District 88 appoints new Assistant Principal at Willowbrook

During its March 21 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education approved the administration’s recommendation to name Alena Edwards (pictured above) as Willowbrook’s new Assistant Principal, effective July 1. Edwards will succeed Bob Daly, who has served as an Assistant Principal since 2018 and will transition to a new role.

Edwards joined Willowbrook during the 2020-21 school year as a Dean and also is an adviser for the class of 2023 and the AMEMSA (Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian) affinity group.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the Board’s support to appoint Edwards to this position,” said Dr. Jean Barbanente, District 88 Superintendent. “I am confident her positive energy and passion for doing what is right for students will make a tremendous impact.”

Before coming to District 88, Edwards was a Dean at York Community High School, where she also served as an interim Assistant Principal of Student Services and coordinated the Extended School Year (ESY) program for a summer. Edwards began her career as a teacher assistant and a special education teacher at Waubonsie Valley High School. She then taught special education, served as a 504 Plan coordinator and led a bridge class to help incoming freshmen prepare for high school at Metea Valley High School. During her time at those schools, Edwards also coached boys and girls volleyball and Special Olympics bowling and track and sponsored Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Student Council.

“Edwards has only been with us for two years, but she instantly connected with and engaged students and families and made a huge impression,” said Dr. Daniel Krause, Willowbrook Principal. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the administrative team, and I know she will be an amazing asset to ensure the Warrior Pride at Willowbrook continues for years to come.”

Edwards earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from University of Michigan, where she also minored in statistics. She earned her Master of Arts degree in special education, her administrative credentials and completed credits for her Director of Special Education Certificate at Lewis University. Edwards also took continuing education courses at Augustana University.

“In this new position, I hope to partner with staff to keep building relationships with students to help each child reach his or her full potential,” Edwards said. “I look forward to learning and understanding more about the school and community culture and enhancing our environment of inclusion and belonging for all students and staff. Our school has so much to be proud of, and I want to celebrate all of our successes.”

As an Assistant Principal, Edwards said three of her main goals are:

1. To assure students and staff she is there to assist and support them
   
   
2. To listen to a variety of voices and make sure Willowbrook represents all stakeholders to build on Willowbrook’s tradition of excellence and keep the school moving forward
   
   
3. To enhance the district’s mental health resources and initiatives

“And my fourth goal is to try and surpass Principal Krause’s relentless passion, energy and enthusiasm,” Edwards said with a laugh. “District 88 truly is like a goldmine. It’s incredibly evident everyone here works together to put students first.”

Edwards lives in Kane County with her husband and two children.