Principalship

Visit Principal Career Opportunities to find out which schools are hiring, learn about the principal selection process, and access the Principal Application Form. Principal Career Opportunities is generally updated on Wednesday, and postings are generally open for applications for two weeks.

Use the CPS School Profiles tool to learn more about each CPS school's progress, performance, partnerships, and programs offered.

To apply for a principal position, visit Principal Career Opportunities.

Please note: only candidates who are eligible under CPS Policy #14-0723-PO1 may accept and sign a principal contract.

At most CPS schools, the LSC is responsible for hiring and evaluating the school's contract principal.

Most LSCs have a multi-step selection process, which includes a resume review, and may include one to three rounds of interviews and a final round "Candidate Forum." During a Candidate Forum, the community has an opportunity to ask questions of each finalist in an open meeting format. Each LSC has the authority to award a four-year performance contract to a principal.

An LSC has the authority to award a four-year performance contract to a principal candidate if a minimum of seven LSC members vote in favor of that candidate. An LSC may only award a principal contract to a candidate who officially applies to their posted advertisement and is Eligible under the CPS Principalship Policy.

Small and alternative schools are generally governed by Appointed Local School Councils (ALSCs) or Boards of Governors. The Board of Education holds the sole authority to award a principal contract at small and alternative schools. The ALSC/Board of Governors has the right to interview and recommend up to three candidates to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for consideration for the principal position. The ALSC Recommendation Form can be found on page eight of the ALSC Contract. Please review the Small and Alternative Schools Policy to learn more.

The Department of Principal Quality works to support Local School Councils in their recruitment and selection efforts. Our department facilitates principal job postings, receives and compiles all principal application materials, and forwards candidate applications to the Local School Councils. We work closely with LSC Relations throughout the selection process to ensure that LSCs have the information, resources and support they need to complete their principal selections.

• Sample Interview Questions
• Reference Check Document

LSC Relations is responsible for Principal Selection Training, and they offer critical compliance support. If you are ready to begin your principal selection process and members of your council have not yet completed the mandatory principal selection training, please contact LSC Relations to schedule a training.