For 35 years, Bob McParland was the storyteller behind the scenes at Community High School District 218, a public relations specialist whose warmth, wit, and unwavering dedication made him the voice of a district that thrived on connection and collaboration.
Known for his boundless knowledge, sharp communication skills, and a knack for engaging storytelling, McParland earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, students, and community members alike. His retirement marks the end of an era for the district, where his ability to connect, inform, and inspire will be deeply missed. As the district bids farewell to this beloved figure, his legacy as an educator and communicator will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
“I will miss so much,” McParland, of Lemont, said about retiring from the district at the end of December. “I’ve had the best job of any person I know. Professionally, I will miss telling the stories of our dedicated, brilliant teachers. They continually find innovative ways to inspire students and help them discover who they might become. And they served as profound role models for me.
“Personally, I will miss all my friends. When I talk about District 218, other people look at me with a mix of envy and wonder, like I work at some sort of adult Disney World where people cooperate, everyone gets along, and everyone pulls together for a common cause. People work hard here, and they take care of each other.”
McParland, who obtained a journalism degree from Bradley University and a master’s degree in communications from the University of Illinois at Chicago, said his career in public relations basically fell into his lap.
“I dreamed of writing for the Chicago Tribune or another large daily newspaper,” he said. “But throughout college, I was concerned about job prospects.”
McParland worked at the Peoria Journal-Star for three years while attending college and said he understood the challenges facing journalism majors in starting careers.
“I applied for a public relations assistant position at Moraine Valley Community College,” McParland said. “Working for a daily newspaper truly opened that door. I enjoyed that job, and when this one opened, I applied to District 218. I knew no one here, but soon this place felt like home.”
That was back in 1989 when McParland took on his role overseeing the public relations for Eisenhower, Richards and Shepard High Schools. He has not changed his title or looked back ever since.
“I enjoyed telling our stories,” he said. “Most people don’t realize the time, energy and creative thought that educators devote to their students. It’s such a demanding career. I witnessed how they give everything every day to the growth, development, and success of their students. I wanted to show their dedication and how they affected so many lives in so many positive ways.”
McParland’s coworkers were quick to reflect on the positivity of his career.
“Bob is a forever advocate for and fan of our students in District 218,” Deb Swanson, Activities Director at Community High School District 218, said. “I have truly appreciated his efforts to showcase all the great things that happen in our school and with our students. We will miss his dearly and wish him a relaxing retirement.”
“Bob has been a friend to me and to our program from the beginning. He has been a great partner in publicizing and growing the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, programs across the district,” Major Daniel Johnson said.
“I will miss seeing him around, as he has the habit of showing up just about any 218 activity. I really admire the passion and dedication he has demonstrated in his position. He is forever looking for new stories to tell to the public. I will miss his presence, both personally and professionally, but I wish him well, and I want to say thank you for his excellent and faithful service.”
During his long-standing career, McParland spent countless hours developing content—feature ideas, original written stories, and photos for media. He wrote and designed many publications and learned to record and edit videos. Social media also became a significant part of his workload in more recent years.
McParland said a career highlight was founding and acquiring funding for a literacy outreach program to educate young parents about the importance of reading and talking with their children from birth. The program lasted seven years until the district partnered with Bernie’s Book Bank, an organization that provides free books to districts throughout the Chicago area.
“I’m so appreciative of the experiences, opportunities, and time spent in our culture, which has been created by educators and their positive energy, belief in their students and each other, and devotion to public service,” McParland said. “Witnessing their selflessness truly inspired who I want to become.”
When asked about his plans for retirement, McParland is humble.
“I’ve thought about this a lot, but retired friends always emphasize that it’s wise to take a little time to see what offers inspiration,” he said. “I need some new purpose, I know that. I may work part-time and most likely will volunteer somewhere that calls to me.”
At the start of the spring semester in January, Andrea Azzo will be replace McParland, coming to the district from Northwestern University.
Bob was a great PR guy, all you had to do is pick up the phone and call, and he took care of details.. He will be greatly missed.