District 88 celebrates an important week in public education, wishes stakeholders a safe and happy Thanksgiving

Pictured is District 88 Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente.

As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving next week, it’s a wonderful opportunity to thank those who support our students and help us accomplish our mission of working for the continuous improvement of student achievement.

It seems fitting two important and special events for public school districts in Illinois take place during this season of giving – School Board Members Day and American Education Week. We celebrated School Board Members Day on Nov. 15 and American Education Week from Nov. 15 to 19, and we recognized those events during the Nov. 15 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To see a video with messages of appreciation displayed by local businesses and agencies, as well as proclamations from the villages of Addison, Lombard and Villa Park, click on the video above.

According to the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), “To recognize the outstanding efforts of the nearly 6,000 elected school board members throughout the state, Nov. 15 of each year is designated as School Board Members Day in Illinois. This is an opportunity to build community awareness and understanding about the essential role locally elected board of education members assume in a representative democracy.” This year’s School Board Members Day theme was “Inspiration and Leadership.” School board members serve their communities without monetary compensation to make public education the best it can be for every child. Their policies and oversight guide the district as tough decisions are made on complex education and social issues that affect the entire community and individual students.

We would like to thank our District 88 Board of Education members – Donna Craft Cain (President), Dan Olson (Vice President), Amy Finnegan (Secretary), Lisa Knauf, Christine Poirier and Jean Taylor (pictured above) – for the countless hours they devote to attending meetings, events and workshops to ensure our students receive a high-quality education.

According to the National Education Association (NEA), American Education Week “presents all Americans with an opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring every student receives a quality education.” Educators today serve as teachers, coaches, mentors and more for all students to help them succeed inside the classroom and beyond. We have more than 500 staff members at District 88 – from administrators, to teachers, to support staff, clerical staff and maintenance staff – all of whom work tirelessly to have a positive impact on each and every student, each and every day.

These individuals go above and beyond to build futures for our pupils. Thank you to our staff and school board members for your passion, dedication and service. This school year has been challenging as we continue to deal with the adversities of COVID-19, and it is through your commitment and efforts, along with all of our partners, that we’re able to accomplish the district’s mission.

On behalf of District 88, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

With District 88 Pride,
Jean Barbanente, Ed.D.
District 88 Superintendent