BERWYN, IL– Illinois State Senator Steve Landek (D–Bridgeview) earlier today took part in the Illinois Principal Association’s "Principal for a Day" program at Heritage Middle School in Berwyn.

Senator Landek spent the day under the supervision of Heritage Middle School Principal Leslie Hodes. Together, they toured the school, visited classrooms, spoke with parents and teachers, and met with students to talk about the importance of education and what life is like at the state capitol as a state senator.

"I want to thank Principal Hodes as well as the students and faculty at Heritage Middle School for allowing me to meet with them today," Senator Landek said. "Today’s visit reinforced the need in Illinois to support education. Today’s students are Illinois’ next entrepreneurs, teachers and legislators; we need to give them the tools they need for a successful future. I look forward to visiting again."

The Illinois Principals Association "Principal for a Day" program is a statewide initiative to provide State and Federal elected officials with an opportunity to observe, interact, and serve as an administrator in schools within their legislative district. This activity is designed to promote continued collaboration among legislators, administrators, staff, parents, and students in defining the direction of education.

"My teachers, students, parents and I enjoyed meeting Senator Landek. He is open, accessible, and sincere," Principal Hodes said. "He honestly answered tough questions posed by students, teachers and parents. Senator Landek is genuinely concerned about the issues we are all facing in education."

The Illinois Principals Association is a leadership organization which serves over 4,500 educational leaders throughout the state of Illinois.  To find out more about the IPA and the "Principal for a Day" program, visit

www.ilprincipals.org or contact Alison Mormino at (217) 525-1383.