Addison Trail names new principal

Addison Trail High School officials have named a school administrator to take the top spot of principal in the 2012-13 school year.

Adam Cibulka, who has been the assistant principal for curriculum and instruction for three years, will lead nearly 2,000 students at Addison Trail when Principal Scott Helton next year becomes superintendent of DuPage High School District 88, which includes Addison Trail and Willowbrook High School in Villa Park.

Helton will take over for Superintendent Steve Humphrey, who is retiring after 12 years in District 88 and 42 years in education.

Cibulka, of Batavia, joined the district seven years ago, when he began teaching economics, honors economics and political science at Addison Trail. In 2007, he became the social studies department chairman and was then promoted to his current position after one school year.

He also has served as a teacher mentor, sponsoring YMCA Youth and Government and coaching a variety of sports, including football and basketball.

As he prepares for his new role, Cibulka said he aims to continue District 88’s mission of offering a well-rounded, rigorous curriculum.

“Our goal is always to maximize the potential of the student,” he said. “We want them leaving here college- and career-ready. That means offering a challenging classes, working with parents and creating a personalized learning environment, because every student learns differently.”

This school year, Cibulka is serving in his current role and starting transitional duties for the principal post. But a vacancy for assistant principal will arise for the 2012-13 school year, and district officials will review applicants later this fall.

Cibulka holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Northern Illinois University; he is now pursuing a doctoral degree from NIU. His undergraduate degree is from Wheaton College in secondary education and social science.

Addison Trail serves Addison and parts of Bensenville, Itasca and Wood Dale. Cibulka will become the eighth principal in the school’s 45-year history.