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Restoring Integrity to the School Board ~ A Seat is a Trust, Not a Consolation Prize

March 20, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Erin Chan Ding posted the following to her Facebook followers Tuesday:

While Chan Ding claims to be ‘honored’ to continue her service on the Barrington 220 Board of Education, her actions during her failed primary campaign suggest she has forgotten who she truly serves.

By using District resources to fuel a partisan run—earning her an official ethics sanction—and subsequently accepting campaign donations from the very union whose contracts she must impartially negotiate, she has created a profound conflict of interest.

Most disappointingly, she has let down the constituents who elected her on the fundamental promise of nonpartisan leadership. A school board seat is a sacred trust meant for the advocacy of students, not a political steppingstone.

To treat the Board as a ‘consolation prize’ after a partisan defeat, while carrying the weight of these ethical breaches, is a disservice to every voter who expected her to put our schools above her own political ambitions.

Related: “Chan Ding, Teachers Unions losers in IL 52nd District Primary Election,” “New Evidence of Chan Ding’s Policy Violations and Conflicts of Interest,” “Candidate Erin Chan Ding’s opinion on Data Centers,” “Barrington area Democrats condemn Chan Ding mailers,” “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “School district’s parking plan defies logic,” “Zoning change defies village policy,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “Erin Chan Ding: The violations just keep piling up…,” “Erin Chan Ding starring in another episode of, ‘Rules For Thee But NOT For Me…’,”  “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency,” “Ding Politicking on School District Property,” “Dual School Board and State Rep Positions Legally Incompatible,” “D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign,” “Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!,” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

 

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Conflict of interest, Data Center, Deception, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, Goat Rodeo, Illinois Federation of Teachers, League of Women Voters, Legal Expenses, OP/Ed, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, Springfield, Taxes, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

Pritzker doesn’t tell whole story on test scores

March 19, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Counter to the governor’s claims, Illinois students’ scores on a national assessment have dropped despite more education spending.

By Hannah Schmid | Illinois Policy Institute

Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently touted Illinois eighth-graders’ reading and math scores as proof of increased public school funding’s effect on student success.

Here’s the reality: Illinois students’ scores have dropped despite that increased spending. And there’s more to the data than Pritzker let on about Illinois students outperforming those in other states.

If the governor wants to help students, he should join the majority of states that are opting into a federal program that provides donor money for students’ targeted needs.

Illinois student scores drop despite increased education spending

In his budget address last month, Pritzker said “historic investments” in public education have boosted student success. But Illinois student performance in both reading and math fell over the most recent 10 years of the National Assessment for Educational Progress.

Those declines weren’t just because of COVID-era shutdowns. Both eighth- and fourth-grade scores were dropping in both reading and math even before schools were closed.

During that same period from 2013 to 2024, the state’s spending on K-12 education rose by nearly $10 billion. That’s a 44% increase over a period when enrollment declined 10%.

Counter to Pritzker’s claims, the increased spending on Illinois schools has not improved student achievement.

Article continues here.

Posted in Barrington Education Association, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Fat Bastard, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Policy Institute, Immigration, Politics, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes, Unions | Leave a Comment »

Roads & Bridges Committee meets this afternoon

March 19, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Village Roads & Bridges Committee meets this afternoon at 4 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

  • [Vote] Road Program 2026 Recommendation (Left blank)
  • River/Algonquin Road Curve

A copy of the full posted agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Deception, ePacket Agendas, Ethics, One Barrington Hills, Open Meetings Act, Overhead, Property Taxes, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, Robert’s Rules of Order, Simple Minds, Taxes, Transparency, Village Director of Administration, Village Engineer, Village Government, WTF | Leave a Comment »

Chan Ding, Teachers Unions losers in IL 52nd District Primary Election

March 18, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

 

Related: “New Evidence of Chan Ding’s Policy Violations and Conflicts of Interest”

Posted in 220, Associated Press, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Conflict of interest, Data Center, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Ethics, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, Springfield, Taxes, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

Lake County clerk’s office changes Lake Barrington polling place

March 17, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Daily Herald Reportb Posted March 16, 2026 7:56 pm

Due to an ongoing gas leak resulting in no heat at the Lake Barrington Village Hall, it will not serve as an Election Day polling place on Tuesday, March 17, officials announced Monday.

Voters are encouraged to use the polling sites closest to them:

“Health and safety are our utmost priorities for our election judges and voters. I thank our partners at Lake Barrington Village Hall for their efforts to find a viable solution in a very short period of time. I also want to thank Lake County Emergency Management Agency for their assistance,” Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega said.

Voters can confirm their polling location, view sample ballots, and find additional election information by visiting the Lake County Clerk’s Office website or calling the office at (847) 377-2410.

