CPAA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE
CHANGING THE GAME 18 CPS GAME CHANGERS PAGE 11
BE IN THE ROOM: CANDIDATE CONVOS PAGE 17
IMPACT BARGAINING IN ACTION PAGE 45
PRINCIPAL APPRECIATION MONTH CELEBRATING YOU THE PEOPLE. THE PROGRESS. THE LEADERSHIP CHANGING THE GAME.
O n t he co v e r : P r inci p a l A le s i a F r a nklin -A llen of L el a nd E lemen t a ry , a 2026 CPS Ga me C h a nge r . S t o ry on p a ge 12.
TAKE A COURSE WITH THE ILLINOIS ADMINISTRATORS’ ACADEMY! A s t he pr i m a ry prov ide r o f s e ss i ons i n C hic a g o , w e o ffe r e v e ryt hi n g you n eed to st a y c urr e nt w i t h your lice nsur e r e qu i r e m e nts a n d b ro a de n your k now ledge b a s e . A dmini str a t o rs a r e r e qu i r ed t o com p le t e a n I llinoi s A dmini str a t o rs ’ A c a dem y co urs e once a y e a r , f r om J u l y 1 t o J u ne 30, w i t hin a fi v e - y e a r r ece rt ific a t ion c y cle . D ur ing t he fi v e - y e a r r ene w a l c y cle , a dmini str a t o rs m ust com p le t e t he T e a che r E v a l u a t o r R e tr a ining ** co urs e s : one co urs e a dd r e ss ing S tu den t G r o wt h a nd a no t he r a dd r e ss ing T e a che r P r a c t ice .
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IAA UPCOMING SESSIONS W ed n e s d a y , O c to be r 14, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | $195.00 | Zoom Leadership for Growth-Focused Schools: Centering Classroom Assessment in Performance Evaluation (AA 3000**) T hi s r ei m a gi n ed c ours e i nv i t e s s ch oo l le a de rs to f o c us t hei r pr a c t ice on g rowt h - ce nt e r ed i nstru c t i on a l le a de rs hi p . L e a de rs de v el op t hei r a bili ty to up lif t high - qu a li ty cl a ssroom a ss e ssm e nt pr a c t ice s , i nt e rpr e t e v ide n ce o f stu de nt le a rn i n g , f a cili t a t e m e a n i n gf u l c o a chi n g c onv e rs a t i ons , a n d support ed u c a tors i n us i n g a ss e ssm e nt a s a n on g o i n g too l f or i nstru c t i on a l deci s i on - m a ki n g r a t he r t h a n a st a n d -a l on e e v e nt .
T he c ours e e mp h a s i z e s stu de nt a ge n c y , c u l tur a ll y r e spons i v e pr a c t ice , e qu i t a ble le a rn i n g e xp e r ie n ce s , a n d a ut he nt ic pro fe ss i on a l g rowt h .
T hi s c ours e pos i t i ons e v a l u a tor pr a c t ice a s dee p l y h um a n wor k — ce nt e r ed on trust , g rowt h , r eflec t i on , a n d m e a n i n gf u l le a rn i n g .
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T h urs d a y , N ov e m be r 5, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | $195.00 | Zoom Teacher Evaluator Skill Building for Previously Qualified Teacher Evaluators: Danielson Domains 1 & 4 (AA 1451**) T hi s on e - d a y c ours e f o c us e s on a pp l y i n g t he Da n iel son e v a l u a t i on ru b r ic f or D om a i ns 1 & 4 to a high deg r ee o f a cc ur a c y a n d i nt e r - r a t e r r eli a bili ty w hile c ontro lli n g f or bi a s i n t he e v a l u a t i on pro ce ss .
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**T e a che r E v a l u a tor R e tr a i n i n g C ours e s — Ea ch s a t i s fie s on e o f t he two c ours e s r e qu i r ed f or t e a che r e v a l u a tor r e tr a i n i n g . A ll c ours e s a r e o ffe r ed on li n e v i a Z oom . M e m be rs hi p i n C hic a g o P r i n ci p a l s & A d m i n i str a tors A sso ci a t i on (CPAA) i s NOT r e qu i r ed to s ig n up f or IAA s e ss i ons .
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
IN THIS EDITION PAGE 4 CPAA VISION AND MISSION OUR VALUES AND WHO WE ARE PAGE 6 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT KIA BANKS
PAGE 22 THE BIG 4 PLUS KEY WINS
PAGE 26 BEYOND THE HEADLINES WHAT DO SCHOOL LEADERS HAVE TO SAY ? PAGE 29 YOUR AUXILIARY IS A PLACE TO START PAGE 30 GOLD COAST GALA ONE ROOM PAGE 33 COMMITTEES & COUNCILS FIND YOUR PLACE PAGE 34 WELLNESS: PLEASE REPORT TO YOUR OWN LIFE PAGE 37 KENT IS HERE 30 YEARS WITH CPAA PAGE 38 OCTOBER 15 IS A DATE… BELONGING IS A DAILY PRACTICE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH PAGE 44 SCHOOL LEADER VOICES WHAT 186 MEMBERS TOLD US
GOLD COAST GALA
PAGE 30
PAGE 7 THE THROUGHLINE CHAD THOMAS
PAGE 8 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR TIPHANI CHAPLIN PAGE 9 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WHY WE ’ RE GOING ELECTRONIC PAGE 10 CELEBRATING YOU PRINCIPAL APPRECIATION MONTH PAGE 11 CHANGING THE GAME 18 CPS GAME CHANGERS PAGE 12 A BIG DEAL ON LAVERGNE AVENUE COVER STORY : ALESIA FRANKLIN - ALLEN
CHANGING THE GAME
PAGE 11
MAGAZINE BOARD E di tor- i n-C hief : K i a Ba n k s
Mana gi n g E di tor/Cr e at i v e D i r ec tor: T i p h a n i C h a p li n
Pro d u c t i on Mana ge r: K e nt La u
PAGE 17 BE IN THE ROOM CANDIDATE CONVOS
C hic a g o P r i n ci p a l s a n d A d m i n i str a tors A sso ci a t i on | L o c a l 2 o f t he A m e r ic a n F ede r a t i on o f S ch oo l A d m i n i str a tors 542 S . D e a r b orn S t ., S u i t e 400, C hic a g o , IL 60605
PAGE 18 MEET YOUR UNION STEWARDS FLYERS THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE PAGE 20 YOU ASKED: WHY IS CHICAGO ALWAYS VOTING?
PAGE 45 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT IMPACT BARGAINING IN ACTION
PAGE 47 LEGAL ABCs LEGAL HOTLINE
A NOTE ON LINKS: W e w a nt ed to ge t t hi s i ssu e to you a s soon a s poss ible , so a fe w li n k s a r e st ill on t hei r w a y . I f you s ee “L i n k to c om e ,” check b a ck soon . T hi s on li n e edi t i on w ill be up d a t ed a s li n k s g o li v e .
DISCLAIMER T he v ie ws a n d op i n i ons e xpr e ss ed i n t hi s m a g az i n e a r e t h os e o f t he a ut h ors a n d d o not n ece ss a r il y r eflec t t he o ffici a l po lic y or pos i t i on o f CPAA, nor d o t he y c onst i tut e leg a l or pro fe ss i on a l a d v ice . A rt icle s c ont a i n ed he r ei n a r e f or i n f orm a t i on a l purpos e s on l y , a n d CPAA i s not r e spons ible f or a ny deci s i ons m a de b a s ed on t hi s i n f orm a t i on . W hile w e str i v e f or a cc ur a c y , CPAA a ssum e s no li a bili ty f or e rrors , om i ss i ons , or i n a cc ur a cie s .
