I became principal at Lane Tech College Prep in 2012. Weeks after becoming principal, the teachers’ union declared a strike and the State of Illinois began implementing PERA via Danielson as a newly mandated evaluation tool and criteria. Despite these challenges, after the strike was settled (it was the first strike in 25 years) we were able to welcome back staff and collaborate with external stakeholders to partner with teachers for opening up new curricular programs and learning spaces.

Just one year later, in July 2013, the district, and consequently the school, were faced with severe budget cuts. I was informed in mid/late July that I lost fifteen percent of my student-based budgeting ($2.2 million), resulting in 37 teaching and paraprofessional positions being cut (over three-dozen layoffs). As principal, I was in a unique position. My school’s budget amounted to $23 million, which is exceptionally large compared to most public schools. I was responsible for budgeting all of the school’s resources, which is virtually unheard of in any public school district. Despite the deep, draconian budget cuts we had to handle, we were able to work with our funds to ensure students were not impacted and recalled most of all the affected teaching staff. We were also able to still work with external stakeholders for continuing to create new innovative curricular offerings and innovative learning spaces.

Opening Day Presentation 2014

Opening Day Presentation 2013