Dr. Jean Barbanente, superintendent of DuPage High School District 88, has been named the 2026 Superintendent of Distinction by her peers in the DuPage Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators.
Barbanente was honored at an awards luncheon on April 23 in Springfield, where 21 regional Superintendents of Distinction were recognized. Dr. Steven Isoye, chair of the Illinois State Board of Education, served as the featured speaker.
“I am extremely honored to have received this recognition from my colleagues in DuPage,” said Barbanente, who has been an educator for 31 years and superintendent of District 88 for five years. “It has been a blessing to serve the students, staff, and families of District 88, and I look forward to continuing our work to open doors and remove barriers for students to achieve their dreams.”
Those nominating Barbanente noted a number of successes during her tenure including:
• Implemented a comprehensive curriculum including 30 AP courses, 50 dual credit/college credit courses and 18 industry-credentialed career pathways with work-based learning opportunities, with students earning over 5,600 college credits and over 1,700 career industry credentials in one year.
• Implemented inclusive and culturally responsive practices across the district with a strong emphasis on biliteracy.
• Led District 88 to receive the DuPage County Prevention Leadership Team Community Changemaker Award for leadership in providing mental health and social-emotional supports.
• Served as a leader at the county and state level through roles on the DuPage County IASA Executive Board, School Association for Special Education in DuPage County Board President, Illinois Advisory Council for Bilingual Education, and founded the Illinois Consortium on English Learner Program Effectiveness with over 110 member districts.
“Exceptional leadership creates opportunities for students and strengthens communities,” said IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark. “At District 88, Dr. Barbanente’s forward-thinking approach and dedication have transformed the district in meaningful and measurable ways.”
The 12th annual luncheon was sponsored by Stifel, the country’s leading underwriter of K-12 school bonds.
“The superintendents honored today exemplify the depth of leadership and personal commitment that exceptional superintendents bring to their districts to serve students and staff to be the best they can be,” said Anne Noble, managing director of Stifel. “Stifel’s longtime commitment to IASA culminates in honoring these amazing superintendents and thanking them for all they do for the students of Illinois.”