One Union | One Voice | One Direction • 3
OUR VISION “ E v e ry s ch ool c ommun i ty t h r i v e s un de r t he g u ida n ce o f e x ce pt i on a l l eade rs hi p .”
B ec a us e w e belie v e t h a t b y e mpow e r i n g a n d i nv e st i n g i n s ch oo l le a de rs , w e i nv e st i n t he f utur e o f our child r e n .
OUR MISSION The hub f or C hic a g o ’ s s ch oo l le a de rs
CPAA w ill be t he i n di sp e ns a ble h u b f or C hic a g o ’ s s ch oo l le a de rs . W e ’ r e c omm i tt ed to un l o cki n g t he b oun dle ss pot e nt i a l o f our stu de nts a n d c ommun i t ie s a c ross t he ci ty , f ost e r i n g e x ce pt i on a l le a de rs hi p b y gi v i n g our le a de rs t he r e sour ce s a n d support to nurtur e t he g rowt h a n d de v el opm e nt o f e v e ry child i n our C hic a g o P u blic S ch oo l s .
WHAT WE DO
01 A mp lif y so ci a l j ust ice a n d c ommun i ty i ssu e s
02 P rov ide leg a l g u id a n ce a n d support
03 C r e a t e ro b ust , t i m el y pro fe ss i on a l de v el opm e nt 07 M o del e qu i ty i n pu blic ed u c a t i on be yon d C hic a g o
04 A d vo c a t e f or pro g r e ss i v e ed u c a t i on legi s l a t i on
05 A d vo c a t e f or i n c r e a s ed s ch oo l r e sour ce s
06 C eleb r a t e t he c ontr ib ut i ons o f s ch oo l le a de rs
08 A chie v e c ont i nuous i mprov e m e nt
OUR VALUES
Curiosity A s k t he n e xt qu e st i on . S t a y op e n to a be tt e r a ppro a ch .
Collaboration B r i n g p e op le i nto t he wor k a n d b u ild so l ut i ons to ge t he r .
Inclusion Ma ke room f or diffe r e nt ro le s , e xp e r ie n ce s , a n d p e rsp ec t i v e s .
Integrity F o ll ow t h rou gh . B e a cc ount a ble f or w h a t w e s a y a n d d o .
4 • CPAA Magazine | October 2026 • One Union | One Voice | One Direction
WHO IS CPAA?
CPAA STAFF K i a Ba n k s , P r e s ide nt kb a n k s @ my c p aa. c om C h a d T h om a s , C hief o f S t a ff c t h om a s @ my c p aa. c om T roy LaRa v ie r e , S e n i or D i r ec tor t l a r a v ie r e @ my c p aa. c om K e nt La u , D i r ec tor o f O p e r a t i ons kl a u @ my c p aa. c om
LEGAL DEPARTMENT: Sa m a nt h a O d yn iec , G e n e r a l C ouns el so d yn iec @ my c p aa. c om
Ta n e s h a O’N e a l , D i r ec tor o f M e m be r a n d L eg a l S upports ton e a l @ my c p aa. c om PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: D r . Sa llie P e nm a n , E d .D, D i r ec tor I lli no i s
A d m i n i str a tors ’ A c a de my s d p e nm a n @ my c p aa. c om
M i a Ma yn a r d , A ss i st a nt D i r ec tor o f O p e r a t i ons mm a yn a r d @ my c p aa. c om T i p h a n i C h a p li n , D i r ec tor o f C ommun ic a t i ons t ch a p li n @ my c p aa. c om
Ca m e ron M oor e , C ommun ic a t i ons Ma n a ge r c moor e @ my c p aa. c om
T he C hic a g o P r i n ci p a l s a n d A d m i n i str a tors A sso ci a t i on (CPAA) i s t he o ffici a l vo ice o f C hic a g o ’ s pu blic s ch oo l pr i n ci p a l s a n d a ss i st a nt pr i n ci p a l s , st a n di n g a s t he e ss e nt i a l h u b f or s ch oo l le a de rs hi p . O ur m i ss i on i s to e nsur e t h a t e v e ry s ch oo l c ommun i ty be n efi ts f rom outst a n di n g le a de rs hi p , a n d t h a t t h os e le a de rs h a v e t he r e sour ce s , r e sp ec t , a n d support n eeded f or t he g rowt h a n d su cce ss o f our child r e n . CPAA wor k s to a mp lif y so ci a l j ust ice i ssu e s , f ost e r i n cl us i v e s ch oo l e nv i ronm e nts , prov ide leg a l support , a n d deli v e r pro fe ss i on a l de v el opm e nt t a il or ed to t he n eed s o f s ch oo l le a de rs . W e a d vo c a t e f or pro g r e ss i v e ed u c a t i on po licie s a n d figh t f or t he r e sour ce s n ece ss a ry to e mpow e r our le a de rs a n d s ch oo l s . A s a n a ffili a t e o f t he A m e r ic a n F ede r a t i on o f S ch oo l A d m i n i str a tors (AFSA) a n d t he AFL-CIO, CPAA i s dee p l y c omm i tt ed to c o llec t i v e b a r g a i n i n g a n d so lid a r i ty a c ross l a b or un i ons . W e st a n d w i t h a ll w h o s eek e qu i ty i n ed u c a t i on a n d belie v e t h a t b y i nv e st i n g i n s ch oo l le a de rs , w e s ec ur e t he f utur e o f our child r e n a n d c ommun i t ie s . A t CPAA, our m i ss i on r eflec ts our v a l u e s a n d g u ide s e v e ryt hi n g w e d o — b u ildi n g a be tt e r , mor e j ust ed u c a t i on a l l a n d s c a p e f or e v e ry stu de nt , e v e ry s ch oo l , a n d e v e ry n eighb or h oo d i n C hic a g o .
Bargain Educate Advocate Sustain
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P o lic y A d vo c a c y m e a ns m a ki n g s ch oo l le a de rs p a rt o f t he c onv e rs a t i ons s h a p i n g C hic a g o pu blic ed u c a t i on . W he t he r t he i ssu e i s t he di str ic t b u dge t , a rt ifici a l i nt ellige n ce , s ch oo l s a fe ty , B o a r d po lic y , or t he n e xt elec t i on c y cle , CPAA must be r ec o g n i z ed a s t he a ut h or i t a t i v e vo ice o f pr i n ci p a l s a n d a ss i st a nt pr i n ci p a l s . O ur m e m be rs poss e ss s ch oo l - le v el k now ledge t h a t deci s i on - m a ke rs n eed , a n d w e w ill c ont i nu e b r i n gi n g t h a t k now ledge f orw a r d t h rou gh d a t a , t e st i mony , r el a t i ons hi ps , a n d c o llec t i v e a c t i on . L e a de rs hi p S ust a i n a bili ty m e a ns b u ildi n g a n or g a n i za t i on t h a t d o e s not de p e n d on a fe w p e op le c a rry i n g a ll t he wor k . O ur a ux ili a r ie s , c omm i tt ee s , st e w a r d s , a n d elec t ed a n d a ppo i nt ed le a de rs must h a v e cle a r ro le s , us ef u l too l s , a n d m e a n i n gf u l w a ys to c ontr ib ut e . T he L e a de rs hi p E x ch a n ge w a s a n i mport a nt st e p tow a r d c r e a t i n g t h a t s h a r ed un de rst a n di n g a n d str e n g t he n i n g our le a de rs hi p p i p eli n e . T he s e pr i or i t ie s a r e c onn ec t ed . Ba r g a i n i n g i s stron ge r w he n m e m be rs a r e i n f orm ed . A d vo c a c y i s stron ge r w he n g roun ded i n m e m be r e xp e r ie n ce . O ur un i on i s stron ge r w he n le a de rs hi p i s di str ib ut ed a n d e v e ry m e m be r un de rst a n d s h ow to p a rt ici p a t e . I a m a s ki n g you to st a y e n g a ged . R e a d our c ommun ic a t i ons . C omp le t e our surv e ys . A tt e n d your a ux ili a ry m ee t i n g s . J o i n a c omm i tt ee . D o c um e nt h ow di str ic t deci s i ons a ffec t your wor k . Y our e xp e r ie n ce s bec om e our e v ide n ce , a n d our e v ide n ce str e n g t he ns our a bili ty to a d vo c a t e a n d b a r g a i n . W e a r e b u ildi n g a un i on t h a t li st e ns , or g a n i z e s , a c ts , a n d r e ports b a ck . A un i on c a p a ble o f r e spon di n g to to d a y ’ s ch a lle n ge s w hile s h a p i n g t he c on di t i ons s ch oo l le a de rs n eed f or t he f utur e .
