PIE event raises funds for four different school districts

The Partnership for Inspired Education (PIE) third annual event successfully raised close to $13,000 that will benefit students in four school districts serving nine different communities. Over 400 people were in attendance for the recent event which included a silent auction, dinner and the play, “Singing in the Rain” at Drury Lane Theater in Oakbrook Terrace.

“It was wonderful to see a room filled with people all of whom were there in support of education,” said PIE board member Michele Cummins, who serves as the principal for School District 45's Ardmore School.

The Partnership for Inspired Education foundation was formed in 2009 by elementary School District 45, elementary Salt Creek School District 48 and DuPage High School District 88. This past year, Addison Elementary District 4 joined the PIE Foundation. The governing board of PIE seats 16 with each of the four districts contributing four members. The Foundation operates with the full support of the superintendents from each of the participating districts. The School District 45 superintendent is Dr. Janice M. Rosales. Salt Creek School District 48 is governed by Dr. John H. Correll, Dr. Scott J. Helton is at the helm of DuPage High School District 88 and John R. Langton is the Superintendent of Addison Districct 4. The mission of PIE is to raise funds for the enrichment of students from kindergarten through 12th grade. When the four districts come together as PIE, the opportunity exists to serve students in the nine communities of Addison, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Itasca, Lombard, Oakbrook, Oak Brook Terrace, Villa Park and Wood Dale. The individual member Districts have used the funds to award teacher grants and support scholarships.

“This annual fundraiser has become a community event across nine communities,” said PIE chairperson, Donna Cain, who also serves as chairperson of the School District 88 Board of Education. “I really believe that this shows the strength in the four districts working together.”

For more information about PIE, or to make a donation, visit the PIE website at http://www.piefoundation.org/ or call (630) 516-7895.