At a special meeting held on Friday, Dec. 17, the Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School School District 233 Board of Education appointed a new principal for the school: Clinton Alexander. Currently the principal at Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills, Alexander will begin at Homewood-Flossmoor as principal on July 1, 2022. With the assistance of BWP & Associates, the board conducted a thorough search this year with input from community surveys, focus groups and interviews.
“We are very excited to have Mr. Alexander join the Homewood-Flossmoor team,” says Gerald Pauling, District 233 Board of Education president. “I have congratulated him on his selection, and would like to extend thanks to everyone whose efforts and input contributed to our hiring and search process.”
Alexander’s career in education began as an English teacher at Bloom Township High School. He then went on to teach at Proviso East High School, where he was awarded a Those Who Excel Award by the Illinois State Board of Education for his contributions to data-driven instruction. He also served as the activities coordinator at Proviso. After Proviso, Alexander served as the associate principal of Curriculum and Instruction at Rich East High School, then as the associate principal of Operations at Rich South High School. He was named the principal at Hillcrest High School in July 2020. He earned his B.A. in Communications at Eastern Illinois University, where he was a two-sport athlete (football and track) with a full scholarship for football, then went on to add another bachelor’s degree in English from Governors State University. He holds a master’s degree in Education and principal licensure from Concordia University, and is currently pursuing his doctorate degree in Educational Leadership at National Louis University. A second-generation educator from the South Suburbs, his focus is on advocating for student achievement and ensuring that all students have equitable learning experiences. He recently presented on the topic of cultural transformation at the Illinois Principals Association’s Annual Conference.
“Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School has a tradition of excellence that resonates with my style and my vision of education,” says Alexander. “I’ve always admired Homewood-Flossmoor from afar, and I am excited to officially become a Viking. Because of the strong sense of community, along with our talented students and teachers, we are in a unique position to meet any challenges ahead, and we will be prepared to make any necessary adjustments to ensure that we meet the needs of all learners.”
The new principal will work under the direction of a new superintendent for the district: Dr. Scott Wakeley, who is currently superintendent-elect. Dr. Wakeley will begin his official term as superintendent in July 2022, following the retirement of the current superintendent, Dr. Von Mansfield. Principal Alexander will become an integral part of the district’s administrative team, providing educational excellence for the H-F community. His contract will be presented for approval at the regularly scheduled January meeting of the District 233 Board of Education, set for Tuesday, Jan. 18.
“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,” says Dr. Wakeley. “As a parent of a 2011 H-F alumnus and current H-F community member, he understands and values the high expectations that we strive for at Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School.”