Board of Education
An update from Barrington 220: June 3, 2020
Dr. Harris shares statement with Board about current events
In his superintendent report at the June 2 Board meeting, Dr. Harris reacted to the local and national events happening in light of the tragic death of George Floyd in Minnesota. Dr. Harris told Board members, Barrington 220 expects its students and staff to promote compassion and respect to all people regardless of race, creed, gender, or orientation. "We remain committed to helping build a strong sense of empathy within our students and an ability to embrace differences," Dr. Harris said. Click here to read his full statement.
Barrington 220 to survey parents and staff about school reopen plans
In his superintendent report, Dr. Harris updated Board members on how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting the return to school in the fall. Due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, the district is currently preparing three plans for the 2020-21 school year:
Plan A: re-open school in the fall as normal with new public health guidelines and protocols
Plan B: develop a hybrid which would combine Distance Learning instruction with in person instruction, while following strict guidelines as outlined by the CDC (Center for Disease Control), IDPH (Illinois Department of Public Health), and ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education)
Plan C: start the year with all Distance Learning instruction
The district expects the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) to release guidelines soon for the reopening of schools in the fall.
Barrington 220 plans to send out a survey to staff and parents later this week, to gain feedback about all three of the above plans. In addition, Barrington 220 has created a Return to Learn Committee, made up of school administrators, teachers and support staff, which will meet over the summer to discuss each plan. School administrators also plan to meet with the PTO presidents over the summer to gain their feedback from a parent perspective.
Board plans for budget cuts in FY21 budget
At the June 2 meeting, Board members discussed how the pandemic’s impact on projected revenue may impact next school year’s budget. The Board is currently revisiting many of the assumptions it made in January and planning for about $1,000,000 in expenditure reductions to prepare a balanced budget for FY21. The Board plans to review a tentative FY21 budget at its July 14 meeting.
Board approves addendum to transportation contract
Dr. Harris to retire in June 2021
At its June 2 meeting, the Board of Education shared that after more than 30 years in public education, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Harris will retire at the end of his contract on June 30, 2021. Dr. Harris has served as the Barrington 220 Superintendent of Schools for the past six years. “Barrington 220 is an exemplary, student-focused district that ‘inspires all learners to achieve excellence’. It has been exciting to lead and live that vision every day,” Dr. Harris said.
The Board plans to discuss the search process for Barrington 220's new superintendent at its next regularly scheduled meeting on June 16. Dr. Harris said he looks forward to working with the Board during the 2020-21 school year to incorporate a smooth transition. "Dr. Harris will leave big shoes to fill," said Board President Penny Kazmier. "His leadership and contributions to Barrington 220 are too many to count."
Board renews K-8 food service with Sodexo
Board approves first sale of bonds for referendum projects
REMINDER: To comply with social distancing requirements, all Barrington 220 Board of Education meetings are being held virtually until further notice. If you wish to view the meeting live online, visit: bit.ly/220schoolboardlive
District Administrative Center
Website: www.barrington220.org
Location: 515 West Main Street, Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: 847.381.6300
Facebook: facebook.com/barrington220/
Twitter: @barrington220