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Brian Faulkner named 2026-2027 president of the Illinois Principals Association
New elected officers listed below
Brian Faulkner, principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove, Illinois, will serve as president of the Illinois Principals Association for the 2026–2027 school year.
Faulkner has selected IPA’s theme for the year as “Unlocking Potential,” which will be celebrated at the Education Leaders Annual Conference in October 2026.
“Unlocking Potential is centered on the belief that leadership is not confined to a title—it exists within every member of a school community,” Faulkner said. “When we intentionally develop leadership capacity in educators, staff, and students, we create stronger collaboration, greater ownership, and learning experiences that support the success of every student.”
Dr. Jason Leahy, executive director for the Illinois Principals Association, said, “Brian Faulkner is an exceptional leader. His colleagues constantly seek him out for guidance and support. Brian has served at all levels of the Association, which provides him the perspective and experience needed to ensure our members continue to receive the services they need to do what is best for their students.”
Faulkner brings extensive middle-level education experience to the role. He began his career as a classroom teacher and later served as a dean of students in Valley View School District 365U. He then became an assistant principal in Huntley Community School District 158 before earning his first principalship in Itasca School District 10. Faulkner has served as principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School since 2015.
A committed educational leader, Brian has been actively involved with the Illinois Principals Association, previously serving in numerous leadership roles, including Region Membership Chair, Region Director, State Director, and President-Elect.
Brian Faulkner earned a Bachelor of Science with teacher certification from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a master’s in educational leadership from Benedictine University.
Outside of his professional life, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife, Katy, and their three daughters, Allison, Nora, and Avery.
The Illinois Principals Association is a professional organization serving more than 7,000 educational leaders throughout Illinois. IPA supports principals, assistant principals, deans, and other school leaders through advocacy, professional learning, networking, and resources that strengthen leadership and improve outcomes for students. Learn more at www.ilprincipals.org.
Illinois Principals Association names 2026-2027 Executive Board and New Board Members
The Illinois Principals Association, which serves over 7,000 educational leaders throughout the state of Illinois, announces the following school leaders to serve as the Executive Board for the IPA, effective July 1, 2026.
- President – Brian Faulkner, Kaneland Harter Middle School, Sugar Grove
- Immediate Past-President – Dr. Angie Codron, Normal West High School, Normal
- President-Elect – Dr. Arturo Senteno, Principal, West Leyden High School, Northlake
- Treasurer – Shaun Grant, South Elementary School, Chillicothe
- Secretary – Dr. Courtney DeMent, Downers Grove North High School, Downers Grove
Other incoming board members include:
- Codi Conway, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment for Washington School District 52, as IPA Representative to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB)
- Sarah Crowder, Principal of Parkside Jr. High School, as Membership Chair
- Ben Borries, Principal of North Clay Elementary & Jr. High School, as State Director for the Wabash Valley Region
- Natalie Page, Principal of Sesser-Valier High School, as State Director for the Egyptian Region
- Nick Lindsey, Principal of Arcola Jr-Sr High School, as State Director for the Illini Region
- Dr. Jeff Prickett, Principal of Meadowview School, as State Director for the Lake Region
For information about other board members and IPA regions, please visit www.ilprincipals.org/board and www.ilprincipals.org/regions.
The Illinois Principals Association mission is to develop, support, and advocate for innovative educational leaders. For more information about the IPA, please visit www.ilprincipals.org.
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