School principals set the tone for learning, lead with vision and compassion, and create environments where students and teachers can grow. Principals balance numerous responsibilities—inspiring students, supporting staff, and ensuring every student has access to a high quality education.
It’s Principals Week and the Coal City Community Unit School District #1 takes this time to honor and celebrate these dedicated individuals who go above and beyond every day—Amanda Davidson, early childhood center; Taryn Trotter, elementary school; Tracy Carlson, intermediate school; Cam Stone, middle school, and Art Stafford, high school.
“Our school district is lucky to have a team of leaders that puts the needs of our students and staff first. They work to create safe, supportive and inspiring environments where learning can flourish, and we are grateful for their service to our school community,” Superintendent Chris Spencer said.
Principals Week was first approved by the Illinois Governor’s Office in 1990 and has since been celebrated annually to acknowledge the leadership of building administrators. This year’s observance—Oct. 20-24—includes Principals Appreciation Day on Friday, Oct. 24 and is celebrated during National Principals Month.
“These courageous individuals lead their learning organizations with optimism, humility, vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to do what is best for their students. Both research and common sense tell us how critical these servants are to positively influence young people, teachers, and communities. For this they deserve our respect and gratitude,” said Dr. Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association.
Stafford is in his third year as high school principal. He was previously an administrator in Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 where he was assigned as assistant principal of students services at Plainfield North High School.
Stone is in his second year as principal of Coal City Middle School. He returned to his home district after serving as a teacher, coach and building administrator in the Pontiac and Iroquois West school districts.
Carlson, is one of three Coaler alumni serving as a building level administrator. She has served as intermediate school principal since 2011.
Trotter, also an alumnus of the Coal City School District, was hired in 2018 to serve as assistant principal at the middle school and in 2021 she was named principal of the elementary school.
Davidson has been part of the district for 17 years and is in her eighth year as principal at the early childhood center.
“During this time of celebration, I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of our principals. Their leadership, dedication, and heart make an incredible difference and they provide a foundation of our schools’ success,” Spencer said.