District leaders share Hybrid plan improvements for when metrics allow return to in-person learning
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Over the past several weeks district leaders have been meeting regularly to identify ways to adjust Hybrid plans so improvements can be implemented when the metrics improve and the district can return to the Hybrid mode. Both staff and parent representatives from each school also participated in many of these conversations. At the Dec. 1 Board meeting, principals presented the updated Hybrid plans to Board members, as well as estimated additional costs associated with implementing these plans. The Board will continue the discussion at their Dec. 15 meeting. Please note that a target date to return to Hybrid has not been determined at this time.
The proposed Hybrid changes for each level are as follows:
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Elementary Hybrid updates |
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In the elementary Hybrid plan students would attend school in-person five days a week, for 2.5 hours each day. Those 2.5 hours would focus on literacy, math and social emotional learning. Students would still be divided into two groups, "Group A" and Group B". Group A would attend in-person instruction in the mornings and Group B would attend in-person instruction in the afternoons. Families who wish to continue with Distance Learning would follow their current learning schedule.
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Tentative elementary timeline |
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Dec 15: Board discusses costs associated with updated Hybrid plans
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Dec 16: Elementary principals hold virtual parent meetings to explain updated Hybrid plans
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Dec 16-22: District sends out parent questionnaire to elementary parents on model preference
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Jan 8 -15: Elementary principals finalize any classroom assignment changes
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TBD: One week operational transition for students, parents and staff
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TBD: Two transition days prior to implementing Hybrid mode
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Middle and high school Hybrid updates |
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In the middle and high school Hybrid plans, students would remain in two groups, "Group A" and "Group B". However, it would include Wednesdays as an additional in-person instruction day. For example, one week Group A would be in person all day Monday-Wednesday, while Group B would be in person all day Thursday-Friday. The following week Group A would be in person Monday-Tuesday and Group B would be in person Wednesday-Friday. Students who choose to continue Distance Learning would continue to follow the schedule they are currently following.
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Board not considering COVID-19 testing at this time |
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Over the past couple of weeks the district has been looking at the possibility of using COVID-19 testing as one additional component of several virus mitigation efforts. At the Dec. 1 Board meeting, the Board decided it would not consider using COVID-19 testing at this time due to high costs and the fact that it would not be a full proof measure in preventing the spread of the virus. Click here to watch the Board’s full discussion about COVID-19 testing.
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Dr. Harris recognizes National Merit Commended students |
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In his superintendent report at the Dec. 1 Board meeting, Dr. Harris recognized 33 BHS students who have been named 2021 National Merit Commended students. They are among about 34,000 Commended students nationwide being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. They are placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 competition by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Congrats to the following seniors!
James Abraham, Zoe Breillatt, Claire Buckman, Devanshi Chakrabarti, Christian Chlebek, Michael Chmiel, Evan Chong, Chase Cimaglio, Nicholas Elias, Zachary George, Sai Aumkar Girap, Cullen Guo, Mark Hennin, Sarah Huddleston, Sam Kim, Paul Lais, Shreya Mangalam, Dan Marian, James Mayer, Kendall Meyer, Aidan Moy, Charlotte Nyland, Rishi Ray, Ryan Robinson, Ronojoy Roy, Drew Schorsch, Ananya Sehgal, Aman Shah, Vaarin Shroff, Hye Son, Anik Tanna, Stephanie Wang, and Christine Xiao.
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Board approves priorities for 2020-2021 school year |
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At its Dec. 1 meeting, the Board approved nine priorities for the 2020-21 school year. They include the following (in alphabetical order): Budget, Community Relations, Equity, Race and Cultural Sensitivity, Health and Wellness, Hire a New Superintendent, Optimal Time for Learning, School Safety and Security, Social Emotional Learning and Technology. Click here to view more details about each priority.
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Board holds public hearing for estimated 2020 tax levy |
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At its Dec. 1 meeting, the Board held a public hearing for the tentative 2020 tax levy, which determines how much taxpayer money the district will receive in 2020. Barrington 220 collects property taxes from Kane, Lake, Cook and McHenry Counties, and property taxes account for more than 80% of the district's annual operating revenues. Based on CPI tax cap limits and capturing new construction in the tax base, the district expects to receive an overall 2.5% tax increase compared to last year, however it is common for school districts to request more than expected in case new construction in the tax base is larger than anticipated. For this reason, Barrington 220 has requested a 4.4% increase to ensure new construction is taxed fairly for all taxpayers. The actual increase will not exceed CPI plus the amount associated with actual new construction. Based upon projections, excluding bond and interest, the total expected tax revenue for 2020 is $129,637,470. The Board will consider approving the final tax levy at its next meeting on Dec. 15.
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Don't miss Winter Wonderfest at BHS Dec. 11-13! |
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In his superintendent report at the Dec. 1 Board meeting, Dr. Harris shared details about an upcoming family-friendly event at BHS. Winter Wonderfest is a drive-thru event that will be held outside BHS during the evenings of Dec. 11-Dec. 13. This first of its kind event will feature an extensive light show set to music, live outdoor performances by BHS students, video projections on the side of the building, and fun winter-themed decorations celebrating various groups, clubs, sports, activities, and all Barrington 220 schools. All of it will be experienced from the safety of your own car! Tickets are $25 per car and spaced in 15 minute intervals in order to make sure Winter Wonderfest is enjoyable and safe. Click here to purchase your tickets!
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Board to interview superintendent candidates in Dec. |
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In her report at the Dec. 1 Board meeting, Board President Penny Kazmier announced the Board will be interviewing candidates for the district's superintendent search over the next couple of weeks. In October and November the Board worked with search firm School Exec Connect to conduct an online questionnaire and virtual forums with stakeholders in order to develop a New Superintendent Profile. The new superintendent is expected to be named in early 2021 and will begin work on July 1, 2021. Dr. Harris will be retiring at the end of June after working more than 30 years in public education.
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4 Board seats up for election on April 2021 ballot |
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