LETTER FROM THE CHIEF OF STAFF
Transitions
KIA BANKS
As our union looks ahead now that Troy LaRaviere is stepping down from his role as President of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, and taking on a new role, I am filled with deep respect for the work he has done. I’m also spurred by a bit of healthy anticipation for what’s next—for him, for me, and for our union. Troy’s nine years as president were nothing short of transformative. His unwavering commitment, tireless advocacy, and visionary leadership have shaped CPAA into the powerhouse it is today. Under Troy’s guidance, we’ve seen extraordinary growth. He doubled our membership, authored landmark legislation, secured bargaining rights, and built a robust support system for every principal and assistant principal across this city. He expanded our legal services, strengthened our education arm, and reimagined our office space into a vibrant hub
would not have achieved bargaining rights, compensation increases, or workload adjustments without his determination and relentless pursuit of fairness. Troy didn’t just carry us through challenges; he created pathways that ensured we wouldn’t face them alone. But what stands out most about Troy’s tenure is the heart he brought to his work. His leadership was never about personal glory. It was about empowering us—about creating an environment where we could rise together. The groundwork he laid has set us on a trajectory we could only dream of, and it’s a path I intend to follow—honoring everything he has built while striving to add my own unique touch. The moment I was introduced to Troy, I knew things were going to change. As a principal fighting for what I felt like should be easy resources, it was Troy who challenged me to push harder in order to help him create the environment we all wanted. Watching him fight for policies and processes that WOULD NEVER benefit him was sobering... the work he did was always for us. We take it for granted now, but that’s huge. He was fighting a system of disinvestment as we
for collaboration and healing. He championed individuals, advocated for necessary changes, and was a tireless voice for what was right. His strong, unapologetic insistence on doing what was just for ALL principals and assistant principals in CPS made him a formidable force—a formidable and lovely thorn in the side of the district. We absolutely
Troy didn’t just carry us through challenges; he created pathways that ensured we wouldn’t face them alone.
10 • CPAA QUARTERLY MAG | Q3 AND Q4 2025
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