District 88 Superintendent featured in ‘Fra Noi’ magazine

District 88 Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente (pictured above) was recently featured in the “Fra Noi” magazine.

The article shares Barbanente’s personal journey of how she was inspired by a teacher to pursue a career in education and how her family has maintained its Italian culture through food, traditions and faith. Growing up, Barbanente developed the desire to delve into her heritage – her family is from Triggiano, Trivigno and Sicily – and she has a passion for language and culture. She speaks English, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.

Barbanente joined the District 88 family in 1995 as an Italian and Spanish teacher. She then served as Director of Guidance, Director of Learning Services and Assistant Superintendent, before being named as Superintendent in July 2021. In the article, Barbanente reflects on the difficult situation that led to her superintendency, as she was named to the position after former Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton passed away in December 2020 from complications related to COVID-19.

“While I came into the role through very traumatic circumstances, I am reminded each and every day of the weight of the responsibility I have to ensure the best possible programming and services for our students,” Barbanente said in the article. “I am blessed to have a wonderful Board of Education, with members who are collaborative and wholly focused on what is good for students. I have tremendously supportive communities, an infinitely talented administrative team and a dedicated staff. I can honestly say that while the superintendency is very stressful, I enjoy each and every minute of the job and don’t take the opportunity to make a difference for granted.”

The write-up also highlights Barbanente’s extracurricular and community involvement, including being a member of the Village of Addison Sister Cities student-exchange program with Triggiano, Italy.

According to https://franoi.com/, “Fra Noi” magazine “… brings Italy and Italian America to your doorstep, serving up a monthly feast of news and views, arts and culture that consistently informs, enriches and delights.”

To read the full article about Barbanente, go to https://franoi.com/profiles/teaching-turns-to-leading-for-barbanente/.