The Ivy Room. The gala will honor Principals Appreciation Month and recognize the strides made by CPAA as the sole union representing CPS school leaders.

The Annual Storytelling Evening on October 16 is the highlight of The Chicago Public Education Fund's Principal Appreciation Campaign. CPS school communities nominate their principals on social media, and a chosen group shares their personal stories during the event, showcasing the challenges, triumphs, and impact of school leadership. Four principals have been selected to speak at the 2025 event.

"Chicago's principals lead our schools with courage, creativity, and care, and we have been proud to uplift them with our Principal Appreciation Campaign every October for the last ten years," said Dr. Heather Y. Anichini, CEO of The Chicago Public Education Fund.

Principal W. Terrell Burgess– George Westinghouse College Prep

W. Terrell Burgess, principal of George Westinghouse College Prep, is a proud graduate of CPS and maintains deep-rooted family ties to the Westinghouse community dating back to the 1970s. Now serving as principal at Westinghouse, he brings more than 15 years of classroom experience as a mathematics teacher at Lane Tech College Prep, Kenwood Academy, and Westinghouse itself. Principal Burgess is deeply committed to cultivating student brilliance, advancing equity, and empowering educators to create the conditions necessary for all students to thrive both academically and personally.


Principal Hamed Flores – Francisco I. Madero Middle School

Hamed Flores serves as principal of Francisco I. Madero Middle School where his leadership has driven continuous growth and academic excellence. Under his direction, the school has earned top ratings on the 5Essentials Survey for three consecutive years, excelling in key areas such as innovation, teacher-parent trust, English instruction, and overall family engagement. An immigrant born and raised in Mexico, Principal Flores draws on his life experience to inform a strong commitment to equity, bilingual education, and social justice. He is especially passionate about mentoring students and fostering meaningful community involvement.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire staff, students, and families.” said Principal Flores. “The Principal Storytelling event is a powerful platform to share the real challenges and joys of school leadership and to build greater understanding and appreciation across Chicago.”
Principal William E. Hook - Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences
With more than 36 years of experience in Chicago Public Schools, William Hook leads the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHSAS), where he has served as principal since 2007. Before that, he spent 10 years as assistant principal at Morrill Elementary School. At CHSAS, he has expanded agricultural and STEM pathways, increased access to dual credit and Advanced Placement courses, and built strong partnerships with universities, industry leaders, and community organizations. His leadership focuses on equity, sustainability, and preparing students for success in college, career, and life.


Principal Takeshi M. James -Avalon Park Fine & Performing Arts Personalized Learning Magnet Cluster


Takeshi M. James, principal of Avalon Park Fine and Performing Arts Personalized Learning Magnet Cluster, brings 27 years of experience as a Chicago Public Schools educator. She is also the mother of one son, Kyle, and the author of From Our Eyes. Known for her joyful innovation, Principal James has led the development of student-centered systems that celebrate individual strengths and promote personalized learning. Under her leadership, Avalon Park earned a federal grant in 2025 to enhance instruction and increase student agency.


“The work of a principal is hard and deeply rewarding, but can also feel isolating at times, so this recognition affirms the good work happening in our schools,” said Principal James. “I am sharing my story with the hope of inspiring and supporting others who may have faced similar experiences. To me, this opportunity is more than an honor. It makes me feel heard and valued.”


The Chicago Public Education Fund will also honor another six outstanding principals by featuring their photos on CTA buses and trains as a tribute to their exemplary leadership.

The principals being honored are Katina Stovall Brown, principal of Jesse Owens Community Academy; Benetrice Whitfield Lucas, principal of McNair Elementary School; Sylvia Orozco Garcia, principal of Calmeca Academy of Fine Arts; Regina Roberts, principal of William T. Sherman School; Michael Pacourek, principal of James Shields Elementary School; and Jimmy Lugo, principal of Harriet Beecher Stowe Dual Language School.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of my staff, which made this recognition possible,” said Principal Stovall Brown. “It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized in this way, and I'm excited to see if I can spot the bus or train featuring Jesse Owens Community Academy on it.”

For more principal profiles from across the District, explore CPS School Leader Magazine, produced by the Department of Principal Quality.
###