Addison Trail Principal named as District 88's new Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

During the May 10 District 88 Board of Education meeting, the Board approved the administration’s recommendation to appoint Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden (pictured above) as the district's new Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources (effective July 1, 2021). Please join the district in congratulating Bolden on this accomplishment and wishing him well in his new role.

The Principal Search to name the next leader of Addison Trail has begun. District 88 looks forward to ensuring the person who steps into this position will continue the tradition of excellence that has existed at Addison Trail since the school opened its doors in 1966.

Bolden has served as the ninth principal of Addison Trail High School since 2014. During that time, he worked to support the District 88 initiatives of expanding rigorous college and career opportunities for students through his collaborative leadership with staff, students, parents and community partners.

Bolden played a valuable role in the coordination of several school/community initiatives for the benefit of Addison Trail students, families and community members, including the Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) series, the Student School Safety Forum, providing workplace experiences and mentor opportunities, serving on the Addison Workforce Development Committee and most recently, the COVID-19 food-distribution program and vaccine clinics, which provided more than 5,000 vaccines to staff, students and local residents. In partnership with the Addison Police Department, Bolden coordinated the ALICE safety protocol training for staff and students. He also helped secure a grant to install a rapid emergency response system in school facilities through BluePoint Alert Systems.

Prior to the principalship, Bolden served as an Assistant Principal at Addison Trail during the Building The Future project, where he oversaw the construction and renovation of Addison Trail’s facilities with great care and ownership. In his time as a building administrator in District 88, Bolden has had the opportunity to oversee all areas of personnel, including the hiring process, teacher and staff evaluations and labor relations in compliance with state and federal laws. He builds strong, authentic relationships with staff and has faithfully implemented the policies of the Board of Education, while earning the respect of the staff and faculty.

Before joining District 88, Bolden served as Assistant Principal and Math & Science Division Curriculum Coordinator at Bloom Trail High School and Science Department Chairperson at Thornridge High School. He also has experience as a Staff Development Instructor with several education organizations. He received his master’s degree in educational administration from Governors State University and also earned his Secondary Certification Type 09 from Saint Xavier University and his bachelor’s degree in biology from Northern Illinois University.

Bolden is a trusted, supportive leader of the highest integrity. He has the experience, work ethic and talent to excel in the role of Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. He will be a tremendous asset to the District 88 team.

With District 88 Pride,
Dr. Jean Barbanente
District 88 Superintendent