District 88 Superintendent named as 2026 Superintendent of Distinction for DuPage County Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators

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On April 23, District 88 Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente (pictured above) was recognized as the 2026 Superintendent of Distinction for the DuPage County Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). She was honored during a celebratory luncheon in Springfield. Superintendents of Distinction are selected by their peers in each of the 21 IASA regions based on leadership, communication, professionalism and community involvement.

Dr. Barbanente has been with District 88 for more than 30 years and has served as Superintendent since 2021. She is the district’s first female Superintendent and also is the district’s first Superintendent to speak multiple languages (English, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese). 

“We are incredibly proud that Dr. Barbanente has received the outstanding honor of being named as a 2026 Superintendent of Distinction,” said District 88 Board of Education President Donna Craft Cain. “Her visionary leadership, genuine care and awareness of the needs of our students and families and ability to work with her team to meet those needs are truly second to none. She has helped implement a wealth of programs and initiatives to support students in all aspects, including academics, social-emotional well-being and opportunities to connect with the schools. This work has created a learning environment and community in which students and families are supported and can thrive. Her leadership and impact can be seen throughout our district, county and state.”

Read more about Dr. Barbanente and her award at www.dupage88.net/BarbanenteSuperintendentOfDistinction.