Posted in County, Daily Herald, Elections, Lake, Politics | Leave a Comment »

New Evidence of Chan Ding’s Policy Violations and Conflicts of Interest

March 17, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

$20,000 in Special Interest Funding & Continued Violations of Public Trust

By Better Barrington | @Change.org

Thank you for standing with us as we hold our elected officials accountable. We have a critical update regarding the petition for the resignation of Erin Chan Ding from the Barrington 220 Board of Education.

Despite previous reprimands by the Board of Trustees for “flagrant violations” of school board policy, public records now reveal a deepening web of financial conflicts that directly undermine the neutrality of our district’s leadership.

The newest Schedule A-1 filings for Chan Ding’s political campaign reveal a massive influx of cash from organizations that represent the very interests she is tasked with negotiating against on behalf of taxpayers:

  • $10,000 from the IPACE (Illinois Professional Action Committee for Education). In Barrington D220, the Barrington Education Association (BEA) is the local teachers union. BEA is an affiliate of the Illinois Education Association which operates IPACE as its political arm.
  • $10,000 from the Lake County Federation of Teachers Local 504 COPE PAC.
  • Public Endorsements: Her campaign is now openly touting endorsements from the IEA and the Illinois Federation of Teachers—entities representing over 240,000 educators statewide.

Why This Matters: A Breach of Board Policy

District 220 policies are not suggestions; they are the ethical framework that protects our schools from partisan capture. Chan Ding is in direct conflict with:

  • Policy 2:105 (Ethics and Gift Ban): Sets strict standards to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure public trust.
  • Policy 2:80 (Board Member Oath & Conduct): Explicitly mandates that members avoid the appearance of impropriety and refuse to surrender responsibilities to “special interest or partisan political groups.”

In her first Board of Ed campaign, when called out for taking $750 in donations from IPACE, Chan Ding told the Chicago Tribune she would not approve contracts that raise taxes, yet her voting record tells a different story. She has consistently voted for the maximum tax levy every time it has reached the floor.

Accepting $20,000 from unions that negotiate directly with the Board of Ed is not just a “political choice”—it is a disqualifying conflict of interest. A Board Member cannot serve two masters. You cannot be a neutral steward of taxpayer funds while being funded by the organizations seeking those same funds.

We continue to call for the resignation of Erin Chan Ding to restore integrity to the D220 Board.

  1. Share this update: Post this on Facebook, X, and local community groups.
  2. Attend the next Board Meeting: Let your voice be heard during public comment.
  3. Email the Board: Remind them that Policy 2:80 must be enforced, not ignored.

Related: “Candidate Erin Chan Ding’s opinion on Data Centers,” “Barrington area Democrats condemn Chan Ding mailers,” “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “School district’s parking plan defies logic,” “Zoning change defies village policy,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “Erin Chan Ding: The violations just keep piling up…,” “Erin Chan Ding starring in another episode of, ‘Rules For Thee But NOT For Me…’,”  “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency,” “Ding Politicking on School District Property,” “Dual School Board and State Rep Positions Legally Incompatible,” “D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign,” “Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!,” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

Posted in 220, AI, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Data Center, Deception, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Ethics, Guest Essay, Illinois Federation of Teachers, OP/Ed, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, Springfield, Taxes, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | 3 Comments »

District 220 Board of Education meets tonight

March 16, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The District 220 Board of Education meet at a special time this evening at 6:00 PM at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street. Items on their agenda include:

  • FOIA Report
  • Revised Personnel Report
  • Consideration to Approve Action on Suspension Appeal for Student A
  • Consideration to Approve Custodial Contract
  • Consideration to Approve Bus Transportation Contract
  • Consideration to Approve Masonry and Roofing Bid

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here. The meeting will be live streamed on the district YouTube channel.

Related: “Candidate Erin Chan Ding’s opinion on Data Centers,” “Barrington area Democrats condemn Chan Ding mailers,” “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “School district’s parking plan defies logic,” “Zoning change defies village policy,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “Erin Chan Ding: The violations just keep piling up…,” “Erin Chan Ding starring in another episode of, ‘Rules For Thee But NOT For Me…’,”  “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency,” “yDing Politicking on School District Property,” “Dual School Board and State Rep Positions Legally Incompatible,” “D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign,” “Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!,” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Clown Car, Deception, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Look For The Union Label, Open Meetings Act, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

Special Equestrian Commission (Riding Club) meets tonight

March 16, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Equestrian Commission/Riding Club will be meeting this evening at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

  • McHenry County Conservation District’s Comprehensive Plan
  • Animal Disaster Preparedness Plan, and
  • Equestrian Signage

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here.

