After an extensive and thorough selection process, Wilmette Public Schools District 39 is pleased to announce Jon Baffico as the next Principal of Wilmette Junior High School. Baffico comes to District 39 from Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, where he has served as principal for the last three years. Baffico was approved at tonight’s Regular Meeting of the Board of Education and will begin work in his new role as principal on July 1.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to begin my journey as the new principal at Wilmette Junior High!” Baffico said. “I eagerly anticipate collaborating with our dedicated staff, enthusiastic students, and supportive families to foster an environment of growth, learning, and success for everyone.”
Baffico brings a wealth of experience as an educator to this role, with 29 years as a teacher and administrator to his credit, the last 12 as a high school principal. During his three years at Saint Viator, Baffico successfully led the school to a National Blue Ribbon award, implemented the Danielson evaluation system, made improvements throughout the school to best support learning and growth, and instituted new programs for student and employee recognition.
Prior to Saint Viator, Baffico spent nine years as the principal at Saint Patrick High School in the city. Named Lasallian Educator of the Year in 2021, he led several initiatives aimed at improving the Saint Patrick’s learning community during his tenure, notably directing the school’s first two strategic plans, creating a mentoring program for all first-year teachers, increasing the number of clubs and activities for students by 18%, developing and implementing the school’s STEAM program, and devising new recognition programs for students.
He began his educational career in 1996 as a mathematics teacher at Carmel High School. After 13 years at the Lake County school, he made the move into administration, serving as the Assistant Principal at Algonquin Middle School from 2009-13, before accepting the principal position at Saint Patrick ahead of the 2013-14 academic year.
In addition to his work with students, Baffico has continued to develop as a leader through stints as a Board member at St. Francis de Sales in Lake Zurich and Oak Grove District 68 in Libertyville. Additionally, he was also a member of the Illinois High School Association Board of Directors from 2019-22.