District 88 celebrates School Board Members Day and American Education Week

Pictured is District 88 Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente.

This past week was a special time in public education, as we celebrated American Education Week and School Board Members Day. During the Nov. 14 District 88 Board of Education meeting, we recognized these two events and shared proclamations from the villages of Addison, Lombard and Villa Park.

American Education Week took place from Nov. 13 to 19 and presents an opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring every child 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.

As part of this weeklong event, Nov. 15 is designated as School Board Members Day each year in Illinois to recognize the outstanding efforts of the nearly 6,000 elected school board members throughout the state. This year’s theme was “Partners in Excellence.” 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.

District 88 Board members spend countless hours attending meetings, events and workshops to ensure students receive a high-quality education. The District 88 Board is comprised of President Donna Craft Cain, Vice President Daniel Olson, Secretary Amy Finnegan and members Lisa Knauf, Christine Poirier, Diana Stout and Jean Taylor. This year, the Board has received three high-level recognitions:

School Board Governance Recognition: This designation acknowledges school boards that have engaged in activities that lead to excellence in local school governance in support of quality public education. Boards are honored for learning and practicing effective governance behaviors, through participation in and support for board development programs and events. For more information, go to https://dupage88.net/site/page/15087.
Board Leader Recognition Program: District 88 Board of Education President Donna Craft Cain was named as a Distinguished Board Leader. This program recognizes school board members for individual time and effort devoted to learning and leadership activities provided by the IASB and for service to the public education community. For more information, go to https://www.iasb.com/memberships-and-divisions/awards-and-recognition/iasb-board-leader-recognition-program/. Craft Cain has served on the District 88 Board of Education since 2004 and has been Board President since 2011. She also is an alumna of Willowbrook (class of 1981), is the parent of three District 88 graduates and is a longtime resident and business owner in the District 88 community.
Board Leader Recognition Program: District 88 Board of Education Member Diana Stout was named as an Established Board Leader. This program recognizes school board members for individual time and effort devoted to learning and leadership activities provided by the IASB and for service to the public education community. For more information, go to https://www.iasb.com/memberships-and-divisions/awards-and-recognition/iasb-board-leader-recognition-program/. Stout has served on the District 88 Board of Education since 2021. She is the parent of two Willowbrook graduates and a current senior and also served as a member of the District 45 Board of Education for eight years.

I would like to thank our staff and school board members for their passion, dedication and service. It is through their commitment and efforts, along with all of our partners, that we’re able to accomplish our mission of working for the continuous improvement of student achievement. Thank you for your continued support of District 88.

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