Congratulations to Kristin Allen for winning Jr. High School Principal of the Year and Carmen Woods for winning Assistant Principal of the Year for the Black Hawk Region of the Illinois Principals Association! Ms. Allen and Ms. Woods were honored at a breakfast event on Monday, February 24 by the Illinois Principals Association.

Ms.Allen has been the principal at Washington Jr. High School since 2015. Her nomination stated, “In the past four years, Kristin has led the deployment of a more rigorous ELA curriculum. With her leadership example, the WJHS staff has taken on the challenge to lead both junior highs in professional learning community discussions. State test scores show an increase in ELA from 9% in 2016 to 25% in 2019. Kristin exemplifies what it is to be an instructional leader. She takes risks, collaborates with staff and colleagues, has a solution-focused leadership style, and never pushes problems or concerns under the rug. She is an advocate for all students.”

Ms. Woods is the Assistant Principal at Rock Island High School. Her nomination stated, “Carmen joined the Rock Island High School Team three school years ago. She came into the role with energy, knowledge, and a collaborative spirit. In her short time with the high school, she has assisted in reorganizing systems to help the high school function more efficiently. She has sought out knowledge, asked questions, researched, and collaborated with others to ensure effective programs, schedules, and curricula are provided to our students. Carmen works closely with her fellow administrators to provide the high school staff with continued resources and professional development to meet the ever-changing educational needs. Some examples of what Carmen has assisted in bringing to the high school include a shift in scheduling, RtI/MTSS enhancements via the Flexisched system, more rigorous math curriculum, and additional course offerings based on student interest. Carmen has worked collaboratively with the counselors to align and reorganize systems to ensure students receive the services needed. “ Edison Jr. High School Principal Christi Varnes and Ridgewood Elementary School Principal Joey Diiulio were also nominated for the award.

Edison Jr. High School Principal Christi Varnes and Ridgewood Elementary School Principal Joey Diiulio were also nominated for the award.

Carmen Woods with Jason Leahy, IL Principals Associaton Executive Director.

Kristin Allen with Jason Leahy, IL Principals Associaton Executive Director.