FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
CHICAGO - Chicago Public Schools today announced the addition of 12 principals into the Independent School Principals (ISP) program, which provides high-performing principals with the flexibility to innovate and the autonomy to operate their schools with reduced oversight from Central Office. ISP was launched in 2015 as part of the district’s commitment to supporting principals and providing them with more leadership and professional development opportunities. With support from the Chicago Public Education Fund (The Fund), the district has also expanded principal development and training opportunities for CPS principals through programs like the Cahn Fellowship and Chicago Principals Fellowship.
“The Independent School Principals program exemplifies the district’s commitment to empowering leaders who go above and beyond to create school communities that serve students’ academic and social and emotional needs,” said CPS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Janice K. Jackson. “As more principals demonstrate exceptional leadership, we are proud to continue expanding the program and provide more principals with the opportunity to grow and develop professionally.”
In addition to providing principals with greater autonomy, the ISP program also provides principals the opportunity to engage in a unique, peer-to-peer professional learning community to discuss and share effective practices citywide. Principals also have the opportunity to serve in a new leadership capacity throughout the district, acting either as a mentor for new principals, or as an adviser for CPS departments.
“Cultivating a positive and effective school community takes effort and persistence, and these principals have demonstrated exceptional leadership as they have worked to support students, educators and families in their school communities,” said CPS Chief Education Officer LaTanya D. McDade. “We congratulate the newest members of ISP and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow and develop their expertise through the program.”
The following 12 principals will join the ISP Network:
- Charles Anderson – Michele Clark High School
- Eileen Considine – Columbia Explorers Elementary School
- Jennifer Dixon – Palmer Elementary School
- Clariza Dominicci – Camras Elementary School
- Otis Dunson – George Armstrong Elementary School
- Angelica Herrera-Vest – Ortiz De Dominguez Elementary School
- Sabrina Jackson – Turner-Drew Elementary School
- Paul Schissler – Lara Elementary School
- Adam Stich – Hitch Elementary School
- Jose Torres – Marsh Elementary School
- Lori Zaimi – Peirce Elementary School
- Greg Zurawski – Coonley Elementary School
Chicago Public Schools serves 361,000 students in 644 schools. It is the nation's third-largest school district.
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