Letter from the President KIA R. BANKS
BUILDING THE UNION OUR MEMBERS NEED CPAA M e m be rs ,
T he p a st s e v e r a l mont h s h a v e r ei n f or ced w h y str e n g t he n i n g CPAA a s a un i on m a tt e rs .
S ch oo l le a de rs a r e n a v ig a t i n g deci s i ons a b out b u dge ts , st a ffi n g , p a yro ll , t ech no l o g y , e v a l u a t i on , s a fe ty , a n d stu de nt support . T oo o f t e n , po licie s a r e de v el op ed w i t h out t he p e rsp ec t i v e o f t he pr i n ci p a l s a n d a ss i st a nt pr i n ci p a l s e xp ec t ed to i mp le m e nt t he m . CPAA ’ s r e spons ibili ty i s to m a ke sur e your vo ice i s pr e s e nt bef or e t h os e deci s i ons r e a ch your s ch oo l s — a n d to a c t w he n t he y a ffec t your a ut h or i ty , wor kl o a d , or wor ki n g c on di t i ons .
O ur wor k i s or g a n i z ed a roun d f our pr i or i t ie s .
C o llec t i v e Ba r g a i n i n g m e a ns pursu i n g a stron g fi rst c o llec t i v e b a r g a i n i n g a g r ee m e nt w hile r e spon di n g to i mm edi a t e i ssu e s . O ur a d vo c a c y d ur i n g t he b u dge t a m e n d m e nt f o c us ed on prot ec t i n g pr i n ci p a l a utonomy a n d pr e v e nt i n g s ch oo l le a de rs f rom bei n g p l a ced i n t he m iddle o f syst e m - le v el st a ffi n g deci s i ons . O ur r e spons e to t he SPS a n d D o c u S ig n ro ll out de monstr a t e s h ow i mp a c t b a r g a i n i n g c a n a dd r e ss t he c ons e qu e n ce s o f a po lic y e v e n w he n Ma n a ge m e nt r e t a i ns t he a ut h or i ty to m a ke t he un de r l y i n g deci s i on . M e m be r E d u c a t i on a n d S upport m e a ns e nsur i n g t h a t m e m be rs un de rst a n d not on l y w h a t CPAA i s d o i n g , b ut w h a t i t m e a ns f or t he m . W e a r e e xp a n di n g our c ommun ic a t i ons , o ffe r i n g pr a c t ic a l pro fe ss i on a l le a rn i n g , a n d hel p i n g m e m be rs un de rst a n d un i on c on ce pts , c ontr a c tu a l prot ec t i ons , a n d t he syst e ms a ffec t i n g t hei r d a il y wor k . A n i n f orm ed m e m be rs hi p i s a stron ge r m e m be rs hi p .
O n e U n i on | O n e V o ice | O n e D i r ec t i on
K i a R. Ba n k s CPAA P r e s ide nt kb a n k s @ my c p aa . c om
6 • CPAA Magazine | October 2026 • One Union | One Voice | One Direction
Member input
Committees
Recommendation
Action
Back to members
FROM THE CHIEF OF STAFF The Throughline From Committee Meetings to Member Impact
M ost or g a n i za t i ons h a v e c omm i tt ee s . T he r e a l qu e st i on i s w he t he r t h os e c omm i tt ee s mov e t he wor k . A t CPAA, our c omm i tt ee s s h ou ld be mor e t h a n n a m e s on a rost e r or m ee t i n g s on a c a le n d a r . T he y s h ou ld be w he r e m e m be r e xp e rt i s e bec om e s un i on a c t i on , a n d w he r e s ch oo l - le v el c on ce rns a r e stu died , r ec omm e n d a t i ons a r e de v el op ed , c omm i tm e nts a r e s ec ur ed , a n d r e su l ts a r e c ommun ic a t ed b a ck to m e m be rs . O n e o f my fi rst pr i or i t ie s a s C hief o f S t a ff h a s bee n hel p i n g b u ild t he i n f r a stru c tur e to m a ke t h a t poss ible . W e a r e de v el op i n g a cle a r e r p ic tur e o f e v e ry CPAA c omm i tt ee : w h o le a d s i t , w h o p a rt ici p a t e s , w he t he r a ll p a rts o f our m e m be rs hi p a r e r e pr e s e nt ed , h ow o f t e n i t m ee ts , w h a t i t i s r e spons ible f or , w h a t i t i s c urr e nt l y wor ki n g on , a n d w he r e t he wor k m a y be stu ck . T h a t i n f orm a t i on w ill a ll ow us to mov e f rom s i mp l y h a v i n g c omm i tt ee s to op e r a t i n g t he m w i t h g r e a t e r purpos e , c ons i st e n c y , a n d a cc ount a bili ty . A f un c t i on i n g c omm i tt ee n eed s mor e t h a n a ch a i r a n d a li st o f m e m be rs . I t n eed s a cle a r ch a r ge , a r eg u l a r m ee t i n g c a de n ce , defi n ed pr i or i t ie s , d o c um e nt ed deci s i ons , a ss ig n ed n e xt st e ps , a n d a pro ce ss f or e s c a l a t i n g b a rr ie rs . I t a l so n eed s a w a y to r e port b a ck so m e m be rs c a n s ee h ow t hei r i nput i s mov i n g t h rou gh t he or g a n i za t i on . M y ro le i s not to t a ke ov e r t he wor k o f our c omm i tt ee le a de rs or bec om e t he p e rson c omp le t i n g e v e ry t a s k . M y r e spons ibili ty i s to hel p e nsur e t h a t t he m ee t i n g h a pp e ns , t he wor k pro g r e ss e s , c omm i tm e nts a r e tr a cked , r e su l ts a r e c ommun ic a t ed , a n d b a rr ie rs r e a ch t he r igh t le v el o f le a de rs hi p w he n t he y c a nnot be r e so l v ed b y t he c omm i tt ee . C ons ide r our P e r f orm a n ce E v a l u a t i on C omm i tt ee . A s CPS p il ots ch a n ge s to pr i n ci p a l a n d a ss i st a nt pr i n ci p a l e v a l u a t i on , t he c omm i tt ee s h ou ld not be b rou gh t i n on l y a f t e r t he syst e m h a s bee n de s ig n ed . I t s h ou ld g a t he r s ch oo l le a de r
e xp e r ie n ce s , ide nt if y p a tt e rns , de v el op r ec omm e n d a t i ons , e n g a ge t he a ppropr i a t e CPS le a de rs , tr a ck r e spons e s , a n d hel p e nsur e t h a t e v a l u a t i on bec om e s a too l f or le a de rs hi p g rowt h r a t he r t h a n s i mp l y a not he r c omp li a n ce e x e r ci s e . T he s a m e t h rou ghli n e s h ou ld e x i st a c ross our wor k i n pro fe ss i on a l de v el opm e nt , s a fe ty , stu de nts w i t h di s a bili t ie s , f a cili t ie s , l a b or m a n a ge m e nt , b u dge t , po lic y , a n d po li t ic a l a c t i on . T he su bjec t m a y ch a n ge , b ut t he op e r a t i n g di s ci p li n e s h ou ld r e m a i n c ons i st e nt . T hi s a l so di str ib ut e s le a de rs hi p a c ross our un i on . P r e s ide nt Ba n k s s h ou ld not h a v e to a tt e n d e v e ry m ee t i n g f or t he wor k to mov e . CPAA st a ff s h ou ld not r e p l a ce t he le a de rs hi p o f c omm i tt ee ch a i rs . M e m be rs w i t h e xp e r ie n ce a n d e xp e rt i s e s h ou ld h a v e m e a n i n gf u l opportun i t ie s to s h a p e t he un i on ’ s pos i t i ons a n d pr i or i t ie s . I w ill us e t hi s c o l umn to m a ke mor e o f t h a t wor k v i s ible : w h a t our c omm i tt ee s a r e t a ckli n g , w h a t pro g r e ss t he y a r e m a ki n g , w he r e b a rr ie rs r e m a i n , a n d w he r e w e n eed a ddi t i on a l m e m be r p a rt ici p a t i on . W he n our c omm i tt ee s f un c t i on w ell , m e m be r i nput d o e s not e n d w i t h a surv e y or c onv e rs a t i on . I t mov e s t h rou gh CPAA’ s g ov e rn a n ce , bec om e s a r ec omm e n d a t i on or de m a n d , r e a che s t he p e op le w i t h a ut h or i ty to a c t , a n d r e turns to m e m be rs a s i n f orm a t i on , support , or ch a n ge .
