January 13, 2021
Board approves next Superintendent of Schools
At its Jan. 12 meeting, the Board of Education unanimously approved Dr. Robert Hunt as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools. He will officially begin his duties on July 1, 2021, succeeding Dr. Brian Harris who is retiring on June 30 after 34 years in public education. 

Dr. Hunt’s selection is the culmination of a months-long national search process that included input from Barrington 220 stakeholders and produced highly qualified applicants from diverse geographic and professional backgrounds.

Dr. Hunt brings significant experience and leadership in education, most recently as the Superintendent of Schools for Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District in Chagrin Falls, OH, where he has served since 2012. In October 2020 Dr. Hunt was named “Ohio Superintendent of the Year” by the AASA (American Association of School Administrators).

"I was drawn to Barrington 220 both because of its school system and community,” Dr. Hunt said. “The Barrington 220 School District has a national reputation of providing innovative and comprehensive educational programs that meet the needs of all students. The community is equally impressive. I recently had the opportunity to visit the area on multiple occasions and quickly recognized the level of community pride and engagement in the schools. I am excited to have the opportunity to work collaboratively with the staff, Board of Education and community to continue the tradition of excellence in Barrington 220."
Hybrid 2.0 begins Tuesday, Jan. 19
At the Jan. 12 Board meeting, Dr. Harris shared an update on the district's Hybrid 2.0 implementation, which begins on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Across the district, 63.8% of students will attend school in-person as part of Hybrid 2.0, while 36.2% will continue in the Distance Learning mode. Click here to view the percentage of students who have chosen to participate in Hybrid and Distance Learning at each school.
Hybrid 2.0 Transportation
Dr. Harris shared that there are slightly more elementary students (1.1% increase) who have requested district transportation for Hybrid 2.0, compared to October. Middle and high school data is currently being collected. Click here to view the percentage of students who have selected to ride the bus at each elementary school. All district families participating in Hybrid 2.0 will be able to view their bus routes on the Traversa Ride 360 app on Friday, Jan. 15.
Hybrid 2.0 Staffing
District leaders shared that Barrington 220 has hired about 20 additional staff members to provide extra support for struggling learners, as well additional support in classrooms where teachers will be simultaneously instructing students who are in-person and at home.
As a reminder, there will be no school for all students on Friday, Jan. 15 as staff prepare for the transition to Hybrid 2.0. Moving forward, the district will be looking at ways to gradually expand in-person opportunities for students.
Board recognizes National Board Certified teachers
PHOTO: Elizabeth Jiménez-Bure, Adrienne O'Brien, Justine Rovin, Brigid Tileston, Gina Weis
At its Jan. 12 meeting, the Board recognized four Barrington 220 teachers who recently earned their National Board Certification, along with one district administrator who received her recertification.

The credential is considered to be one of the most respected nationwide among educators. Teachers earn the certification through a rigorous process and must renew every 10 years. Barrington 220 currently has a total of 41 educators who have earned National Board Certification.

Congratulations to the following teachers on earning their certification this year:

  • Elizabeth Jiménez-Bure, an Art Teacher at Sunny Hill Elementary, has been with Barrington 220 for 18 years.

  • Adrienne O'Brien, an Extended Resource Teacher at Roslyn Road Elementary, has been with Barrington 220 for 18 years.

  • Justine Rovin, a Special Education Teacher at Barrington High School, has been with Barrington 220 for 11 years.

  • Gina Weis, a Reading Resource Teacher at Roslyn Road Elementary, has been with Barrington 220 for 21 years.

Congratulations to the following district administrator on earning her recertification this year:

  • Brigid Tileston, the Barrington 220 Director of Fine, Visual & Performing Arts, has been with Barrington 220 for 6 years.

Special thanks to BHS teacher Heidi Rockwell and North Barrington Elementary teacher Kathy Sztelle, who serve as mentors for the National Board Certification process!
2021 summer school fees to remain flat
At its Jan. 12 meeting the Board voted to keep summer school fees the same in 2021 as they were in 2020. District leaders are currently planning to offer summer school courses online and in person this summer as permitted. In addition, the district plans to offer courses to address learning loss in core subjects at all grade levels. Summer athletic camps will be offered to the fullest extent that public health and safety protocols permit. Course catalogs will be made available to families in March. Click here to view the summer school presentation from the Board meeting.
Board to discuss student fees at annual budget planning meeting
The Board plans to discuss whether or not to adjust certain student fees from this school year at its annual budget planning meeting on Jan. 26. Last spring the district refunded fees associated with services not provided due to the pandemic including: kindergarten enrichment, transportation and BHS student parking. Click here to view the district's guide to understanding student fees.
"No Name Calling Week" is Jan. 18-Jan. 22
In his superintendent report at the Jan. 12 Board meeting, Dr. Harris shared that during the week of Jan. 18 through Jan. 22 Barrington 220 will be participating in "No Name Calling Week". The national effort is a week of discussion and activities that work toward improving school climates. D220 has adopted a community theme of "Words Matter" for the week. The district will be running lessons for all students geared toward an awareness of the impact of the words we choose. During his superintendent report Dr. Harris also reflected on the events at the U.S. Capitol last week. Click here to read his full statement.
Former Board president named "BADC Citizen of the Year"
In her report at the Jan. 12 Board meeting, Board President Penny Kazmier congratulated former Board president Brian Battle for being named the Barrington Area Development Council's Citizen of the Year. Battle served on the Board from 2003-2019, serving as Board President from 2007-2019. Click here to read an interview with him in the January/February issue of Quintessential Barrington.