January 11, 2023
Board recognizes National Board Certified Teachers
At the Jan. 10 Barrington 220 Board of Education meeting, the Board recognized three Barrington 220 teachers who recently renewed their National Board Certification. 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 five years. Barrington 220 currently has a total of 40 educators who have earned National Board Certification. Congratulations to Cristi Barry, Ernest Lane, and Tracy Parr for earning their recertification this year!
 
Special thanks to BHS teachers Heidi Rockwell and Cary Waxler, who serve as district mentors for the National Board Certification process. Click here to view the recognition.
Board to receive update on Framework 220 strategic planning process in February
During his Superintendent's Report at the Jan. 10 Board meeting, Dr. Robert Hunt provided an update on the district's strategic planning process, Framework 220. Design teams for each of the district's six strategic priorities worked during the first half of the school year to establish work areas within each priority. The Board will learn more about the work areas under each priority at its regularly scheduled meetings in February. 
Middle schools add School Resource Officer
During his Superintendent's Report at the Jan. 10 Board meeting, Dr. Hunt introduced a new School Resource Officer (SRO) for the district. This will be a shared position between Prairie Campus and Station Campus, which will enhance safety measures at both schools, as well as create environments where students feel supported socially and emotionally. SRO Isaiah Recinos has been a member of the Barrington Police Department since 2019. He served in the Marines from 2010-2014 and has a degree in Applied Theology from California Baptist University. Prior to joining the Barrington Police Department, he was a youth minister volunteer and led small group discussions with middle-school aged children. The district appreciates its strong relationship and collaboration with the Village of Barrington and Barrington Police Department. Barrington 220 is evaluating the possibility of adding an additional officer that would allow one SRO at each middle school campus. 
Barrington 220 exploring solar energy opportunities
At the Jan. 10 Board meeting, the Board received an update on the district's continued efforts in energy sustainability. The district is currently considering installing solar panels on the roofs of school buildings. Initially, this would require a significant financial investment from the district, however it would help in greatly reducing energy costs long term. Since Barrington 220 implemented its energy saving program in April 2015, the district has reduced energy costs by more than 20%, saving nearly $2.8 million. Click here to listen to the presentation.
Countryside student selected as Star-Spangled Student
At the Jan. 10 Board meeting, Countryside Elementary student Micah Kalt 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. Micah is a 4th grade student in the Chinese Immersion Program. Staff say he consistently excels in all of his specials: Music, Art, P.E., Library and STEM. Congrats Micah! Click here to view the recognition.