The deadline is fast approaching to complete critical principal evaluations! For a principal on a single year contract, the evaluation must occur by February 1. For a principal on a multi-year contract, the evaluation must occur by February 1 of the final year of the contract. Failure to complete the evaluation and provide a copy of it to the principal by February 1 shall automatically extend the principal’s contract for a period of one year, under the same terms and conditions as the prior year’s contract.

Pursuant to Section 24A-15 of the School Code, the evaluation must:

1. Be in writing, with one copy placed in the principal’s personnel file and one copy provided to the principal;
2. Be performed by the superintendent or designee, or an individual appointed by the school board who holds a registered Type 75 State administrative certificate;
3. Include a description of the principal’s duties and responsibilities and the standards to which the principal is expected to conform;
4. Consider the principal’s specific duties, responsibilities, management and competence as a principal;
5. Specify the principal’s strengths and weaknesses, with supporting reasons;
6. Align with the Illinois Professional Standards for School Leaders or research-based district standards.

These requirements are in addition to the right of a school board to reclassify a principal, pursuant to Section 10-23.8b of the School Code, and in addition to the right of a school board to laterally transfer principals to positions of similar rank and salary.