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Independent School Principals

The ISP program is designed for high-performing principals who can ensure continued strong performance with minimal oversight from the district, and who would benefit from additional independence to lead their schools.

The objectives of the program are to:

  • Reward high-performing principals with increased autonomy.

  • Expand ISP leadership impact through meaningful leadership capacities and innovative collaboration.

  • Build streamlined systems and structures that support increased autonomy.

ISPs are afforded the following autonomies:

  • Exemption from network membership and Network Chief oversight.
  • Exemption from budget and CIWP approval.
  • Increased flexibility with budget and purchasing.
  • Professional learning autonomy for ISPs and their staff except for CPS-mandated training.
  • Modified principal evaluation within state requirements, including no requirement to submit evidence for SY2017 evaluation, and option for peer evaluation. Note: two formal observations and a final rating are state requirements.

Program Support

Although ISPs relinquish their existing access to network support, ISPs will continue to receive support from Principal Quality, Parent Support Center, and the School Support Centers. The district will continue working towards:

  • Systems and structures that support increased autonomy so ISPs can meet self-directed management.
  • Reducing non-mandatory management items for principals and streamlining management requirements across all departments.

Who are the Independent School Principals?

View the Independent School Principals list.

Department of Principal Quality

773-553-1515

cpsleaders@cps.edu

42 West Madison
Chicago, IL 60602