Meet the Principal

Welcome to Central High School

Dr. Brett Bending was named Central High School Principal to start the 2025–2026 school year, bringing more than 25 years of experience in education. He most recently served as the Upper School and Academy Principal at Cambridge Lakes Charter School and previously led Hampshire High School in CUSD 300 for 11 years during a time of significant enrollment growth and academic recognition, including honors from U.S. News & World Report and the Illinois State Board of Education.

Dr. Bending’s leadership has been recognized throughout the region. He has served as President of the Fox Valley Conference Principals Board and held leadership positions within the Illinois Principals Association Kishwaukee Region, where he was named High School Principal of the Year in 2018–2019. His background also includes roles as assistant principal, dean of students, English teacher, and coach in both Illinois and Arizona.

He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from National Louis University, as well as a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Education from Aurora University. Dr. Bending lives with his wife, Sarah, a hospice social worker, and they have two children — a son in college and a daughter entering her senior year of high school.