CICS Irving Park Principal Named Golden Apple Finalist — A Neighborhood Reason to Celebrate

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Irving Park · March 8, 2026

Irving Park has a fresh reason to beam with neighborhood pride this week. JW Kuebler, a school leader at CICS Irving Park, has been named one of just seven finalists in the entire city for the prestigious 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership — one of Chicago's most celebrated honors in education.

The Golden Apple Foundation presents the award to an exceptional school leader who has made a lasting, positive impact on their school community while driving significant student growth and fostering a culture of inclusivity. Out of all Chicago Public Schools principals, Kuebler is among the elite handful still in the running — a remarkable achievement that reflects the strength of the educators shaping young minds right here in Irving Park. The winner will be announced later this spring of 2026.

The recognition arrives at a moment of broader momentum for the neighborhood. A new four-story residential development at 3446 W. Irving Park Road — designed by SPC Design Group and planned by City & Suburban Homes LLC — is also set to break ground this month, bringing five new residential units to the corridor. Together, these milestones paint a picture of a neighborhood investing in both its people and its future. Congratulations to JW Kuebler and the entire CICS Irving Park community — and stay tuned for the Golden Apple announcement this spring!

Sources:
1. https://www.cps.edu/media/community-updates/2026/march/community-letter-03-06-26/
2. https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/residential-development-proposed-3446-w-irving-park