T h a t i s t he t h rou ghli n e w e a r e b u ildi n g .
Chad H. Thomas C hief o f S t a ff c t h om a s @ my c p aa. c om
One Union | One Voice | One Direction • 7
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR MORE ROOM FOR YOU TIPHANI CHAPLIN
D e a r CPAA U n i on Fa m il y ,
som e t hi n g h a pp e n i n g t h a t you ’ d like us to s ee ? A t e a m wort h celeb r a t i n g ? A n a ppro a ch ot he r le a de rs c ou ld le a rn f rom ? I nv i t e m e out . I t d o e sn ’ t h a v e to be a big e v e nt ... som e t i m e s t he e v e ry d a y wor k i s w h a t de s e rv e s a cl os e r l oo k . T hi s i ssu e , w e ’ r e a l so l a un chi n g Be yon d t he Headli n e s , a sp a ce f or s ch oo l le a de rs to w eigh i n on t he i ssu e s s h a p i n g pu blic ed u c a t i on . T urn to p a ge 26 a n d t ell us w h a t you ’ r e s eei n g . H el p us m a ke t hi s m a g az i n e r eflec t mor e o f our un i on f a m il y a n d t he le a de rs hi p h a pp e n i n g a c ross C hic a g o .
O c to be r i s P r i n ci p a l A ppr eci a t i on M ont h , a n d t hi s i ssu e gi v e s us a ch a n ce to celeb r a t e you ... w hile s h a r i n g t he wor k w e ’ r e d o i n g to ge t he r to str e n g t he n our un i on . Y ou ’ ll s ee our B ig 4 t h rou gh out t he s e p a ge s : our v a l u e s , a chie v e m e nts , pr i or i t ie s , a n d w a ys to ge t i nvo l v ed . T he y c onn ec t w h a t w e st a n d f or w i t h w h a t w e ’ r e wor ki n g tow a r d ... a n d w he r e you fi t i nto t h a t wor k . W e ’ r e a l so try i n g a mor e i nt e r a c t i v e elec tron ic f orm a t , w i t h opportun i t ie s to a s k qu e st i ons , s h a r e ide a s , a n d c ontr ib ut e p h otos . T ell us w h a t wor k s f or you . D o you pr efe r elec tron ic , pr i nt ed , or h a v i n g b ot h a v a il a ble ? W h a t wou ld you like to s ee mor e o f ? A n d t he r e ’ s som e t hi n g I ’ d e sp eci a ll y like to d o mor e o f : sp e n d t i m e i n your s ch oo l s . I h a v e n ’ t h a d t he opportun i ty to ge t i nto b u ildi n g s a s mu ch a s I ’ d h op ed , a n d I w a nt to ch a n ge t h a t . Ha v e
O n e U n i on | O n e V o ice | O n e D i r ec t i on
Ti p ha n i Cha p li n Di r ec tor o f C ommun ica t i ons a n d Edi tor , CPAA Q u a rt e r l y | t cha p li n @ my c p aa . c om
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OUR SUMMER, IN BRIEF While schools were quiet, your union kept working. K e pt pus hi n g f or a ss i st a nt pr i n ci p a l prot ec t i ons W elc om ed C h a d T h om a s a s our n e w C hief o f S t a ff B u il t out our a ux ili a r ie s C e m e nt ed t hi s y e a r ’ s str a t egic p l a n B rou gh t r ece nt high s ch oo l g r a d u a t e s A lec a n d W ill i nto our c ommun ic a t i ons wor k E di t o r T i p h a ni C h a p lin w o r king w i t h A lec a t t he CPAA office .
8 • CPAA Magazine | October 2026 • One Union | One Voice | One Direction
YOUR VOICE Letters to the Editor “ T hi s p a ge i s yours . A g r ee w i t h som e t hi n g you r e a d ? D i s a g r ee ? Ha v e a story w e s h ou ld t ell , or a qu e st i on w e s h ou ld a nsw e r ? W r i t e to us . W e ' ll s h a r e s elec t ed le tt e rs , w i t h your p e rm i ss i on , i n up c om i n g i ssu e s .
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L e tt e rs m a y be edi t ed f or le n g t h a n d cl a r i ty . P le a s e i n cl u de your n a m e , t i t le a n d s ch oo l .
NEW THIS ISSUE Why electronic? Why interactive? T hi s i ssu e i s our fi rst b u il t to be clicked , not j ust r e a d . E v e ry b utton op e ns a d oor : r egi st e r f or a c ours e , b uy a Ga l a t icke t , nom i n a t e a c o lle a g u e , a s k a qu e st i on , or s e n d us a p h oto . G o i n g elec tron ic le ts us s h a r e mor e o f your stor ie s , up d a t e p a ge s a s n e w i n f orm a t i on a rr i v e s , a n d he a r b a ck f rom you f a st e r . I t a l so puts t he m a g az i n e w he r e you a l r e a d y a r e : your p h on e , your i n b ox , t he fe w m i nut e s be tw ee n m ee t i n g s . W h a t w e ' r e h op i n g f or i s a c onv e rs a t i on , not a on e - w a y pu blic a t i on . W he n you s ee som e t hi n g us ef u l , s h a r e i t . W he n som e t hi n g ' s m i ss i n g , t ell us . W e ' ll kee p a fe w pr i nt ed c op ie s f or sp eci a l o cc a s i ons like t he Ga l a.
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One-minute reader survey 1. E lec tron ic , pr i nt ed , or b ot h ? 2. W h a t did you op e n fi rst ? 3. W h a t wou ld you like mor e o f ? 4. W ou ld you c ontr ib ut e a p h oto , qu e st i on or story ?
