A Matter of Principal

Jessica Hurt reflects on her inaugural year at York High School’s helm

By Maureen Callahan | Photo by Laura Meyer

Elmhurst has a tradition of outstanding educational options. Jessica Hurt, Principal of York High School, sets a positive, encouraging tone at one of Illinois’ top high schools. Education has always been the mainstay of who she is and where she wants to be.

And it shows.

Leading the only high school in the district makes her job unique. Hurt knows “all roads lead to York.”

Elmhurst Magazine: How long have you been principal?

Jessica Hurt: I started July 1, 2023, so I just passed my first anniversary.

EM: What is your educational background?

JH: I graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in social science education. After that, I earned a Master of Educational Leadership from Aurora University, followed by my doctorate from Northern Illinois University in Educational Leadership & Policy.

EM: What made you pursue education?

JH: Education is part of the fabric of my family. And not just traditional classroom education. My grandfather fought in World War II, and he really grappled with what the war meant. He was also a voracious reader and shared a lot of that insight with my dad. The significance of where and when things happened was of great importance to my family. As a result, my family vacations growing up were spent at historical sites and National Parks. My friends never understood how much I loved the spring break road trips we took to places like The Grand Canyon while their families went to the beach!

EM: What was your path to York?

JH: Like most principals, I began as a classroom teacher. I taught social studies at Oswego High School and then moved to Oswego East when it opened. After that, I transferred to Hinsdale Central, where I taught social studies again. I had freshmen and seniors. Eventually, I chaired the department. After 16 years there, I became an Assistant Principal of Operations for a year and then moved to Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction for another six years. So, getting here was a journey!

EM: Do you miss the classroom?

JH: I do. When someone I don’t know asks me what I do for a living, I always say I am a teacher, because students are at the heart of my day-to-day. Most of us who work in education are here because of the students. In my last position, I learned how much I love to talk about curriculum and instruction. But I also came to realize how much I missed my classroom. My current position allows a lot of interaction with students, so I love that.

EM: What do you like best about your job?

JH: A principal’s job is a potpourri of many things that often take place simultaneously. Every day has its own “To-Do” list. Realistically, that list is likely to change the minute I walk through my office door. Believe it or not, there’s a randomness to this position because of the number of areas in which I am involved. But that’s something I love about it. I also love that, despite my administrative role, I have the opportunity to interact with students and build relationships with them. I talk to them at athletic and social events. I’m visible in the halls and the cafeteria during the lunch periods. York students are phenomenal. They’re a great mix who bring all sorts of gifts to our school, so I love getting to know them!

EM: How do you manage such a large staff?

JH: There are about 400 staff members, including four assistant principals and many division chairs. As a social scientist at heart, I really strive to understand the human condition. I’m interested in hearing my colleagues’ point of view. So, my job requires a lot of listening. That can sound trite, but in the end, everyone wants to be heard. Part of my job is to help my staff be their best selves, so this past year, I spent a lot of time creating a new system of communication and feedback. Twice a year, we have administrative surveys to ensure that everyone is accurately heard.

EM: What are your greatest challenges?

JH: I’m still new to York, so that’s a challenge in itself. Acclimating to a new system always has hurdles on both micro and macro levels. To be a principal is to be the person accountable for all things, even those out of my control. As a staff, we work very hard to meet the expectations of our students and families.

Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned. Nobody wants to deliver bad news or receive negative feedback, but the buck has to stop somewhere, and that’s ultimately with me.

EM: What is a principal’s most valuable characteristic?

JH: Flexibility! I would love to have every day go according to plan. But we all know that’s rarely how things work. It used to take a toll on me personally, as I am a very organized person. But when you’re dealing with almost 3,000 people every day, even the best-laid plans have the potential to derail. However, I find that if I approach the day with professionalism- and my students at the heart of every decision- there is no hurdle that can’t be overcome.

EM: Can you tell us about something you implemented?

JH: One thing we recently put into place is called a re-entry meeting. If a student makes a poor choice that results in a suspension, they must attend a re-entry meeting accompanied by a family member, a counselor, an assistant principal, and myself.

We hold the student accountable for their behavior and review expectations. We also help the offender outline a path of improvement. Those meetings can be vulnerable moments for all involved, but the opportunity to see these students accept responsibility while getting back on track is very rewarding.
EM: What is the best thing about York?

JH: District 205 has only one high school, which makes everyone in town a Duke. We have Educational Pathway days, during which I go to the grade schools and let the students ask me questions about York. I tell them, ‘I’m Principal Hurt.’ Usually, they look at me suspiciously. Then I say, ‘I brought a special friend with me,’ and our mascot comes out. The proverbial crowd goes wild! I get goosebumps from the energy. My cheeks hurt at the end of those days from smiling so much. Regardless of where they live in town, the kids know they will end up at York. We’re a one high school district, which makes us unique in this area. School events, such as our spring musicals or athletic championships, are more like community events that rally the town together. It’s a great feeling.