Clinton Alexander will be the next principal of Homewood-Flossmoor High School.
The District 233 school board voted unanimously in a special session Friday, Dec. 17, to approve Alexander’s hiring. He will be part of the new administrative team at H-F when superintendent-elect Scott Wakeley assumes the superintendent’s position. Both Alexander and Wakeley will start their new positions July 1.
Alexander comes to H-F from neighboring Hillcrest High School where he’s been principal since 2020.
After the board vote, Alexander told the Chronicle he applied for the H-F principal spot “because of the symbol of excellence that it’s always exuded.” He believes H-F “resonates with my style and my vision of education, so I connect with kindred spirits. I’ve always admired Homewood-Flossmoor from afar and now it’s finally time to solidify the relationship and make it official and become a Viking.”
Wakeley said: “From our initial meeting it was evident that Clinton was a leader who exhibits an excitement and passion for working with students, staff and parents. He recognizes the importance of developing and supporting teachers in order to foster the very best for every student.”
Alexander received a bachelor’s degree in English from Eastern Illinois University. He attended on a football scholarship. He received a second bachelor’s degree in English from Governors State University and a master’s degree in education and principal licensure from Concordia University. He is pursuing his doctorate degree in educational leadership at National Louis University.
He started his career at Bloom Township High School teaching English. He next was a teacher at Proviso East High School. During his time there, he received the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel Award for his contributions to data-driven instruction.
Alexander next was named associate principal for curriculum and instruction at Rich East High School, and then associate principal of operations at Rich South High School. He was selected principal at Hillcrest High in July 2020.
The Hazel Crest resident has a son who graduated from H-F in 2011.
The principal’s position opened up in June 2021 when Jerry Anderson resigned to take the principal’s job at Bloom Township High School. James Mitchem is currently serving as principal on a one-year contract.
Terms of Alexander’s contract are being negotiated and will be finalized at the District 233 school board meeting Jan. 18.
As schools across the country continue to deal with the consequences of the pandemic, there have been concerns raised about lagging student achievement and social/emotional well-being. Alexander said he recognizes there are challenges to the principal’s position.
“I feel that it’s work always to be done,” he said, but added that H-F is “in a unique situation because we have such a strong sense of community and we have a legacy that we’re standing on … I believe we’re in a good situation but we are prepared to make the necessary adjustments to stay on top.”