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P r inci p a l Ra s h a d Ta lle y , W endell P hilli ps A c a dem y H igh S chool
One Union | One Voice | One Direction • 9
B ef or e t he fi rst bell , t he r e i s a l r e a d y som e on e l oo ki n g to you f or a n a nsw e r . B y t he l a st bell , you h a v e m a de deci s i ons , so l v ed pro ble ms , support ed your t e a m , a n d pro b a bl y a dded t h r ee mor e t hi n g s to tomorrow ' s li st . M u ch o f t h a t wor k h a pp e ns qu ie t l y . T he c onv e rs a t i on t h a t hel p ed a t e a che r st a y . T he stu de nt w h o k nows you w ill li st e n . T he f a m il y w h o lef t feeli n g he a r d . T he deci s i on t h a t m a de le a rn i n g poss ible , e v e n if no on e s a w w h a t i t too k . O c to be r i s P r i n ci p a l A ppr eci a t i on M ont h , a n d w e w a nt to m a ke room f or t h os e mom e nts ... a n d f or you . A t CPAA, a ppr eci a t i on m e a ns celeb r a t i n g your le a de rs hi p a n d a d vo c a t i n g f or t he c on di t i ons t h a t a ll ow you to kee p le a di n g w ell . I t m e a ns r ec o g n i z i n g t he p e rson c a rry i n g t he r e spons ibili ty , too . T o our pr i n ci p a l s , t h a n k you . T o t he a ss i st a nt pr i n ci p a l s w h o s h a r e t hi s wor k e v e ry d a y , w e s ee you , too . T hi s mont h , hel p us r ec o g n i z e a c o lle a g u e w h os e le a de rs hi p de s e rv e s a li tt le mor e ligh t . T ell us h ow t he y b r i n g c ur i os i ty , c o ll a b or a t i on , i n cl us i on , or i nt eg r i ty to life . A fe w s e nt e n ce s , a p h oto , a mom e nt wort h s h a r i n g ... t h a t ' s e nou gh to ge t us st a rt ed . You spend so much time seeing everyone else. Let us see you. PRINCIPAL APPRECIATION MONTH CELEBRATING YOU
P r inci p a l Sa f ur a t G i w a w i t h he r stu den ts a t P e rs hing STEAM.
President Banks on the first day of school 20 seconds. Click to watch.
W h o de s e rv e s a li tt le mor e ligh t ? T ell us a b out a c o lle a g u e li v i n g our v a l u e s . A fe w s e nt e n ce s a n d a p h oto c a n st a rt t he n e xt story .
Celebrate a colleague →
★ HOW TO READ THIS ISSUE L oo k f or Ga m e C h a n ge r S pot ligh ts a t t he b ottom o f p a ge s t h rou gh out t he m a g az i n e : a mom e nt , i n t hei r own wor d s , f rom t hi s y e a r ’ s CPS Ga m e C h a n ge rs .
★ GAME CHANGER SPOTLIGHT Angel Aguirre · Hurley ES He directs traffic every morning … and actually enjoys it . “ No job in a school is beneath the principal .”
Meet all 18 page 11 →
10 • CPAA Magazine | October 2026 • One Union | One Voice | One Direction
ACHIEVEMENTS | CPS GAME CHANGERS Changing the Game Ea ch y e a r CPS n a m e s on e pr i n ci p a l f rom e v e ry n e twor k a s a Ga m e C h a n ge r . M ee t t hi s y e a r ’ s h onor ee s f rom our CPAA f a m il y . T h rou gh out t hi s i ssu e , l oo k f or ★ Ga m e C h a n ge r S pot ligh ts a t t he b ottom o f t he p a ge : a mom e nt f rom e a ch le a de r , i n t hei r own wor d s . T he g o ld li n k s bel ow t a ke you t he r e .
Did you know? The 14 honorees who told us their years in education have 363+ years combined.
Marianne Patten O n a h a n ES ★ S pot ligh t , p . 40 →
Margaret Alhasoon S w if t ES ★ S pot ligh t , p . 29 →
Alesia Franklin- Allen L el a n d ES C ov e r story , p . 12 →
Kristin Blathras Ha m il ton ES
Ana Rodriguez L ow ell ES ★ S pot ligh t , p . 19 →
Cynthia Leung C hic a g o W or ld La n g u a ge A c a de my ★ S pot ligh t , p . 38 →
Alberto Juárez Ga ry ES
Carmen Medina H edge s ES
Lauren Norwood B ur ke ES
Angel Aguirre H ur le y ES ★ S pot ligh t , p . 10 →
Latice Nicholson T urn e r -D r e w La n g u a ge A c a de my ★ S pot ligh t , p . 26 →
Tawane Knox N eil ES
Rafael Jiménez Sa dl ows ki ES ★ S pot ligh t , p . 33 →
Patricia Stuber N ort h s ide P r e p HS
Toya Benson C r a n e M edic a l P r e p HS
Jennifer Bollinger S out h s ide HS
Demetra Richardson- Starks B ron z e v ille S ch o l a st ic I nst i tut e ★ S pot ligh t , p . 43 →
Suzanne Mazenis-Luzzi J un g m a n STEM Ma g n e t ★ S pot ligh t , p . 23 →
P r ofile s fo r K r i st in B l a t h r a s , Pa tr ici a S tu be r , a nd J ennife r B ollinge r h a d no t a rr i v ed b y pr e ss t ime . Wa t ch fo r t hei r st o r ie s in a f utur e i ssu e .
TICKETS ON SALE NOW · GOLD COAST GALA · OCT 22 Join us as we celebrate your Game Changers… and you.
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One Union | One Voice | One Direction • 11
COVER STORY
2026 CPS GAME CHANGER
P r inci p a l A le s i a F r a nklin -A llen a t G eo r ge L el a nd E lemen t a ry in A ust in , w he r e s he h a s led s ince 2023.
A Big Deal on La v e r g n e A v e nu e
At George Leland Elementary, Principal Alesia Franklin-Allen is showing what a game changer looks like… before the first bell.
12 • CPAA Magazine | October 2026 • One Union | One Voice | One Direction
COVER STORY | A BIG DEAL ON LAVERGNE AVENUE
Alesia Franklin-Allen P r i n ci p a l , G e or ge L el a n d E le m e nt a ry · CPAA G ov e rn i n g B o a r d M e m be r
AUSTIN · PRE-K–8
E very year, Chicago Public Schools names 20 principals as Game Changers… one from each school network, chosen by the network's own leadership for vision, impact, and keeping students at the center of the work. This year, one of them is Alesia Franklin-Allen, principal of George Leland Elementary in Austin since 2023. At our upcoming gala, the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association (CPAA) will honor her too. So what does a game changer actually look like? At Leland, the answer shows up before the first bell… in who's walking through the door. Principal Franklin-Allen is hard to miss… often the tallest in the room, sure, but her presence is what’s big. You know
when she's in a room. But here's what's bigger still: you know she was in a room. What she leaves behind in a space somehow outgrows her stature. Take Hispanic Heritage Month. She didn't just put up a poster… she wore traditional dress, invited groups in to celebrate and share, and wove the month into the fabric of the school. This year, that means celebrating Leland's English learners and staff with a Spirit Week, a Hispanic Heritage assembly complete with a mariachi band, and a Mexican Fiesta feast. That's how she does everything. All in. For the students she serves.
“
I did n ' t cha n ge t he ga m e b y mys e l f . I cha n ged i t w i t h a t ea m t ha t decided our k id s de s e rv e to be he r e , e v e ry da y , a n d t he n m ade i t wort h t hei r w hi l e .
— ALESIA FRANKLIN-ALLEN
453 stu de nts , pr e -K t h rou gh 8 t h g r a de
K–8 e v e ry stu de nt wor k s i n t he STEM l a b
2004 U.S. D e p a rtm e nt o f E d u c a t i on B l u e R ibb on S ch oo l
2021 G r e a t S ch oo l s T h r i v e A w a r d
One Union | One Voice | One Direction • 13
T he L el a nd t e a m on t he fi rst d a y of s chool .
