Retiree District 88 Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources honored and celebrated for years of service

District 88 Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Michael Bolden was recently honored and celebrated for the legacy and impact he has made as he retires after 19 years of service to the District 88 learning community.

Bolden was recognized during the June 8 District 88 Board of Education Meeting (pictured below, left), where the board and administration thanked him for the positive difference he has made for students, staff and families throughout his tremendous career. The presentation can be viewed by clicking on the video above. He also was recognized by State Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro’s office with a certificate of recognition from the Illinois House of Representatives during a retirement luncheon on June 9. Adrianna Provinzino, Constituent Service Manager for Rep. Sanalitro, presented Bolden with the certificate (pictured below, center).

Bolden arrived in District 88 in July 2007, at a pivotal moment in the district’s history – just after voters approved a major referendum to renovate the schools. From his very first days as Assistant Principal of Operations at Addison Trail, Bolden was immersed in the work of transformation, collaborating with architects, construction managers, staff, students and the broader community to bring that vision to life.

Bolden’s contributions to District 88 throughout nearly two decades have been wide-ranging and deeply significant. He served as Assistant Principal for PPS, spent six years as Addison Trail's Principal and has served as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources for the past five years. Before joining District 88, he spent four years at Bloom Township District 206 as the Math and Science Division Coordinator and Assistant Principal for Discipline and Activities. He began his career as a science teacher at Thornridge High School, where he taught biology, physics and physical science and served as Head Softball Coach for three years.

Bolden earned his bachelor’s degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry, from Northern Illinois University; his teaching credentials from Saint Xavier University; and his master’s degree in educational administration from Governors State University.

When reflecting on his time in District 88, Bolden said his most enduring memories are the people – the students, the staff, the families and the community.

“Addison has always had a small-town feel,” he said. “It is an incredible community that will always be close to my heart.”

In retirement, Bolden looks forward to volunteering in his hometown of Mokena; deepening his involvement with family and grandchildren; and prioritizing travel and fitness.