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Cuba Township Assessor Shares: Important Update Regarding Upcoming Property Tax Bills

Posted in 220, Board of Education, County, Cuba Township, District 220 referendum, FUBAR, Lake, Property Taxes, School Districts, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on April 28, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Important Update Regarding
Upcoming Property Tax Bills

(Please click on image to enlarge)

Dear Cuba Township Residents

Our office would like to provide an important update regarding the upcoming May 2026 property tax bills, particularly as they relate to the November 2024 Barrington CUSD 220 referendum.

At the time of the referendum, Barrington CUSD 220 presented taxpayers with an estimated increase of approximately $236 per $500,000 of market value. Based on the tax rate information now available, this estimate appears to be significantly understated. Current projections indicate the actual impact may be closer to three times the estimated amount for similarly valued homes. The following is a link to the referendum tax calculator: Barrington 220 2024 Referendum Tax Calculator. We encourage you to compare this calculator to your May tax bill.

While we understand this increase may be concerning, it is important to clarify how property taxes are determined and the role of the Assessor’s Office in that process. Our responsibility is to establish fair and equitable property assessments based on market value. We do not set tax rates or control the budgets of taxing bodies.

Property taxes are determined by two primary components: assessed value (EAV) and tax rates. In simple terms, the total tax burden is driven by how much revenue taxing districts levy to fund their budgets. The tax rate is then adjusted to generate that amount and is distributed across all property owners based on their share of the total assessed value.

An easy way to think about this is like splitting a restaurant bill. The total check represents the amount taxing bodies have decided to spend. Each person’s share is based on what they ordered—someone who ordered a steak pays more than someone who ordered a salad, just as properties with higher assessed values pay a larger share of the total tax burden. If the total bill increases, everyone pays more, regardless of how the bill is divided.

Typically, when overall assessed values increase across a taxing district, tax rates decrease to offset that growth. However, when taxing bodies increase their levies, tax rates may rise or remain elevated to meet that higher spending level. In this case, while most taxing bodies now have a reduced rate, Barrington CUSD 220 has an increased rate, resulting in a higher overall tax burden for property owners. While factors such as the County’s equalization process may impact assessed values, they do not, by themselves, increase the total taxes collected.

For questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this increase, we encourage residents to contact Barrington CUSD 220 directly. If you would like to send a message to Board members as well as the Superintendent of Schools, please Click Here.

Barrington CUSD 220 Contact Information
District Administrative Center
515 W. Main Street
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 381-6300

Upcoming Board of Education Meetings

All regular Board of Education meetings are held on Tuesday evenings, beginning with a Closed Session at 5:30 p.m., followed by Open Session at 6:00 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, meetings take place at the District Administrative Center. Meetings include opportunities for public comment and provide a forum for residents to learn more and share input.

Our office remains committed to transparency and ensuring fair and accurate property assessments. If you have questions regarding your property assessment, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Cuba Township Assessor’s Office
Cuba Township| Website

Cuba Township | 28000 Cuba Road
Barrington, IL 60010 US

Email sent April 20, 2026

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Barrington Hills new-construction home hits market asking $6M

Posted in Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, The Real Deal, What About The Horses? on April 27, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Modernist 11,600-square-foot estate is a departure from traditional manors in high-end northwest suburb (Google Maps, Getty)

By Caleb McCullough | The Real Deal

A newly constructed 11,600-square-foot home in Barrington Hills hit the market on Friday asking $6 million, joining a thin roster of high-end listings in the northwest Chicago suburb.

The house at 101 South Remington Drive has five bedrooms and six bathrooms and sits on a 5.3-acre lot. The 11,600-square foot home will be completed this year, according to the listing.

The mansion appears to be for sale by the builder, based on property records. Records indicate Arkadiusz Bakiej of Palos Hills purchased the lot for $360,000 in 2018.

Online information about Bakiej is sparse, but results suggest he is a homebuilder and involved in home remodeling. He’s the manager of P.A.K.I., LLC, according to Illinois business records. The listing agent on the home is listed as Iwona Bakiej, who is also involved in P.A.K.I., according to a LinkedIn page under that name.

Iwona Bakiej did not respond to a request for comment.

The home’s modern design is inspired by California luxury homes, according to the listing. It consists of staggered cubic structures with sharp geometric lines, flat roofs and full floor-to-ceiling windows, marking a departure from the more traditional English manors that dominate the Barrington area’s luxury properties.

The home has four fireplaces, a sauna, a wet bar, a walk-out basement and a five-car attached garage, according to the listing. The primary suite on the second floor includes a private fitness area and a walk-in closet, as well as a double-level patio that overlooks the grounds.

Article continues here.