Recognized across the city
Ma y o r B r a ndon J ohn s on g r ee ts L el a nd stu den ts on t he fi rst d a y of s chool .
P r inci p a l F r a nklin -A llen w elcome s a M ust a ng .
On the first day of school , Leland ' s welcome committee was something to see . The Mayor , Chicago Board of Education President Sean Harden , CPS CEO Dr . Macquline King , and CPAA ' s own President Kia Banks all came out to greet Leland students at the door . That tells you something . What Ms . Franklin - Allen and her team are building at Leland isn ' t just recognized by CPAA , or by CPS … it ' s recognized by the city . The school Leland sits at 512 S . Lavergne Avenue , serving about 453 students from pre - K through 8 th grade . It ' s a STEM school … every student , kindergarten through 8 th grade , works in its STEM lab . There ' s digital arts , dance , music , and sports through CPS Score , too .
Principal Franklin - Allen about her Mustangs , and she lights up .
connect with Urban Initiatives , BUILD , Inc ., Project Exploration , and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chicago .
“ Le l a n d ha s som e o f t he be st stu de nts i n t he ci ty o f Chicag o . O ur M ust a n g s lov e to be c r ea t i v e , c omp e t e , a n d sp e n d t i m e i n s ch ool m a k i n g lon g - l a st i n g m e mor ie s w i t h t hei r t eache rs a n d sp ecia l f r ie n d s . O ur 8 t h g r ade stu de nts a tt e n d A l geb r a a n d F r e n ch c l a ss e s ac ross t he str ee t a t our n eighb or i n g high s ch ool , Miche l e C l a rk . O ur stu de nts p a rt ici p a t e i n C ul i n a ry A rts , S p a n i s h c l a ss e s , STEM , Da n ce a n d so mu ch mor e , begi nn i n g i n P r eK .” — PRINCIPAL FRANKLIN-ALLEN It takes a village… and Leland built one Leland is a community school , and it acts like one . After the last bell , students
U r b a n I n i t i a t i v e s
BUILD, I n c .
P ro jec t E xp l or a t i on
B ig B rot he rs B ig S i st e rs o f C hic a g o
Principal Franklin - Allen knows it ’ s not always one big thing … it ’ s several small things that make it big . The school playground illustrates that story . In 2014, Leland unveiled a rebuilt yard with outdoor classrooms and turf fields , part of the Space to Grow pilot that turned old asphalt lots into green space for students and neighbors alike . A school that opens its doors to the neighborhood … because the Leland team believes showing up for the neighborhood is a big part of what they do .
The school ' s motto says it all : “ It ' s a Great Day to Be a Mustang !” Ask
14 • CPAA Magazine | October 2026 • One Union | One Voice | One Direction
COVER STORY | A BIG DEAL ON LAVERGNE AVENUE
WHAT DIFFERENCE CAN LEADERSHIP MAKE? Kids are showing up. A t Le l a n d , ge tt i n g stu de nts i n t he d oor e v e ry da y i s a m i ss i on … a n d i t ’ s work i n g . The school has a long memory of excellence . In 2004, the U . S . Department of Education named Leland a Blue Ribbon School . In 2021, GreatSchools gave it a Thrive Award for a positive , supportive learning environment … and she ' s building on it . Leland ' s families are working families … parents and grandparents who send their children through those doors every morning trusting that someone inside will see them , believe in them , ‘ love on them ,’ and help them grow . Many are stretching every dollar and instilling every trust to do it . Leland ' s job is to honor that trust . Principal Franklin - Allen will be the first to tell you that the work isn ' t over . The children are still climbing … and the adults at Leland are climbing right beside them . According to Principal Franklin - Allen , the answer is , “ We can do what we must to get kids in the door .” In a city where chronic absence remains one of the biggest challenges schools face , that commitment shows . In her words : “ Attendance is at an all - time high , teachers enjoy learning with students , and our Mustangs feel valued , supported and loved !” That doesn ' t happen by accident … it ' s a culture decision , made every morning by the adults in the building . Former principal and CPAA Board Member Tyrone Dowdell said , “ Kids show up where they feel known , safe , and expected . A principal sets that tone and creates that expectation .”
“ A tt e n da n ce i sn ' t a num be r to us . I t ' s e v e ry chi l d w e g r ee t b y n a m e a t t he d oor bef or e a n d af t e r s ch ool . If you ' r e not pr e s e nt , w e not ice … a n d w e ' r e ca ll i n g , v i s i t i n g h om e s to s ee w ha t support i s n eeded a n d h ow w e ca n p a rtn e r w i t h fa m i l ie s so t ha t stu de nts ca n a tt e n d s ch ool dai ly w i t h a ll t he r e sour ce s t he y n eed to gai n som e l e v e l o f su cce ss dai ly .
— PRINCIPAL ALESIA FRANKLIN-ALLEN
One Union | One Voice | One Direction • 15
COVER STORY | A BIG DEAL ON LAVERGNE AVENUE One of our own
“ Principals can ' t do this work alone . I partner with my staff as we share in the leadership . The load is too heavy , so we must lean on one another , lean on our union , and community partners who are here to support us in any way possible … Fighting for the conditions that let us lead well is part of fighting for kids . — ALESIA FRANKLIN-ALLEN
Principal Franklin - Allen is one of our CPAA own … in other words , her leadership doesn ' t stop at Leland ' s front door . She serves as a member of CPAA ' s Governing Board , helping guide the union ' s work for principals and administrators across the city … and she shows up for the union well beyond the board room , too . She also brings something to that table that many people don ' t have … she serves on a school board herself , in School District 160. She knows governance from the inside . Throughout this issue , we ' ve talked about a truth every school leader comes to know … the policies and budgets that shape our classrooms are decided by governing bodies , and our students need leaders who understand how those decisions get made . Principal Franklin - Allen doesn ' t shy away from that work . She leans in with curiosity , asking questions and learning how the system really runs . She works in collaboration , building bridges instead of sides . She keeps inclusion at the center , making sure every child is part of the conversation . And she leads with integrity … that work stays at the board table , and her school day stays about her students . She brings that understanding with her … to her colleagues on the Governing Board and to the children in the halls of Leland .
O n t he AFSA st a ge , demon str a t ing ne w e a r l y childhood le a r ning .
