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IPA Leadership
Welcome to the 2026-2027 IPA Election. Per the IPA Constitution, eligible IPA Members may run for a state office or national representative upon nomination by an IPA State Director at the first regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting of the calendar year. The open offices for 2026-2027 are IPA President-Elect (9-12), IPA Secretary and IPA Treasurer.
The election voting window will be Wednesday, March 18 (8 a.m.) to Wednesday, March 25 (5 p.m.). Voting will not be allowed before or after these times. On March 18, eligible IPA voting members will receive an email with instructions about how to access the online ballot for the open positions. Please direct questions to Meghan Tolson, IPA Board and Region Service Specialist, at meghan@ilprincipals.org.
Voting irregularities may be reported to IPA Election Committee members:
Sonia Ruiz, IPA Diversity and Equity Chair (Three Rivers Region)
Tim Chipman, Principal, Eisenhower Elementary School (Two Rivers Region)
Candidates (Click on picture or name to read candidate bio.)
Nominee for President-Elect
Dr. Arturo Senteno
Present Position:
Principal at West Leyden High School
Professional Training:
United States Army
- Basic Training 1998
- Advance Individual Training 1999
- Officer Candidate School 2000
- Basic Officer Course 2001
Monmouth College, BA 2001
Aurora University, MAT
Northern Illinois University, Ed.S 2020, Ed.D. 2023
Administrative Certification:
- MAT 2009
- EdS 2020
- EdD 2023
Teaching and Administrative Experience:
- 9 years Biology teacher at Rolling Meadows High School
- 6 years Dean of Students at Rolling Meadows High School
- 3 Years Associate Principal of Student Services at Rolling Meadows High School
- 3 years Associate Principal of Instruction at Elk Grove High School )
Professional Organization Experience:
- 2010-2016 Illinois State Dean Association
- 2020 member of the American Legion
- 2020- 2026 SEPLB representative
- 2025 Region Director West Cook
What do you see as the major issues the Illinois Principals Association should be addressing, and how do you foresee your role as an IPA Officer in providing leadership to address these issues?
I view IPA as a critical asset in supporting principals’ success as school leaders. As a new administrator, one of the most valuable supports IPA provided was guidance and mentorship in the role, which directly contributed to my growth and confidence. This type of mentorship is closely connected to administrator retention and represents an important area for IPA’s continued focus. Job satisfaction is a key factor in retaining strong school leaders, and I plan to examine IPA events and communication as measures of that satisfaction. Establishing administrator buddies and designing experiences centered on the pillars of job satisfaction can further strengthen this work. Research shows that autonomy, competence, and a sense of belonging are essential to motivation, and IPA is well-positioned to cultivate all three.
Nominee for IPA Treasurer
Shaun Grant
Present Position:
Principal at South Elementary School
Professional Training and Administrative Certification:
Superintendent Certificate (2025) University of Illinois Springfield-Endorsement: Administrative Superintendent
Master of Arts in Educational Administration (2007) Bradley University-Certificate type: Administrative
Bachelor of Arts in Education-Visual Arts Concentration (1999) Eastern Illinois University-Certificate Types: Standard Secondary and Elementary Teaching
Teaching and Administrative Experience:
Professional Organization Experience
Illinois Principals Association, Central Illinois Valley Board Member since 2007- Board Member at Large, CIV Treasurer, Region Director and State Director
What do you see as the major issues the Illinois Principals Association should be addressing, and how do you foresee your role as an IPA Officer in providing leadership to address these issues?
An issue I have actively worked to address in my role as IPA Treasurer over the past several years is the transparency of our fiscal position. I believe the strategic planning goals established by both the board and the organization are strong and well-defined. These goals are supported by a sound financial framework that reinforces the foundation of the IPA, promotes fiscal responsibility, and enables sustainable growth. Through continued adaptation and careful planning, this approach positions the organization to achieve long-term financial stability and a possibility for a strong future.
Nominee for IPA Secretary
Dr. Courtney DeMent
Present Position:
Principal, Downers Grove North High School
Professional Training:
Doctorate--Educational Leadership--Aurora University, Aurora IL
Administrative Certification:
Doctorate
Teaching and Administrative Experience:
2021-current--Principal, Downers Grove North High School
Professional Organization Experience:
2023-current--IPA Board Secretary
NASSP--Member since 2021
What do you see as the major issues the Illinois Principals Association should be addressing, and how do you foresee your role as an IPA Officer in proving leadership to address these issues?
A critical issue facing principals is high turnover, particularly within the first five years, which directly impedes sustainable school growth. As an IPA Officer, my role is always to actively address this through supportive leadership. I will leverage the IPA's strong mentorship network to provide thoughtful perspectives, practical assistance, and a listening ear, serving as a trusted advocate for principals statewide. My ultimate goal is to foster a stable and supportive environment that empowers school leaders, ensuring our students achieve consistent success and growth.