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Pritzker’s affordable housing plan gets Senate hearing as municipalities remain opposed

Posted in Capitol News Illinois, Elections, Fat Bastard, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Unions, Village Code, Zoning Board on April 25, 2026| Leave a Comment »


New homes are shown under construction in Wheeling, Illinois, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

By Aidan Klineman and Medill Illinois News Bureau

Article Summary

  • The Senate Executive Committee heard nearly three hours of testimony on Gov. JB Pritzker’s BUILD plan for more affordable housing in Illinois.
  • Proponents of BUILD argued that the primary driver of the current housing affordability crisis is a lack of supply caused by legislative hurdles and different municipal priorities.
  • Opponents argued that BUILD infringes on local authority and imposes a “one-size-fits-all” approach to residential zoning.

Read the full article here.

Related: “Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans,” “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers,” “Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential It’s just zoning”

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Despite widespread local opposition, “North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors,” rallies members to support Pritzker’s BUILD Plan

Posted in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Ethics, Fools and their money, Immigration, Land Disconnection, Land Use, OP/Ed, Organizations, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Springfield, Unions, Zoning Board on April 22, 2026| 3 Comments »

More than two months ago we posted, “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control.” Shortly thereafter, local community leaders almost universally voiced their opposition to Pritzker’s plan to diminish local control and property values via his “BUILD,” plans.

Needless to say, we were dumbfounded when an email was forwarded to us with the subject line, “Call For Action: Support the BUILD Plan to Increase Inventory.” That message was sent by, “North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors (NSBAR).” Since most recognize the reputation (many) realtors have, suffice it to say consider the source as we continue…

The NSBAR message begins with, “Please contact your legislator and tell them to support the BUILD Plan to increase housing inventory and ease housing costs for Illinois families.” State Rep. Martin McLaughlin has not been shy in voicing his opposition to Pritzker’s land grab plans stating, “It’s just a bad idea.”

The NSBAR pitch states the BUILD plan will, “Eliminate local housing bans.” One does not need to read further, but those wishing to can do so here.

All we can advise is when buying or selling a home, choose your representative and attorney wisely.

Related: “Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans,” “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers,” “Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential It’s just zoning”

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CUSD 220 NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Property Taxes, School Districts, Unions on April 22, 2026| Leave a Comment »

On Monday May 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., a meeting conducted by Barrington Community Unit School District 220 will take place at 515 West Main Street, Barrington, IL 60010. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the district’s plan for providing Special Education services to students with disabilities who attend private schools and home schools within the District for the 2026-2027 school year.

If you are a parent of a home-schooled student or a parentally placed private school student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Barrington Community Unit School District 220, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact Nicole Kozeneski at (847) 844-4225.

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District 220 Board of Education meets tonight

Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Open Meetings Act, Overhead, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on April 21, 2026| Leave a Comment »

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

  • FOIA Request Report
  • Revised Personnel Report
  • Consideration to Approve 2026-2027 Meal Prices
  • Consideration to Approve 2026-2027 NSLP Food Service Renewal
  • Consideration to Approve Transform 220 Bids
  • Project Work Order #12 to the Pepper Construction Company Master Agreement
  • Consideration to Approve a BHS Athletic Program Donation Agreements
  • Grade Level Program Transition Update
  • Transform 220 Pre-Construction Update
  • Teaching and Learning / Equity Update

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

Related: “Over $100,000 in Special Interest Funding gifted to 220 Board member’s campaign in failed bid for State Rep job,” “New Evidence of Chan Ding’s Policy Violations and Conflicts of Interest,” “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency”

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The Deepfake Nudes Crisis in Schools Is Much Worse Than You Thought

Posted in AI, Big Brother, Deception, Education, Ethics, News Media, Privacy, School Districts, TMI, Topics Of Interest, WIRED on April 20, 2026| Leave a Comment »

An analysis by WIRED and Indicator found nearly 90 schools and 600 students around the world impacted by AI-generated deepfake nude images—and the problem shows no signs of going away. | PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION: WIRED STAFF; GETTY IMAGES

By Matt Burgess | WIRED

It usually starts with a photo downloaded from social media.

Around the world, teenage boys are saving Instagram and Snapchat images of girls they know from school and using harmful “nudify” apps to create fake nude photos or videos of them. These deepfakes can quickly be shared across whole schools, leaving victims feeling humiliated, violated, hopeless, and scared the images will haunt them forever.

The deepfake crisis hitting schools started slowly a couple of years ago, but it has since grown considerably as the technology used to create the explicit imagery has become more accessible. Deepfake sexual abuse incidents have hit around 90 schools globally and have impacted more than 600 pupils, according to a review of publicly reported incidents by WIRED and Indicator, a publication focusing on digital deception and misinformation.

The findings show that since 2023, schoolchildren—most often boys in high schools—in at least 28 countries have been accused of using generative AI to target their classmates with sexualized deepfakes. The explicit imagery, containing minors, is considered to be child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This analysis is believed to be the first to review real-world cases of AI deepfake abuse taking place at schools globally.

As a whole, the analysis shows the worldwide reach of harmful AI nudification technology, which can earn their creators millions of dollars per year, and shows that in many incidents, schools and law enforcement officials are often not prepared to respond to the serious sexual abuse incidents.

Article continues here.

