September 4, 2024

At our Sept. 3 Barrington 220 Board of Education meeting, we heard an update on the district's ongoing safety and security initiatives, ahead of the district's 6th Annual Safety Week, which kicks off on Sept. 9.

Over the past few years, the district has been able to put in place consistent safety features across all schools. This is in large part thanks to the community's support of a $147M referendum in 2020. In addition, the district has used funds from its operating budget and community donations to enhance safety. Some improvements at each school include:

• Secure vestibules (BHS has several) that allow visitors to be identified through a video intercom before entering to ensure controlled access to the building
• Transaction windows that allow staff to greet visitors and manage interactions safely and efficiently
• Lockdown buttons that work with interior doors to compartmentalize parts of the building.
• Emergency backpacks in each classroom made possible by the Barrington Rotary Club
• New radios that have an emergency button to communicate directly with police dispatch centers
• New video intercom systems and camera monitoring systems

The $64M referendum on this November 5 election ballot will allow the district to continue to enhance and provide additional safety measures districtwide. Click here to listen to the Board presentation.

Board approves three-year contract for School Resource Officers

At our Sept. 3 Board meeting, we approved a three-year contract for the district's three School Resource Officers. The School Resource Officers are members of the Barrington Police Department who enhance safety measures on campus and create environments where students feel supported socially and emotionally. Detective Eve Gaitan is at Barrington High School, Detective Isaiah Recinos is at Prairie Campus, and Detective Ranae Cirrincione is at Station Campus.

At our Sept. 3 Board meeting, we heard an update on the informational campaign for the $64M referendum question we unanimously approved last month to place on the November 5 election ballot. If successful, the referendum will: 

• Increase Safety & Security throughout Barrington 220
• Build a New Community Auditorium at Barrington High School
• Enhance STEAM and Instructional Spaces for Students

Join the district at one of its upcoming community meetings to learn more about the referendum, tour current spaces, and see why these improvements are needed:

• 6pm Monday, Sept. 9 at Barrington High School (lower front atrium)
• 6pm Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Station Campus
• 6pm Thursday, Sept. 19 at Barbara B. Rose Elementary
• Noon Saturday, Sept. 28 at Barrington High School (immediately following the homecoming parade)

Framework 220 Spotlight: Communication & Community Partnerships

In his Superintendent's Report at our Sept. 3 Board meeting, Dr. Winkelman highlighted some of the work being done this school year as part of the district's strategic plan, Framework 220. The plan includes six strategic priorities for the district. One of the objectives the district is working on this year under the Communication & Community Partnerships priority is Support Strategic Priorities. The purpose of this objective is to develop processes and procedures for broadcasting the progress of Framework 220 and deliver internal/external communication for all priorities and objectives. At each Board meeting between now and winter break, Dr. Winkelman will spotlight the seven objectives the district is focusing on this year. In addition, the district will continue to update its public dashboard so that stakeholders can keep track of the work being done.

At our Sept. 3 Board meeting, we approved Pat Waldau as the district's new Assistant Director of Facilities. Waldau joins Barrington 220 from School District U-46, where she has worked as the Director of Plant Operations, Assistant Director of Plant Operations, Operations Coordinator, and Office Manager. She holds a bachelor's degree in Fine and Applied Arts from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She will begin in her new role on Oct. 1. 

At our Sept. 3 Board meeting, we held a public hearing on the tentative FY25 budget. Approximately 88% of Barrington 220's revenue comes from local property taxes. The balance comes from state and federal funding and other local revenues such as registration fees and donations. The final budget is anticipated to be approved at our Sept. 17 meeting. Click here to view the tentative budget packet.

At our Sept. 3 Board meeting, we approved moving up the start time of our regular Board meetings from 6:30pm to 6pm. The new start time will take effect at our next regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 17.

On Friday, August 30 the district held the first of four early release days (half school days) this year. After the school day ends on these days, staff continue the day by reviewing student data, planning instruction, and engaging in professional development. The three remaining early release days for the 2024-25 school year will fall on Sept. 27, March 20, and April 17. (Photo: Arnett C. Lines Elementary staff examine standards and plan instructional moves to carry students forward!)

In her Board President's Report at our Sept. 3 meeting, Sandra Bradford shared that the next consolidated school board election in Illinois is set for April 1, 2025. School board members are elected by their local communities during a non-partisan, consolidated election and serve four-year terms. Click here for more information.

This school year, students from each Barrington 220 school will make a special appearance at our Board of Education meetings to share an update about the great things happening at their school. At our Sept. 3 Board meeting, we welcomed BHS senior Ellie Ragnini. Ellie is a member of the BHS Student Council and shared that students are excited for Homecoming 2024, which will take place the weekend of September 27-29. Ellie is also a BHS-TV student and shared that before the start of the school year, BHS-TV students worked with local law enforcement to shut down Main Street to create this BHS athletics promo video!