New leadership comes to Addison Trail and District 88

A new leader will assume the role of Principal at Addison Trail starting on July 1, but it will be a familiar face to the school and community.

During its May 4 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education named Michael Bolden as the ninth Principal of Addison Trail. Bolden has served as an Assistant Principal at Addison Trail since 2007. Prior to joining District 88, Bolden served as Assistant Principal and Math & Science Division Curriculum Coordinator at Bloom Trail High School and Science Department Chairperson at Thornridge High School. He also has experience as a Staff Development Instructor with several education organizations. He received his master’s degree in educational administration from Governors State University and also earned his Secondary Certification Type 09 from Saint Xavier University and his bachelor’s degree in biology from Northern Illinois University.

“I am honored and thrilled at the opportunity to continue the tradition of excellence that has been established at Addison Trail,” Bolden said. “I look forward to the successes and challenges ahead, and I am excited to work together with our stakeholders to ensure the Blazer Pride at Addison Trail continues for years to come.”

As the new Principal, Bolden said his focus will be:

To implement and educate staff on the new evaluation process that has been put into place
To monitor student success through the new local and state assessments
To create a positive, safe and caring environment for students, staff and the community

Bolden will succeed Addison Trail Principal Adam Cibulka, who will move to the position of District 88 Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Cibulka has been Principal since July 2012 and served as an Assistant Principal from 2008 to 2012. Cibulka joined District 88 in 2004 and taught economics, honors economics and political science. In 2007, he became the social studies department chair. He also has served as a teacher mentor, sponsored the Youth in Government club and coached a variety of sports, including football and basketball. Cibulka received his master's degree in educational administration from Northern Illinois University and is pursuing his doctoral degree. His undergraduate degree is from Wheaton College in secondary education and social science.

Also moving to the District 88 Office is Willowbrook Assistant Principal Sam Bentsen, who has served in that position since 2008. He will assume the role of Director of Student Services starting on July 1. Bentsen joined District 88 in 2006 as Director of Deans. Prior to that position, he was a Dean of Students at Lockport Township High School. Bentsen began his career as a social studies teacher in 1993. He earned his master’s degree in educational administration from Western Illinois University and is pursuing his doctoral degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His bachelor’s degree is in history secondary education from Trinity International University.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the Board’s decision to approve these three positions,” said District 88 Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton. “These three leaders are tremendous assets to the district, and I know they will be successful in their new roles. Their experience, work ethic and commitment to the students of District 88 will ensure we accomplish our mission of working for the continuous improvement of student achievement.”

Michael Bolden Adam Cibulka Sam Bentsen