Board discusses plan to create architectural design work for potential new fine arts center at BHS |
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At the December 6 Barrington 220 Board of Education meeting, the Board reviewed a presentation about the process to create the architectural design work for a potential new fine arts center at Barrington High School. The design work was an identified project within the $147 million dollar referendum that Barrington 220 area voters approved in March 2020.
During the second half of the school year, the district is planning to work with an architect firm to gather data about the existing space and engage stakeholders in order to create conceptual designs and a shared vision for a fine arts center that will meet the needs of the school and community. The assessment and architectural design concepts are anticipated to be completed in June 2023. At this time, the Board of Education will make decisions on appropriate next steps in terms of funding and timeline. Click here to listen to the full presentation.
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Board recognizes state champion swimmer |
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At the Dec. 6 Board meeting, the Board recognized BHS senior Jenna Kerr. Last month Kerr won the IHSA 500 Yard Freestyle race. Not only did she break the pool record, she also broke the school record, completing the race in 4:46.30. Jenna plans to swim at the University of Iowa next school year. As a team, BHS Girls Swimming placed 10th at the IHSA state meet. The team is coached by BHS Physical Education Teacher Alex Mikolajewski. Click here to view the recognition.
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Board holds public hearing for estimated 2022 tax levy |
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At the Dec. 6 Board meeting, the Board held a public hearing for the estimated 2022 tax levy, which is the second step in the process to establish a final levy of property taxes to support the district in 2023. Barrington 220 collects property taxes from Kane, Lake, Cook and McHenry Counties, and property taxes account for approximately 81% of the district's annual operating revenues. If approved, the district expects to receive a 5.6% tax increase compared to last year, however it is requesting a 6.6% increase in the event new construction is larger than expected. Based upon projections, excluding bond and interest, the total expected tax revenue to be collected in 2023 is $140,318,584. Final Board action on the tax levy is anticipated at the Dec. 20 Board meeting. Click here to learn more about why a property tax levy is important for school districts.
Please note, the Board will not issue Debt Service Extension Base (DSEB) this year, due to the high level of inflation impacting taxpayers. This decision will save local taxpayers approximately $2.4 million.
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Agreement with Village of Barrington to improve school safety and security |
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At the Dec. 6 Board meeting, the Board approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Barrington that will give local law enforcement access to Barrington 220 cameras in order to improve safety and security. Thanks to the community's support of a $147 million referendum in March 2020, the district is able to install enhanced security camera systems at all schools. The agreement provides local law enforcement access to the cameras in the event of a serious safety issue within the district. |
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Board approves expansion of Barrington Transition Program site |
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At the Dec. 6 Board meeting, the Board approved expanding the space which houses the Barrington Transition Program (BTP). Currently, the program utilizes a renovated space inside an office complex located at 1525 S. Grove Avenue. In order to accommodate increasing enrollment, the Board approved purchasing an adjoining office suite, which will be renovated for the program. BTP is a vocational program serving students ages 18-22 years old who qualify for special education services, and who have been deemed appropriate to continue their education in the area of transition activities by their IEP team.
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Framework 220: establishing work areas under six strategic priorities |
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In his Superintendent's Report at the Dec. 6 Board meeting, Dr. Hunt shared an update on the district's strategic planning process, Framework 220. This year the district created a design team for each of the six strategic priorities. Each design team is made up of approximately a dozen staff members from the District Leadership Team. Over the past couple of months these teams have established work areas under each priority. Over the next week district leaders will be seeking feedback from the entire staff about specific objectives under each work area. The district will seek community feedback this spring.
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ED-RED shares 22-23 legislative priorities |
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At the Dec. 6 Board meeting, the Board heard a presentation from the Executive Director of ED-RED about the organization's 2022-23 legislative priorities. ED-RED is an advocacy organization that represents the diverse needs of suburban school districts in Cook and Lake Counties. Following the presentation, the Board reviewed local legislative priorities. Feedback will be taken into consideration and finalized priorities will be shared with the Board at the December 20 Board meeting. Click here to listen to the presentation.
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Ed Foundation funds greenhouse renovation at BHS |
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In their reports at the Dec. 6 Board meeting, Dr. Hunt and Board President Sandra Ficke-Bradford thanked the Barrington 220 Educational Foundation for its support of the newly renovated BHS greenhouse. The foundation donated nearly $200,000 to fund upgrades that expose horticulture students to modern growing methods. Key upgrades include: grow lights, a greenhouse climate controller, head house irrigation system, and grow room irrigation system. These improvements enable the greenhouse to facilitate different climate zones so that various plants/produce can be grown simultaneously throughout the year. Even though the greenhouse is located on the BHS campus, students of all ages from across the district will be able to take advantage of this innovative learning space.
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Hough student selected as Star-Spangled Student |
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At the Dec. 6 Board meeting, Hough Street Elementary student Eric Tavarez led meeting attendees in reciting the pledge of allegiance. This is part of an initiative at Board meetings called the "Star-Spangled Student" which recognizes exemplary students. Eric is a 3rd grade student who always has a smile on his face and spreads joy to the Hough Street community. He is passionate about art and is always willing to support his peers. Congrats Eric! Click here to view the recognition.
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