August 16, 2023

In his Superintendent's Report at the August 15 Barrington 220 Board of Education meeting, Dr. Craig Winkelman provided the Board with several back-to-school updates. As a reminder, the first day of school for students in grades 1-12+ is Monday, August 21. The first day of school for early childhood and kindergarten students is Wednesday, August 23.

• Over the summer Build 220 construction got underway at the last four schools in the district: Arnett C. Lines Elementary, Barbara B. Rose Elementary, North Barrington Elementary, and the Early Learning Center. Please click on the school names to learn more about the projects at each school.

• Over the summer major Build 220 construction also occurred at Barrington High School. Key projects that will be completed for the start of the school year include: reconfigured parking lots that will improve safety and traffic flow, a new athletic/P.E. wing, a new dedicated students services area (counseling, health services, dean's office), and an expanded main entrance to the building. Click here to learn more.

• Over the summer the district renovated the former senior locker bank space at BHS, turning it into a flexible learning space that will be used for the high school's new flexible learning program. This program is open to seniors for the 2023-24 school year. This renovation was not part of the Build 220 initiative, rather it was one of the district's summer capital projects.

• Last week the district had the opportunity to host New Educator Orientation. During this week-long event, new educators from across the district engage in professional development and relationship-building activities in order to prepare for the start of the school year.

Click here to listen to Dr. Winkelman's full report.

At the August 15 Board meeting, BHS Principal Steve McWilliams provided the Board with an update about the new parking lot configuration at BHS. There will be three primary parking lots across the campus. This map provides an overview of parking for the 2023-24 school year.

• Main Street Lot: primarily for staff parking (entrance for staff and buses only)
• Hart Road Lot: primarily for student parking, student pick-up/drop-off
• Stadium Lot: staff parking only

Bus pick-up and drop-off will be located on the north side of the building. Additional school personnel and police officers will be positioned around the campus during the first few days of school to provide directions and assist with heavy traffic periods during arrival and dismissal. A more detailed communication will be sent out to all high school families this week.

Click here to listen to the full traffic presentation.

At the August 15 Board meeting, the Board approved Kurt Weisenburger as an interim Associate Principal at Barrington High School. Weisenburger has worked in Barrington 220 since 2007 as a Social Studies Teacher, as well as the BHS Summer School Principal. He attended Illinois State University, where he studied History Education and Music. He also holds a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Weisenburger replaces Dr. Heath McFaul, who took a position in another school district.

At the August 15 Board meeting, the Board heard a presentation on the tentative FY24 budget. Approximately 88% of the district's revenue comes from local property taxes. The balance comes from state and federal funding and other local revenues such as registration fees and donations. A public hearing on the proposed budget will take place at the Sept. 5 Board meeting. The final budget is anticipated to be approved on Sept. 19. Click here to view the tentative budget packet. Click here to listen to the tentative budget presentation.

Board reaffirms equity statement

At the August 15 Board meeting, the Board reaffirmed its equity statement, which the Board first approved in November 2020. The statement reinforces the Board's commitment to inclusion and serving all students across the district. Click here to read the statement.

At the August 15 Board meeting, the Board approved its 2023-24 Board norms and communication expectations. This document provides clear expectations for all Board members to follow when communicating with district staff, members of the media, fellow Board members, and community members. It also clearly defines Board member responsibilities.