Concerned Parents Gala | Concerned Parents
Concerned Parents Gala | Concerned Parents
In Illinois and beyond, intensified parent involvement at local school districts is gaining momentum in the wake of Covid.
As the harmful shutdowns extended from weeks to months, the curtains were pulled back and parents, including Kristina McCloy of Hinsdale School District 181 and 86, believed that the best interests of students were not being served.
McCloy, who also serves as Trustee for The Downers Grove Township, established “Concerned Parents Illinois” – an organization dedicated to academic excellence and policies supportive of safe learning environments – as a way for parents to have agency with institutions that serve their communities.
Concerned Parents, in essence, is a response to apathy, which McCloy says has infected local community engagement.
“For far too long, parents have abdicated leadership of their local services to people whose names they do not recognize,” she said.
“Those of us in Concerned Parents believe that Hinsdale is a fantastic community that has produced the best and brightest for years because of the vibrant residents who choose to live there.”
She also said that in order to ensure the community remains a desirable place to live, “we believe parents need to be engaged with the leadership of local institutions and that the leaders reflect these parents’ values.”
McCloy is hosting an event Sept. 6 to raise funds for Concerned Parents Illinois.
The annual gala, to be held at London House in Chicago, will include gourmet dining, keynote speaker and a river cruise.
"As champions of traditional family values and common sense leadership, we are dedicated to advocating for policies and legislators that strengthen families and promote academic excellence," the invitation reads. "Your support will empower us to continue our mission of fostering a brighter future for our children."
The cost is $495 per person.
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