Posted in Agendas, Animal Welfare, Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, BraveHearts, Commercial Horse Boarding, County, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, Goat Rodeo, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Lighting Ordinance, Massbach Hounds, McHenry, Open Meetings Act, Organizations, Overhead, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, The Other Half, Unions, Well Water Quality | Leave a Comment »

Chicago careens toward insolvency

March 16, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) on Feb. 26. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Editorial Board | The Washington Post

It takes a long time to kill a city, and the bigger the city, the longer it takes. But Chicago’s “public servants” have done a fine job speeding up the process.

The Windy City was forced this week to put off a planned sale of $292 million in tax-exempt municipal bonds, part of an $800 million debt-service package. Authorities blamed volatility caused by the Iran war, but other bonds were priced without incident.

The truth is it’s never a good time to float the kind of debt Chicago wants. The city seeks to structure bonds to make no payments at all — not even interest — for the first couple years. That obviously raises the overall cost of borrowing.

The city has played this same old game for decades. Keep public-sector unions happy by punting obligations onto future taxpayers. Cover the snowballing costs with more borrowing and short-term fixes, such as the city’s 2008 decision to sell off 75 years worth of parking meter revenue for a one-time, $1.15 billion payment.

Pension payments and debt service now consume almost 40 percent of the city’s operating budget. Seven of the country’s 10 worst-funded pensions are in Chicago. The best of those, the Chicago TranChicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) on Feb. 26. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)sit pension, has roughly half the assets needed to pay promised benefits. Those in the worst condition, covering police and firefighters, are now less than 20 percent funded because of a “sweetener” rammed through the state legislature last year.

Last month, two ratings agencies downgraded the city’s debt. The school district’s bonds are already rated as junk. The city council’s laudable rebellion in the fall against the feckless budget proposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson (D), a former organizer for the teachers union, was a hopeful sign, but the modest tweaks they forced him to accept in December won’t change the fiscal trajectory.

Article continues here.

Posted in Cook, County, Look For The Union Label, Pension Funding, Politics, Taxes, Unions, Washington Post, Who Cuts Your Hair? | Leave a Comment »

Living Wright

March 15, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Joyce and David McArdle were recognized for their restoration of the Louis B. Fredrick House with the Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy Spirit Award

Fredrick House south view

Story By Lisa Stamos | Quintessential Barrington
Images By Linda M. Barrett Photography

Barrington Hills is home to one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s final privately-owned home commissions before his death in April 1959, and likely the only site there he visited in person. Affluent interior designer Louis B. Fredrick owned a 10-acre property west of the Village of Barrington for which Wright was hired. There was tension, as Fredrick rejected the first two house designs by Wright. Then America’s foremost architect was dropped, another architect hired, and then Wright was brought back to design and build the house, named after its first owner.

Wright’s organic approach to architectural design shifted to Usonian after his Prairie style and Japanese influences. Usonian principles feature integration into the land, use of natural materials, strong horizontal lines, and long bands of windows to capture changing light. His genius was the ability to study geological contours, vegetation, light, wind, and other elements and perfectly place the building so that it appears to grow from the site, rather than sit upon it.

The Fredrick House completion in 1957 is synonymous with the formation of the Village of Barrington Hills, which happened the same year. Both efforts recognize the importance of preserving natural settings and a reverence for the outdoors. Forward-thinking residents forming the 29-sq. mile Village of Barrington Hills incorporated with zoning that preserved open space and offered room for their equestrian and outdoor sporting lifestyles as the post-war rush to develop suburbs was underway.

A Heart for Preservation

Joyce and David McArdle met one summer while he was painting walls at his father’s Pheasant Run Resort. David grew up watching his father Edward’s vision prosper as the iconic destination in their hometown of St. Charles, Illinois. Joyce was a young teenager visiting the resort from Northwest Chicago. The rest is a family history of envisioning, developing, and preserving properties—both commercial, residential, and of note, Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses.

While dating, the couple often visited Frank Lloyd Wright houses in Oak Park and River Forest. Once married and ready to start a family, they learned that the 1901 Frank (F.B.) Henderson House was for sale in Elmhurst. Both being attorneys working for their property development firm, the two got to work restoring the home while there, from 1988 to 1994.

“In 1994, we commissioned E. Fay Jones to design and build a home for us. [Jones was a Wright protégé.] Since Fay did not design too many homes, we flew out to meet him in Arkansas. He was intrigued by the fact that we wanted to design and build a home with him after we lived in a Wright home. The home in Barrington Hills took two years to build, and we lived there for 20 years,” David said. Daughters Abigail and Amelia were raised there. The equestrian lifestyle influence evolved to developing Old Barrington Estates and successful equestrian professions for both women, who spend time in Wellington, Florida.

View the QB feature here or download a PDF copy here.

Posted in Quintessential Barrington, Real Estate, Resident Spotlights | Leave a Comment »

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