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District 220 fires Barrington High teacher whose work computer contained porn

January 25, 2020 by Barrington Hills Observer

Barrington Area Unit District 220 board members have officially fired a teacher whose work computer was found to have pornographic images after an investigation began into accusations of poor job performance, documents show. The teacher worked at Barrington High School.

Barrington Area Unit District 220 board members have fired a teacher whose work computer was found to have pornographic images after an investigation began into his job performance, documents show.

Ending a case that began nearly two years ago, the District 220 board last week approved a resolution ordering the tenured teacher’s dismissal for cause. The board’s action came about a month after a hearing officer’s finding and recommendation that the district fire the longtime Barrington High School instructor.

Documents show the school board pursued the mathematics teacher’s dismissal partly based on in-house accusations he stored pornographic images on his district-issued laptop computer, which were found in 2018 after officials began investigating his job performance. He was suspended without pay from his roughly $126,000-a-year post, pending the final disposition of his case.

Read more here.

Posted in 220, Board of Education, School Districts | Leave a Comment »

Editorial: Let feds know about long delays at rail crossings

January 24, 2020 by Barrington Hills Observer

We will take the Federal Railroad Administration at its word that it wants to hear from us regarding how long we get stuck, repeatedly, at rail crossings in the suburbs.

And so, it is our civic duty to tell them.

We’re not being facetious. Being continuously hung up at crossings is a quality-of-life issue. At best, it can be inconvenient. At its absolute worst, it can be deadly, if police, fire and paramedics are prevented from getting to a scene — or a hospital — quickly.

The FRA has recently started a website asking people to report lengthy delays they experience at rail crossings, where a milelong freight is crawling past at the speed of … snails. 

Read the complete Daily Herald editorial here.

Posted in EJ&E/Canadian National, OP/Ed, TRAC, Traffic | Leave a Comment »

Guest Essay: Saving the Land of Lincoln

January 24, 2020 by Barrington Hills Observer

Illinois’ troubles are hard to ignore. A mass population exodus, perpetually increasing tax rates, a crippling pension crisis and faltering credit rating, climbing poverty and homelessness and an overall deficit of our indomitable spirit. Regardless, I submit to you that this spirit still resides in the heart of every loyal Illinoisan. However, we need a leader to reawaken our appetite for success. Barrington Hills Village President Martin J. McLaughlin is the man to save our state. He understands that the can cannot be kicked down the road any further and the price of inaction will cost us the solvency and very dignity of our state. During McLaughlin’s six years, in elected office, he has lowered spending and the overall property tax rates every year. McLaughlin has invested millions in infrastructure improvements, environmental preservation efforts and improved the accessibility of our public safety and school systems. Fiscal prudence, social inclusion and investments in the future. McLaughlin has raised a family in our state. He knows how to attract new citizens and businesses, consolidate pension funds and get to the heart of our most vexing human issues. So, yes, our troubles are hard to ignore; however, the answers, which we seek, are right before us. He understands that the People of Illinois, and the glory of the Land of Lincoln, are worth fighting for; moreover, the 52nd House District must elect Martin J. McLaughlin on March 17, 2020.

Henry J.H. Wilson, Barrington

Posted in Guest Essay | 1 Comment »

220 making second attempt to sell former headquarters

January 23, 2020 by Barrington Hills Observer

Last week the 220 Board approved a resolution that would authorize the sale of the former district office for a minimum price of $680,000. The sale of the 12,413 square foot building will happen through a sealed bid process.

The building is located at 310 E. James Street in an area with a mix of houses and businesses. The district moved into the location in the early 1970s, when the school district was officially formed.

At the end of the 2018-19 school year, Barrington 220 moved into its new location at 515 West Main Street, right across from Barrington High School.

Posted in 220, Board of Education, District 220 referendum, Property Taxes, School Districts | Leave a Comment »

Kane County, Algonquin residents could pay less in Longmeadow Parkway tolls

January 22, 2020 by Barrington Hills Observer

It’s going to cost Kane County and Algonquin residents (among others) to use the Longmeadow Parkway toll bridge when it opens in 2022. It just won’t cost as much as it will for other people — unless you’re a truck driver.

The Kane County Board’s transportation committee gave preliminary approval to place a toll of 95 cents for most vehicles crossing the bridge over the Fox River. KDOT officials also unveiled a plan for the residents of Kane County and Algonquin that will give them unlimited access to the toll bridge for $200 a year.

The discount is in recognition of an overall goal to pay off the $28 million borrowed to help build the bridge with money from outside the county.

KDOT officials said the $200 cost pays for itself for any resident who uses the toll bridge round-trip twice a week for the year. Commuters who use the bridge five days per week for work would see that $200 cost average out to about 38 cents per crossing, officials said.

If you live outside Kane County or Algonquin and plan to be a regular user of the toll bridge, KDOT will offer a $300 annual pass. All discounts will require an I-PASS.

Read more here.

Posted in County, Kane, Longmeadow Parkway, McHenry, Taxes | Leave a Comment »

Huntley School District 158 anticipates flipping switches on solar projects in March

January 21, 2020 by Barrington Hills Observer

Huntley School District 158 is expecting to flip the switch on a series of solar panels estimated to save the district $4.2 million in energy costs over the next 20 years by the end of March.

Last year, the district partnered with ForeFront Power, which agreed to design, permit, finance, install and maintain the solar energy project across all three of the district’s campuses. The renewable energy company had estimated that the installation of solar panels would offset 12.3 million pounds of carbon emissions in the first year.

Read more from the Northwest Herald here.

Editorial note: We applaud District 158’s forward thinking initiative and hope Barrington District 220 taxpayers take note before approving the March 17 referendum.

Posted in 220, Board of Education, County, District 220 referendum, Going green, McHenry, OP/Ed, School Districts | Leave a Comment »

Term limits, school upgrades among Northwest suburban ballot questions

January 21, 2020 by Barrington Hills Observer

Barrington Area Unit District 220 wants voters to authorize borrowing $147 million. Voters last April rejected a request to borrow $185 million for facility upgrades.

District 220 is seeking authority to issue $147 million in school building bonds for a variety of projects to include paying for basic improvements at all schools in areas such as safety and security, plumbing, electrical, roofing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Voters last April rejected a request to borrow $185 million for facility upgrades.

Due to existing debt the district expects to pay off in 2021, approval of the ballot measure would have the owner of a $500,000 home still see a net decrease of about $75 a year. Without the referendum, the same homeowner would see a reduction of $468.

Read about other Cook County ballot questions making news here.  Lake County initiatives are also covered by the Daily Herald here. 

Posted in 220, Cook, County, Deception, District 220 referendum, Lake, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes | Leave a Comment »

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