Helton: DuPage District 88 celebrates School Board Day, Education Week

On Nov. 15, DuPage High School District 88 joined school districts throughout Illinois in celebrating School Board Members Day. As you drove through Addison, Lombard and Villa Park, you might have noticed signs thanking our board members for their service. We appreciate the support of those businesses and agencies in recognizing School Board Members Day.

School board members serve their communities without monetary compensation to make public education the best it can be for every child. Their policies and oversight guide the district, as tough decisions are made on complex educational and social issues that affect the entire community and the lives of individual students. The District 88 Board of Education is comprised of President Donna Craft Cain, Vice President Jay Irvin, Secretary Sharon Kucik and members Thomas Edmier, Tim Gillen, Blanca Jessen and Lisa Lullo. I would like to thank our board members for stepping up and making a positive difference for the students of District 88.

Our board members spend countless hours attending meetings, events and workshops to ensure our students receive a high-quality education. The late Mark Johnson, who served on the board from 1999 until he passed away in December 2014, is a prime example of the passion and commitment our board members have for our schools.

Johnson was recently honored with an Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel award for his years of dedication to District 88. He received a Meritorious Service award in the school board member/community volunteer category. Johnson’s impact on District 88 will live on through the achievements of our students and the bright futures they pursue. He was dedicated to this district, to this community and to these students. He was an outstanding board member and a wonderful human being. He will forever be part of the District 88 family and will be greatly missed.

Following School Board Members Day was American Education Week from Nov. 16 to 20 this year. This week presents Americans with the opportunity to celebrate public education and to honor the individuals who are building futures for our students. We have more than 500 staff members at District 88 – from administrators, to teachers, to support staff, clerical staff and maintenance staff. Each and every day, they go above and beyond to make sure we’re meeting our mission of working for the continuous improvement of student achievement.

Because of the support from our stakeholders, including our teachers/staff and Board of Education members, Addison Trail and Willowbrook continue to receive recognitions such as Top High Schools by Newsweek, America’s Most Challenging High Schools by The Washington Post and Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. Our graduation rate continues to be at nearly 90 percent – above the state level – and more than 90 percent of the class of 2015 at Addison Trail and at Willowbrook was accepted to a two- or four-year college or university.

Thank you for your continued support of District 88.

Dr. Scott Helton is the superintendent of DuPage High School District 88.