District 88 appoints new Assistant Principal at Addison Trail

During its Feb. 26 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education approved the administration’s recommendation to name Darlene Vargas (pictured above) as Addison Trail’s new Assistant Principal, effective July 1.

Vargas has been with Addison Trail for two years and is the Director of Deans at the school. Before joining District 88, Vargas was an Assistant Principal at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago. She has been in education for 23 years and has taught every grade from kindergarten to eighth grade. Vargas also participates in professional organizations such as the Illinois Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, where she serves as a board member.

“Based on her leadership as Director of Deans at Addison Trail and her connection to our students, parents and community, Vargas will undoubtedly be successful as an Assistant Principal,” said Jack Andrews, Addison Trail Principal. “We are excited for her to lead the Addison Trail PPS Department and help it to grow to new heights.”

Vargas earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s degree in bilingual-bicultural education from Northeastern Illinois University. She earned her second master’s degree in educational administration from Governors State University. Vargas also started a doctoral program at National Louis University in 2022.

"I’ve been given an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of students, teachers and staff members," Vargas said. "I’m looking forward to continuing to build strong relationships, while growing both personally and professionally."

Vargas added that in her new role, she plans to:

• Work to create a positive and inclusive school culture, where all students and staff feel safe, valued and respected.
  
  
• Strengthen and enhance the support systems for our students.
  
  
• Foster strong partnerships with families and the community to support student success.
  
  
• Continue to implement a proactive approach to behavior management that emphasizes positive reinforcement and restorative practices.
  
  
• Continue to work with the amazing Addison Trail administration to eliminate disparities in access to opportunities for our students

 Vargas lives in Glen Ellyn with her husband, Jaime Figueroa, her sons Rowan Rivera (a junior) and Magnus Rivera (a freshman), and her dog, Fifi Rivera Vargas Figueroa (a French Bulldog).