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Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans

Posted in Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Unions, Village Code, Zoning Board on April 19, 2026| 1 Comment »

Mike Moran, Village of Barrington President

“Barrington has always taken a thoughtful and balanced approach to growth, preserving the character of our neighborhoods while planning responsibly for the future. With that in mind, I am writing to share serious concerns and urge opposition to House Bill (HB) 5626, known as the BUILD legislation. View the full text of the bill and its status here.

This proposal would override local zoning and require municipalities like Barrington to allow multi-family housing on nearly every residential lot.

Local zoning authority grants the Village the power to create and maintain single-family residential districts, which cover most of the Village’s footprint. In these locations today, only single-family homes are permitted. This helps to maintain the existing character and density of our neighborhoods.

What BUILD Would Allow by Lot Size:

Because all single-family residential lots in the Village exceed 5,000 sq. ft., this legislation would allow for any single-family residential lot in the Village to be redeveloped into a 6 or 8-unit building without any ability for the Village to prohibit such redevelopment. In short, if you live in a single-family residential district, the home next to yours could become a 6 or 8-unit apartment building.

This legislation raises several concerns. It removes local control, does not reflect the character of our neighborhoods, and could place additional strain on parking, infrastructure and schools. It also creates the risk that existing single-family homes, including naturally affordable housing, could be replaced by higher-density development, leaving uncertainty about future costs and fees.

Barrington supports responsible growth, but these decisions should remain local and grounded in careful planning. The Village will continue to share updates and information about this legislation in the coming months. I encourage you to visit the Village’s website to stay informed.”

Related: “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers,” “Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential It’s just zoning”

 

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Village of Barrington posts “E-Mobility Device” reminders

Posted in Public Safety, School Districts, Springfield on April 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »

“As the weather warms up, the Village is thrilled to see more people walking and biking around town. As a reminder, under current state law, the use of low-speed e-scooters on any public rights-of-way within the Village remains illegal. Likewise, the use of other e-mobility devices, such as e-bikes and gas bikes, within certain public rights-of-way, including sidewalks, remains illegal.

The use of many of these e-mobility devices is also restricted by age. Low-speed gas bikes and Class 3 low-speed e-bikes may only be used by people who are at least 16 years old. In communities outside of the Village that have authorized low-speed e-scooter use, they may be used only by people who are at least 18 years old.

The Secretary of State is currently prioritizing the coordination of legislation to provide the necessary definitions for these various classes of devices, as well as additional regulations governing their use to ensure consistent regulatory standards throughout the state.

The Village will share more information on that legislation and the associated regulations once they are finalized and approved. Until that time, we remain committed to the safe use of our rights-of-way, including the roadway and sidewalk. The public is encouraged to report the reckless use of e-mobility devices via 911 so our police department can respond and address the situation.”

Related: “Illinois Senate Unanimously Passes Giannoulias E-Bike Bill”

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Illinois Senate Unanimously Passes Giannoulias E-Bike Bill

Posted in E-bikes, Entertainment, Politics, Press Release, School Districts, Springfield, Topics Of Interest on April 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Photo by: Martin Schutt/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images

Illinois Senators (Wednesday) approved a sweeping statewide safety initiative spearheaded by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to address the growing dangers posed by unregulated high-speed e-bikes, e-motos and other powerful electric transportation devices operating on streets, bike lanes and sidewalks across the state.

The initiative focuses on higher-powered, higher-speed devices that fall outside current state definitions or remain largely unregulated, including certain e-bikes, e-motos and electric scooters, skateboards and unicycles. Illinois currently has no laws governing e-bikes and other micromobility devices that exceed 28 mph. Many of these devices have motors that exceed 750 watts and can travel well beyond 28 mph – in some cases over 50 mph – yet are not clearly addressed under existing law.

Illinois will maintain its current three-class e-bike structure, which covers pedal bicycles with electric motor assistance up to 28 mph – a framework already used in 46 other states. Under the proposal, those classifications would remain unchanged except for new age requirements that a rider on a Class 1 or Class 2 must be at least 15 years old.

Under the legislative framework:

  • Riders of e-bikes and e-motos capable of traveling over 28 mph would be required to have a driver’s license, title, registration and insurance.
  • High-speed micromobility devices such as e-scooters, electric skateboards and electric unicycles would be prohibited from operating over 28 mph on roads, bike lanes, bike paths and sidewalks. In addition, riders of any electric micromobility device must be at least 16 years old.
  • The legislation establishes statewide consistency, replacing the current patchwork of local ordinances that vary widely from one municipality to another.

If signed into law, the bill would take effect on January 1, 2027. E-bikes and e-motos purchased prior to that date would be exempt from the title requirement but must still be registered.

Along with the legislation, the Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready campaign will deliver:

  • Statewide public awareness outreach for parents, riders and retailers,
  • Updated driver education materials focused on sharing the road safely,
  • Law enforcement guidance and community safety partnerships, and
  • Outreach to schools and municipalities on responsible micromobility use.

The initiative is part of the Secretary of State’s broader effort to modernize transportation safety laws and respond proactively to emerging technologies before preventable injuries and fatalities continue to rise.

The full release can be read here.

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