July 13, 2023

At the July 11 Barrington 220 Board of Education meeting, the Board heard an update on the district's continued efforts in energy sustainability. For the past several months the district has been exploring options to install solar panels on the roofs of school buildings. Initially, this would require a significant financial investment from the district's capital projects fund, however, it would help in greatly reducing energy costs long term. At the meeting, the Board supported the district's recommendation to purchase and install solar panels at Barrington High School, Prairie Campus, and Station Campus, which would cost an estimated $7.7 million. This fall the district will work on design options, which will be brought forth for Board approval in the winter. This effort in energy sustainability aligns with the district's commitment to Stewardship, which is one of six strategic priorities identified in Barrington 220's strategic plan, Framework 220. Click here to listen to the entire presentation. 

At the July 11 Board meeting, the Board heard an update on student enrollment across the district for the 2023-24 school year. The Board and administration regularly monitor class sizes, especially during the summer as projections are revised to become actual numbers. The update also included projected enrollment numbers through the 2031-32 school year, based on the district's demographer analysis from January 2022. The report shows a gradual downward trend in enrollment. This trend has been occurring for the past seven or eight years due to regular fluctuations in demographics. Click here to listen to the entire presentation.

Build 220 construction progress at BHS

In his Superintendent's Report at the July 11 Board meeting, Dr. Craig Winkelman shared an update on some of the Build 220 construction projects currently underway at BHS. Last week Dr. Winkelman had a chance to tour the campus, where he viewed the progress on the front atrium addition, which will be completed this fall after school begins. The front parking lot is also undergoing a major renovation. Beginning this fall, drivers will no longer have to drive around the entire building to exit the campus. Instead, the front parking lot will connect to the Hart Road parking lot on the west side of the building. Click here to view a rendering of the front parking lot reconfiguration. Click here to listen to Dr. Winkelman’s construction update.

Board approves new Director of Student Information

At the July 11 Board meeting, the Board approved Tracy Harper as the district's new Director of Student Information. In this role, she will oversee the district's student information system, Infinite Campus. Harper comes to Barrington 220 from Township High School District 214, where she most recently worked as the Information Management Supervisor for the past four years. Her career in education began in Community Unit School District 300, where she grew her interest in student information systems. She holds a bachelor's degree in Economic Education from Cornell College. She also holds a master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Judson University. She will begin in her new role in August.

At the July 11 Board meeting, the Board recognized Kendall Origer (BHS '23) who received this year's Principal Art Award from BHS Principal Steve McWilliams. Kendall's artwork is a digital photo that she took on a hiking path in Oregon. It will be on display in the BHS front office for the 2023-24 school year. This fall Kendall will attend the University of Colorado Boulder, where she will study ecology. She is also considering a minor in photojournalism. Click here to view the recognition.