Huntley High School principal named IPA’s 2025 Principal of the Year

HUNTLEY — The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) and Horace Mann Companies announced that Huntley High School (HHS) Principal Marcus Belin has been named the 2025 Illinois High School Principal of the Year. The award recognizes high school principals who have demonstrated a positive impact on their students and the learning community.

According to the IPA, to meet the criteria for the award, principals must demonstrate a positive impact on education and advocacy for children; ensure the school climate is positive and reflects high staff and student morale; move actively to implement the goals and objects of the school; work collaboratively with teachers and other staff to improve the educational program and student achievement; and involve the community in the life of the school and use community resources for students.

Belin has served as principal of HHS for seven years and has spent 14 years as a school administrator. He has been actively involved in the IPA, having served in various leadership roles, and the National Association for Secondary School Principals (NASSP), where he currently serves as a board member and on various committees.

Belin has also participated in NASSP conferences and advocacy conferences in Washington D.C., and has presented at several administrator academies. He also serves as an adjunct professor at National Louis University in Chicago.

According to a recent press release, Belin ensures HHS students feel seen, valued, and heard by fostering a culture of emotional and physical well-being and prioritizing student feedback and advocacy. Through his Principal Student Leadership Council, he works closely with student leaders and creates opportunities for them to voice their concerns or suggestions, empowering them with the resources and support they need to thrive emotionally and academically.

To promote equity for both students and staff, Belin has focused on ensuring that everyone feels seen, valued, and heard through the Recognizing American Diversity (RAD) program. This initiative celebrates student backgrounds and encourages conventions around inclusion, fostering a sense of belonging for all. “We create spaces for students to express their identities, share their stories, and engage with their peers, helping to build an inclusive school culture,” Belin said in a press release statement.

“Dr. Belin strives to be a transformative leader, consistently advocating for students at both the state and national levels. His deep involvement in educational advocacy demonstrates his commitment to shaping policies that benefit students and educators alike,” stated Huntley Community School District 158 Superintendent Jessica Lombard. “His student-centered leadership is evident as he strives to provide students platforms to voice concerns and ideas. Through his vision, advocacy, and dedication, Dr. Belin has created a culture that not only celebrates students, but it also uplifts the entire school community.”

The High School Principals of the Year winner was selected from a pool of region nominees provided by the 21 regions of the IPA. Belin will be recognized at the IPA’s Education Leaders Annual Conference in October.