May 7, 2025

New Board of Education Sworn into Office

At our May 6 Barrington 220 Board of Education meeting, the new Board was sworn into office. New Board member Harathi Srivastava, along with re-elected Board members Sandra Ficke-Bradford, Erin Chan Ding, and Steve Wang, will all serve four-year terms on the Board.

Srivastava and her family moved to the Barrington area in 2010. She holds a bachelor's degree in Biology and Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a master's degree in Nursing Leadership from Benedictine University, and an MBA from Benedictine University. She is currently a stay-at-home mom, raising her three children.

Community Recognizes Outgoing Board Member

At our May 6 Board meeting, the Barrington 220 community said goodbye to outgoing Board member Katie Karam. Karam began serving on the Board in 2021 and was elected by her fellow Board members to serve as Board Secretary in 2023. Some district highlights during her time on the Board include: Barrington 220 implemented its strategic plan Framework 220, passed a $64 million referendum (Transform 220), received one of its 12 National Blue Ribbon Awards, continued to maintain a balanced budget and AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor's, and hired Dr Winkelman as Superintendent of Schools.

At our May 6 Board meeting, the newly sworn-in Board voted on its officers. Board members selected Sandra Ficke-Bradford to continue serving as Board President. Ficke-Bradford has been on the Board since 2009, previously serving as Vice President and Secretary. Board members selected Barry Altshuler to continue serving as Vice President, and Diana Clopton to serve as the new Secretary. Altshuler was elected to the Board in 2019 and previously served as Board Secretary. Clopton was elected to the Board in 2023. Click here to read all Board member bios.

Before the new Board was sworn in at our May 6 meeting, the outgoing Board voted to approve the 2026-2027 school year calendar. This calendar includes a full week off for students for Thanksgiving Break. Last month, the district sent out a survey to all families via Infinite Campus asking whether or not they support a full week off, rather than Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. More than 62% of families supported this change. To maintain compliance with academic calendar requirements, the extended break moves the first day of school up to August 18, 2026. 

• Click here to view the mobile-friendly 2026-27 calendar.
• Click here to view the printable 2026-27 calendar.

At our May 6 meeting, the Board heard an update on the school improvement process in Barrington 220. Each year, Barrington 220 schools focus on one primary goal, which staff develop through a school improvement process called a Vision Cycle. A Vision Cycle is a framework for school improvement that strives to provide schools with clarity, focus, and actionable steps toward school improvement. Each school goes through a six-step process to identify its primary goal. The four School Improvement Days on the calendar this year provided staff with dedicated time to work on their school improvement plans and engage in professional development. Click here to view a short video about School Improvement Days. Click here to listen to the Board presentation.

At our May 6 meeting, the Board recognized Countryside Elementary 4th grade student Sakina Malik, who received the 2025 Infinitec Outstanding Use of Assistive Technology Award. This honor is awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in overcoming challenges and accomplishing personal goals using assistive technology. Sakina uses technology to strengthen her vocabulary skills and communicate with others. Click here to watch a video about Sakina! Click here to watch the Board recognition.

In his Superintendent's Report at our May 6 Board meeting, Dr. Winkelman shared that Barrington 220 is partnering with the Barrington 220 Educational Foundation and the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation to provide free books through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. All families in the Barrington 220 community with children from birth to age five are eligible. The books are delivered once a month to your home. Click here to sign up! 

May 5-9 is Staff Appreciation Week

In his Superintendent's Report at our May 6 Board meeting, Dr. Winkelman shared that this week is Staff Appreciation Week. It’s a special opportunity to recognize the outstanding work and unwavering dedication of Barrington 220 teachers, support staff, and administrators. Everyone plays a crucial role in shaping a positive learning environment and helping students grow and succeed. "I hope you feel appreciated every day, but in particular, this week is an opportunity for us to express our gratitude for all you do," said Dr. Winkelman.

In his Superintendent's Report at our May 6 Board meeting, Dr. Winkelman shared that May 7 is National School Nurse Day. Barrington 220 has 19 dedicated nurses across all of its buildings. These healthcare heroes support student health, safety, and academic success. We thank them for their unwavering commitment to caring for our school communities!