Quantcast
 

Illinois celebrates Principal Appreciation Day honoring educational leadership

Coal City Intermediate School | Official Website

Principal Appreciation Day is being observed, recognizing the efforts of principals in Illinois. The day highlights the dedication of school leaders, including Art Stafford at the high school level, Cam Stone at the middle school, Tracy Carlson at the intermediate school, Taryn Trotter at the elementary school, and Amanda Davidson at the early childhood center.

Unit 1 Superintendent Christopher Spencer expressed gratitude for their leadership: “We are grateful to have an exceptional team of leaders that put the needs of our students and staff first.”

The celebration of Principal Appreciation Week from October 20-26 and Appreciation Day began in 1990 with approval from the Illinois Governor’s Office. It acknowledges building administrators' leadership annually.

Cris Edwards, president of the Illinois Principals Association and principal of Richland County Elementary School, stated: “Whether this is a principal’s very first year, last year, or somewhere in the middle, Illinois is celebrating these leaders for all they do for children. A ‘legacy builders’ we are constantly mentoring others; helping students to find their voice or their career paths, supporting paraprofessionals who want to return to school to become a teacher, and encouraging teachers that are thinking about becoming an administrator. Thank you to all the leaders across Illinois for your unwavering commitment and for building a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”

Stafford is serving his second year as high school principal after working as an administrator in Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202. Stone begins his first year as Coal City Middle School principal after roles in Pontiac Community Consolidated School District 429 and Iroquois West Middle School.

Carlson has been intermediate school principal since 2011 and previously worked in Lockport D91 and Milne Grove School. Trotter became elementary school principal in 2021 after serving as assistant principal at Saratoga School in Morris. Davidson has been with her district for 15 years and is now seven years into her role as early childhood center principal while also serving as assistant director of special populations.

Dr. Jason Leahy, IPA Executive Director, commended these individuals: “These courageous individuals lead their learning organizations with optimism, humility, vision, perseverance and a deep commitment to do what is best for their students.”

Spencer added appreciation on behalf of Unit 1: “We appreciate the dedication and commitment of our principals to the district and are grateful for all they do for our students, staff and community.”