She carries that work to the national stage . As a delegate to AFSA , our parent union , she represents Chicago alongside school leaders from across the country . She even took the stage herself to demonstrate new early childhood learning … reading books and hands - on activities that bring young learners in . That ' s the same instinct that fills Leland ' s hallways . Advocate for the people you serve … whether they ' re seven years old or old enough to be running a school of their own . “ Alesia brings the same thing to the Governing Board that she brings to Leland … she never forgets who the work is for .” — KIA BANKS, CPAA PRESIDENT
The game, changed Ga m e cha n ge rs d on ' t a lw a ys m a k e head l i n e s . S om e t i m e s t he y “ just ” m a k e sur e e v e ry chi l d i s g r ee t ed b y n a m e, m i ss ed w he n t he y ’ r e g on e, a n d w e l c om ed bac k w he n t he y r e turn . Whe t he r i t ' s he r qu ic k sm i l e, he r c oll ab or a t i v e sp i r i t , he r e m b o di m e nt o f un i on g o a ls ( w ha t ' s be tt e r f or a ll , not just f or he r ), or he r i ns i st e n ce on t hi nk i n g ab out t he stu de nt e xp e r ie n ce, P r i n ci p a l F r a nkl i n -A ll e n i s d o i n g big t hi n g s . O n ga l a n igh t , w e' ll ce l eb r a t e he r a lon g s ide 17 ot he r CPS l eade rs ( s ee p age 11). P r i n ci p a l F r a nkl i n - A ll e n ce l eb r a t e s he r stu de nts e v e ry s i n g l e da y … w a lk i n g t he ha lls , g r ee t i n g chi l d r e n a t t he d oor , h ol di n g sp ace f or fa m i l ie s , por i n g ov e r t he da t a, m a k i n g t he c onn ec t i ons t ha t turn a b u i l di n g i nto a c ommun i ty . That's her celebration. That's her leadership. And that's a big deal. ■
16 • CPAA Magazine | October 2026 • One Union | One Voice | One Direction
PRIORITIES | CANDIDATE CONVOS Be in the room. B ef or e t he n e xt B o a r d o f E d u c a t i on t a ke s o ffice , CPAA i s c r e a t i n g opportun i t ie s f or c a n did a t e s to he a r di r ec t l y f rom t he p e op le le a di n g our s ch oo l s . W e f orm ed a P o li t ic a l A c t i on C omm i tt ee , s e nt c a n did a t e s a qu e st i onn a i r e b u il t a roun d m e m be r qu e st i ons , a n d h ost ed di str ic t Ca n did a t e C onvos f rom O c to be r 6–20. T he f o c us : b a r g a i n i n g , r e sour ce s , g ov e rn a n ce , a n d m e a n i n gf u l s ch oo l le a de r i nput . T h a t wor k gi v e s m e m be rs a w a y to c omp a r e a nsw e rs a n d c a rry cle a r e xp ec t a t i ons i nto t he n e xt b o a r d ' s t e rm . M i ss ed your di str ic t ' s C onvo ? Wa t ch t he r ec or di n g s a t my c p aa. c om ( ch oos e “M e m be rs O n l y ”), c omp a r e t he c a n did a t e s ' qu e st i onn a i r e r e spons e s , a n d t a lk i t t h rou gh w i t h a not he r pr i n ci p a l or AP bef or e you vot e on N ov e m be r 3. A c a n did a t e v i s i t i n g your s ch oo l ? A s k w he t he r t he y c omp le t ed CPAA' s qu e st i onn a i r e ... a n d w h a t t he y ' ll d o f or s ch oo l le a de rs on ce t he y ' r e on t he B o a r d .
ELECTION DAY · NOV. 3 Your school board is on the ballot 20 di str ic t s e a ts p l us a ci tyw ide B o a r d pr e s ide nt . N e w t e rms begi n Ja nu a ry 15, 2027.
Watch the Convos: members only →
ADVOCACY IN ACTION Stand with Your Union at the Chicago Board of Ed One Union | One Voice | One Direction W he n CPAA s h ows up a t t he C hic a g o B o a r d o f E d u c a t i on , w e s e n d a pow e r f u l m e ss a ge : P r e s ide nt Ba n k s h a s t he str e n g t h o f our m e m be rs hi p behi n d he r . S t a n d w i t h your c o lle a g u e s , s h ow t he B o a r d t h a t s ch oo l le a de rs a r e un i t ed , a n d hel p m a ke our c o llec t i v e vo ice he a r d . Ca n ’ t j o i n us i n p e rson ? S t a y i n f orm ed b y w a t chi n g P r e s ide nt Ba n k s ’ p a st B o a r d a dd r e ss e s on CPAA’ s Y ou T u be ch a nn el .
VIDEO LINK TO COME
CPAA at the Board of Education Wa t ch p a st a dd r e ss e s on our Y ou T u be ch a nn el .
One Union | One Voice | One Direction • 17
Gerald Morrow Union Steward
That post deserves a bigger conversation SHARE PICTURES. SHARE THOUGHTS.
A g oo d s ch oo l post c a n hel p p e op le s ee le a de rs hi p i n a c t i on : a t h ou gh t f u l deci s i on , a n e w a ppro a ch , a t e a m m a ki n g som e t hi n g wor k .
W he n you s h a r e a mom e nt f rom your s ch oo l , gi v e us a li tt le c ont e xt . W h a t w e r e you try i n g to a cc omp li s h ? W h o hel p ed ? W h a t ch a n ged ? W h a t c ou ld a not he r s ch oo l le a de r le a rn f rom i t ?
Ta g CPAA, f o ll ow our p a ge s , a n d s e n d us posts wort h b r i n gi n g i nto a w ide r c onv e rs a t i on .
L e t ' s m a ke mor e o f t he wor k v i s ible ... a n d gi v e on e a not he r som e t hi n g us ef u l to t a ke b a ck to our s ch oo l s .
CONTRIBUTE T o h a v e your a rt icle or post fe a tur ed i n our n e xt i ssu e , s e n d i t to n e ws @ my c p aa . c om .
FOLLOW @C hic a g o P r i n ci p a l s a n d A d m i n i str a tors I nst a g r a m : @C hi pr i n ci p a l s X: @C hi pr i n ci p a l s
SUBMIT S e n d us a post wort h a w ide r c onv e rs a t i on , w i t h a li tt le c ont e xt .
Send a post →
★ GAME CHANGER SPOTLIGHT Ana Rodriguez · Lowell ES 36 y ea rs w i t h CPS … a n d s he st i ll c om e s i n on w ee k e n d s to dec or a t e t he s ch ool . He r r echa r ge ? “ O n e m i nut e i nto ZUMBA c l a ss a n d I a lr ead y fee l r echa r ged .”
Meet all 18 page 11 →
One Union | One Voice | One Direction • 19
Before you vote Watch your district’s Candidate Convo and compare the candidates’ questionnaire responses. R ec or di n g s a r e a t my c p aa. c om ( ch oos e “M e m be rs O n l y ”). S ee p a ge 17 f or mor e .
YOUR UNION | AT A GLANCE The Big4 SAME VALUES . BIGGER IMPACT . Four priorities. A stronger profession. Brighter futures. T he B ig 4 gi v e us a cle a r w a y to s ee w h a t CPAA st a n d s f or , w h a t w e a r e wor ki n g to a chie v e , a n d h ow you c a n be p a rt o f i t . O ur v a l u e s g u ide t he wor k . T he s e f our pr i or i t ie s turn t h os e v a l u e s i nto a c t i on .
4 VAL UE S WHO WE ARE AND HOW WE WORK C ur i os i ty C o ll a b or a t i on I n cl us i on I nt eg r i ty O ur v a l u e s g u ide our deci s i ons , s h a p e our r el a t i ons hi ps , a n d kee p our f o c us on w h a t m a tt e rs most : our m e m be rs , our s ch oo l s , a n d t he c ommun i t ie s w e s e rv e . 4 ACHIEVEMENTS WHAT WE’VE DONE TOGETHER C omp e ns a t i on D u e P ro ce ss & P rot ec t i ons G r ie v a n ce s & A cc ount a bili ty Sa fe ty & W or ki n g C on di t i ons T h rou gh c o llec t i v e a c t i on , w e ’ v e s ec ur ed w i ns t h a t str e n g t he n our s ch oo l s a n d our pro fe ss i on , i n cl u di n g pro g r e ss on c omp e ns a t i on , d u e pro ce ss , g r ie v a n ce s , a n d s a fe ty a n d wor ki n g c on di t i ons .
4 PRIORITIES WHAT WE FOCUS ON Ba r g a i n i n g E d u c a t i on A d vo c a c y S ust a i n a bili ty O ur wor k i s or g a n i z ed a roun d f our pr i or i t ie s . T he s e r eflec t t he bigge st opportun i t ie s to str e n g t he n t he pro fe ss i on a n d i mprov e t he c on di t i ons f or s ch oo l le a de rs a n d t hei r stu de nts . 4 ACT I ONS HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE F o ll ow A tt e n d S h a r e R ec ru i t W he n m e m be rs st a y i n f orm ed , s h ow up , s h a r e t hei r stor ie s , a n d e n c our a ge c o lle a g u e s to j o i n , our c o llec t i v e vo ice g rows stron ge r . T he r e a r e m a ny w a ys to ge t i nvo l v ed , a n d e v e ry a c t i on mov e s our wor k f orw a r d .
