At the April 20 Board of Education meeting, Board members heard several updates regarding the district's referendum construction projects.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION
The district is excited to begin the “Build” phase this summer at BMS-Prairie and BMS-Station. Preparatory work has already started at both schools, including tree removal, to prepare the sites for their classroom additions. Starting in June, after school is out for summer vacation, the mobile classrooms will be removed from both sites and construction of the classroom additions will begin. As much work as possible is being done over the summer in order to minimize disruptions during the school year. Middle school principals have plans in place for the 2021-22 school year to accommodate the classes that would normally be located in the mobile units in the main buildings. Construction at both middle schools is expected to last through November 2022. Click here to view more details.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN
District administrators presented several new ideas to further incorporate the concept of Universal Design at Barrington High School. The Universal Design concept focuses on creating spaces that are accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, disabilities, and other characteristics. Click here for more details.
The district will be holding a virtual meeting on May 6 from 5pm-6pm to gather feedback from stakeholders about the Universal Design ideas for BHS. If you would like to participate in this meeting, please fill out this form.
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS
District administrators also shared the new building design for the district's Buildings & Grounds facility, which is currently located next to the BHS greenhouse. The facility stores materials and equipment that are necessary to maintain the grounds and maintenance needs across the district. The new facility will be located right next to the current site. Reconfiguring the site will improve traffic flow in the BHS parking lot. Click here for more details.
|
|
Barrington 220 maintains rare financial designation among school districts |
|
In his Superintendent Report at the April 20 meeting, Dr. Harris shared that for the 13th year in a row Barrington 220 has maintained its AAA bond rating status from S&P Global Ratings, making it one of just 85 school districts across the country to earn the highest rating. In addition, Barrington 220 is one of only 22 school districts in Illinois with a AAA bond rating. As a AAA bond rated school district, Barrington 220 is receiving the lowest competitive interest rates when seeking bond financing for the Build 220 projects approved by the community in March 2020. |
|
2020-21 learning progress update coming in May |
|
During Dr. Harris' Superintendent Report at the April 20 meeting, John Bruesch, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, shared a brief learning progress update for the 2020-21 school year. Preliminary aggregate data for grades K-8, which is collected from Fastbridge and MAP testing for literacy and math, indicates normal academic progress compared to a typical school year. A more detailed report will be shared at the May 18 Board of Education meeting. |
|
Board approves new Director of Safety and Security |
|
At its April 20 meeting, the Board approved Austin Johnson as the district's new Director of Safety and Security. Mr. Johnson began his educational career in Barrington 220 in 1999 and since then he has held several positions including Dean of Students at BHS, Assistant Principal at BMS-Prairie, and for the past seven years he has served as the Principal of North Barrington Elementary School. In addition, Mr. Johnson is a member of the district's Safety and Security Committee and Board Policy Committee. He received his bachelor's degree in Physical Education at DePauw University. He also received a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and a master's degree in Teaching and Leadership from St. Xavier University. He will begin in his new role on July 1. The interview process for his replacement at North Barrington Elementary School will begin immediately.
|
|
Board to hold public hearing on amended 2020-21 budget |
|
At the April 20 Board meeting, Dr. David Bein, the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services/Chief School Business Official, along with Sarah Lager, the district's Director of Fiscal Services, presented the Board with an amended budget for the 2020-21 school year. The budget was adopted by the Board last September, however the evolving pandemic created unforeseen financial needs that require changes. While local revenue is less than expected, overall expenditures (such as transportation, salaries) are also less than expected. Therefore, the district is looking at a larger than budgeted surplus. A public hearing on the amended budget will be held at the Board meeting on May 18. The Board is anticipated to adopt the amended budget at its first meeting in June. Click here to view the entire amended budget presentation.
|
|
Board approves broker agreement for sale of former district office |
|
At its April 20 meeting, the Board approved an agreement with Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services in order to sell the former district office located at 310 E. James Street in Barrington. Over the past year and a half the district has made two attempts to sell the building by public auction. Interested buyers can email Jason Kowitt at [email protected].
|
|
K-8 breakfast and lunch prices to remain flat for 2021-22 |
|
At its April 20 meeting, the Board approved K-8 breakfast and lunch prices for the 2021-22 school year. The prices will remain the same as this current school year. The price of breakfast is currently $1.40 and the price of lunch is currently $2.95. |
|
Board approves contract renewal with Sodexo |
|
At its April 20 meeting, the Board of Education approved a contract renewal with Sodexo North America for the 2021-22 school year. Sodexo provides food services for the district's elementary and middle school students. Barrington 220 has contracted with Sodexo for K-8 food services since April 2019, after the district went out to bid. As required by the state, the district's food service contract must go out to bid every five years. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
