EDISON PARK — Named two of the best leaders in the Chicago Public Schools, Ebinger Elementary School Principal Serena Peterson-Klosa and Smyser Elementary School Principal Jerry Travlos will get a break from red tape to focus on innovative programs.
Peterson-Klosa, who has led Ebinger in Edison Park since 2011, and Travlos, who has led Smyser in Portage Park since 2003, are two of 27 principals selected for CPS' Independent Schools Principal program, which is designed to allow the top-performing principals to operate with more autonomy.
Peterson-Klosa said she was "excited for the opportunity" to focus on Ebinger, 7530 W. Pratt Ave., which is a top-rated school despite being severely overcrowded, based on district data.
"We are going to continue to do our own thing, which we have been doing to great effect," Peterson-Klosa said.
Travlos said his selection would allow him to develop innovative programs for Smyser, 4310 N. Melvina Ave., which is also overcrowded, based on district data.
"I'm really going to tailor the programs to Smyser," Travlos said.
Students and teachers planted a garden outside Smyser Elementary School in Portage Park under Principal Jerry Travlos' leadership. [Smyser Elementary School]
Both schools are rated by district officials as Level One Plus, the highest a school can achieve. The district says schools rated Level One-Plus are "nationally competitive schools" that can help struggling institutions implement "best practices."
Peterson-Klosa and Travlos will join Edgebrook Elementary School Principal Chad Weiden as the only Far Northwest Side principals participating in the program, which is entering its second year.
Principals picked for the program "will be exempt from network oversight and evaluation by network chiefs, and granted greater flexibility with regard to professional learning content, budgeting and purchasing for their schools," according to a statement from CPS officials.
"A great principal exists behind every great school, and as a district we must do everything in our power to cultivate transformative leaders that will drive student achievement," said CPS Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson.
Peterson-Klosa gives much of the credit for Ebinger's success to the school's "tremendous staff, supportive parents and brilliant students."
Travlos said he was looking forward to working with the other principals in the program, and using their expertise.
Officials have warned principals to expect budget cuts of about 26 percent as city leaders continue to push state lawmakers to change the way schools are funded and close CPS' $1 billion budget deficit.
"This is definitely a tough time," Travlos said. "I hope I'll be able to use this honor to help excite my teachers about their work."
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