WHY IT MATTERS S tron g v a l u e s c r e a t e a stron ge r un i on a n d a stron ge r pro fe ss i on . T he y hel p us st a y un ified , m a ke pr i n ci p led deci s i ons , a n d le a d w i t h purpos e .
WHY IT MATTERS B y f o c us i n g our e n e r g y , w e m a x i m i z e our i mp a c t a n d m a ke st e a d y pro g r e ss on t he i ssu e s t h a t m a tt e r most to our m e m be rs .
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WHY IT MATTERS E v e ry w i n , big or sm a ll , b u ild s a stron ge r f oun d a t i on f or w h a t c om e s n e xt . O ur pro g r e ss s h ows w h a t ’ s poss ible w he n w e st a n d to ge t he r .
WHY IT MATTERS A stron ge r un i on de p e n d s on a n a c t i v e , e n g a ged m e m be rs hi p . Y our vo ice , your e xp e r ie n ce , a n d your p a rt ici p a t i on hel p d r i v e r e a l ch a n ge .
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22 • CPAA Magazine | October 2026 • One Union | One Voice | One Direction
YOUR UNION | IN EVERYDAY LANGUAGE The Big 4, in plain language
Our values: How we work C ur i os i ty A s k t he n e xt qu e st i on . S t a y op e n to a be tt e r a ppro a ch . C o ll a b or a t i on B r i n g p e op le i nto t he wor k a n d b u ild so l ut i ons to ge t he r . I n cl us i on Ma ke room f or diffe r e nt ro le s , e xp e r ie n ce s , a n d p e rsp ec t i v e s . I nt eg r i ty F o ll ow t h rou gh . B e a cc ount a ble f or w h a t w e s a y a n d d o . Our progress: Why it matters C h a n ge d o e sn ’ t a l w a ys c om e f a st . B ut e v e ry w i n , big or sm a ll , a dd s up . B ec a us e o f t h os e w i ns , s ch oo l le a de rs a r e a l r e a d y mor e prot ec t ed a n d be tt e r a ble to m ee t t he n eed s o f our s ch oo l c ommun i t ie s . A n d e v e ry m e m be r hel ps de t e rm i n e w h a t c om e s n e xt .
Our priorities: Where we focus Ba r g a i n i n g S tr e n g t he n t he a g r ee m e nts a n d prot ec t i ons s ch oo l le a de rs n eed . E d u c a t i on C onn ec t m e m be rs w i t h too l s , le a rn i n g , a n d pro fe ss i on a l support . A d vo c a c y B r i n g s ch oo l le a de r r e a li t ie s i nto di str ic t a n d pu blic po lic y deci s i ons . S ust a i n a bili ty S upport le a de rs ' w ell - bei n g , l on ge v i ty , a n d t he f utur e o f t he pro fe ss i on . Our asks: Your next move F o ll ow H el p a mp lif y CPAA' s m e ss a ge . A tt e n d J o i n a m ee t i n g , tr a i n i n g , or g a t he r i n g . S h a r e a w i n T ell us w h a t i s h a pp e n i n g i n your s ch oo l . R ec ru i t E n c our a ge a c o lle a g u e to bec om e a d u e s - p a y i n g m e m be r .
S ee p a ge s 24–25 f or t he sp ecific w i ns .
Did you know? You can ask for union representation in any meeting that could lead to discipline. J ust s a y , “I f t hi s c ou ld le a d to di s ci p li n e , I r e qu e st un i on r e pr e s e nt a t i on .” T he n c a ll t he L eg a l H ot li n e : 312-263-7773.
★ GAME CHANGER SPOTLIGHT Suzanne Mazenis-Luzzi · Jungman STEM Magnet Jungman ’ s Rocket Day is “ literally a blast ”… chemical reactions flying , kids cheering , and everyone smelling a bit like salad from the baking soda and vinegar .
Meet all 18 page 11 →
One Union | One Voice | One Direction • 23
ACHIEVEMENTS | KEY WINS
OUTCOMES SECURED TO DATE · 1 OF 2
What one union has already won. E v e ry i t e m bel ow i s a n out c om e CPAA h a s a l r e a d y s ec ur ed f or C hic a g o ' s s ch oo l le a de rs t h rou gh t he i nt e r i m MOU a n d on g o i n g a d vo c a c y . T he li st w ill kee p g row i n g a s CPAA b a r g a i ns tow a r d a c ompr ehe ns i v e , fi rst - e v e r c o llec t i v e b a r g a i n i n g a g r ee m e nt . 8% in COLA raises 5 professional learning days 3 days of injury leave
T wo 4% i n c r ea s e s : SY24–25 a n d SY25–26
Pe r s ch oo l y ea r , m i n i mum
Af t e r a s ch oo l- r ela t ed a ss a u l t or ba tt e ry
THE JOB ITSELF Compensation
THE JOB ITSELF Professional development
4% COLA i n c r e a s e f or SY24–25 4% COLA i n c r e a s e f or SY25–26
A t le a st fi v e d a ys p e r s ch oo l y e a r to a tt e n d pro fe ss i on a l le a rn i n g t h a t m a tt e rs to you A bi n di n g CPAA ro le i n s h a p i n g pro fe ss i on a l de v el opm e nt , r e qu i r i n g mutu a l a g r ee m e nt be tw ee n t he CEO a n d t he CPAA P r e s ide nt S ec ur ed t i m e d ur i n g t he CPS S umm e r L e a de rs hi p I nst i tut e f or pro fe ss i on a l de v el opm e nt a n d wor k s h ops
A ddi t ion a l com p en s a t ion a nd benefi ts r em a in on t he t a ble in t he f u ll con tr a c t .
GOVERNANCE Due process & protections
D i s ci p li n e f or pr i n ci p a l s a n d a ss i st a nt pr i n ci p a l s must now m ee t a “ j ust c a us e ” st a n d a r d R igh t to un i on r e pr e s e nt a t i on w he n you a r e t he su bjec t o f a n i nv e st ig a t i on C le a r not ice o f a lleg a t i ons i s r e qu i r ed , e v e n i n i n f orm a l i nqu i r ie s * I nv e st ig a t i ons must be cl os ed … no mor e s i tt i n g op e n i n defi n i t el y * C le a r st e ps f or pr e - di s ci p li n a ry m ee t i n g s a n d out c om e s R igh t to a pp e a l s e r i ous di s ci p li n a ry deci s i ons
GOVERNANCE Grievances & accountability
A f orm a l g r ie v a n ce pro ce ss f or ce rt a i n di s ci p li n e a n d v i o l a t i ons o f t he MOU A bili ty to g r ie v e unr e so l v ed i ssu e s r el a t ed to di s c r i m i n a t i on , h a r a ssm e nt , or r e t a li a t i on T he di str ic t i s now held to defi n ed t i m eli n e s f or r e spons e a n d r e so l ut i on
*D oe s no t y e t a pp l y in OIG in v e st ig a t ion s .
ON THE GROUND Safety & working conditions
A di str ic t - w ide i n cide nt r e spons e proto c o l i s now i n p l a ce A dded prot ec t i ons f or s ch oo l le a de rs f a ci n g s a fe ty t h r e a ts U p to t h r ee d a ys o f i n j ury le a v e a f t e r a s ch oo l - r el a t ed a ss a u l t or b a tt e ry S ch oo l le a de rs c a n r e qu e st a s a fe ty p l a n
24 • CPAA Magazine | October 2026 • One Union | One Voice | One Direction
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