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District 220 Board of Education meets tonight

Posted in 220, Agendas, AI, Animal Welfare, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Countryside Elementary School, Deception, District 220 referendum, Education, Elections, Ethics, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Immigration, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Overhead, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on September 15, 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:

  • Student Report – Countryside Elementary School
  • FOIA Reports
  • Revised Personnel Report
  • Consideration to Approve 2026-27 Budget
  • Consideration to Approve Transfer to Capital Projects
  • Consideration to Approve Terms of IGA for Proposed Village of South Barrington Higgins Corridor TIF District
  • Bond Review Presentation
  • Proposed Village of South Barrington Higgins Corridor TIF District

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

Related: “Barrington parents ask District 220 to reduce students’ screen time,” “District 220 board members violated campaign policies, investigation finds”

 

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Brandon Johnson joins fifteen (15) others running for mayor

Posted in Cook, County, Crime, Economy, Elections, Ethics, Illinois Policy Institute, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, Taxes, Unions on September 14, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is seeking a second term, officially joining the growing field of candidates in the 2027 Chicago mayoral election.

By Dylan Sharkey | Illinois Policy Institute

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Sunday that he is running for a second term, joining a host of other candidates competing to win the office in 2027.

The mayor posted a video on social media ending with “four more years.”

“I’m here because I’m the only candidate who’s fighting for working families. If you’re ready for a safer and more affordable Chicago, then now is our time!” Johnson posted on X.

He now joins a crowded field of candidates for mayor:

A University of Chicago poll released in July found Johnson’s approval rating at 23%, while just 13.6% of Chicagoans said they wanted him to seek another term.

Report continues here.

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Doors open on new Boys & Girls Club’s impact center in Carpentersville

Posted in 220, 300, Chicago Tribune, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Longmeadow Parkway, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, Topics Of Interest on September 13, 2026| Leave a Comment »

A ribbon-cutting event was held Thursday for the Boys & Girls Club of the Northwest Suburbs’ new Foglia Woodlands Impact Center in Carpentersville. | Boys & Girls Club of the Northwest Suburbs

By Gloria Casas | The Courier-News

The Boys & Girls Club of the Northwest Suburbs officially opened its teen impact center Thursday, announcing it would be named for the family foundation whose donation helped them meet the the building’s $13.2 million fundraising goal.

The Foglia Woodlands Impact Center at 770 Navajo Drive in Carpentersville is not only the 17th teen center opened by the national nonprofit organization but the largest in the country, according to the club’s Chief Executive Director Amanda Schleede.

At 41,000 square feet, the building includes, among other things, a technology lab in which members can learn to code, build and fly drones, a recording studio, a café run as a business by club members, and a kitchen run by a professional chef teaching members culinary arts.

Chef Maria Terry, center, shows Kayla Johnson, 15, left, and Allison Morales, 15, how to make dumplings during an event Thursday at the opening of the Boys & Girls Club of the Northwest Suburbs’ new Foglia Woodlands Impact Center in Carpentersville. | Gloria Casas/The Courier-News

There’s also space where members can use a virtual reality program to learn how to drive a forklift or do something fun, like tour Australia, said Mike Berger, senior director of safety and facilities.

The donation from the Foglia Family Foundation put the club over its fundraising goal, but Schleede also used Thursday’s ribbon-cutting event to thank all of those who helped bring the project to fruition, including community partners like Community Unit School District 300 and Barrington School District 220 as well as community leaders and club staff.

Addressing the Boys & Girls Club members, who wore T-shirts that read “I Can Change the World,” Schleede emphasized, “this was always about you.”

“Thank you for your patience, your excitement, and for reminding us all why we do this work,” she said. “This is not just a ribbon-cutting. This is a finish line of a journey that started with a vision. It’s a starting line for thousands of kids who are going to walk through these doors for years to come.”

Report continues here.

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AI restrictions spread as K-12 school year begins

Posted in 220, 300, AI, Illinois Federation of Teachers, School Districts, Springfield, The Center Square on September 11, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Photo: Immo Wegmann / Unsplash

By Esther Wickham | The Center Square

States and school districts across the country are tightening rules on artificial intelligence as the 2026-27 K-12 school year begins, with education leaders citing concerns over student learning, screen time and the risks of rapidly advancing technology.

As concerns about AI’s impact on K-12 education have grown, dozens of states have introduced or passed legislation aimed at regulating its use in schools.

Illinois

The Illinois State Board of Education launched an AI guidance package in June 2026, providing school districts with guidance on evaluating and using artificial intelligence products.

The roughly 400-page AI Blueprint emphasizes that AI should support teachers and student-teacher relationships.

“The guidance is not organized around artificial intelligence as a technology to be adopted for its own sake. It is organized around the enduring educational premise that the teacher-student interaction is the centerpiece of teaching and learning,” the document states.

“AI may assist with planning, access, feedback, communication, operations, and resource development, but it must remain a means to inform teaching and learning rather than a substitute for educator judgment, student relationships, or the developmental and civic purposes of public schooling,” the document said.

The Center Square reached out to ISBE for further information but did not receive a response.

Report continues here.

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Barrington Hills Park District/Riding Club meets tonight

Posted in Agendas, Algonquin Rd, Animal Welfare, Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Big Red, BraveHearts, Commercial Horse Boarding, Countryside Elementary School, Deception, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, FRVPC, Horizon Farm, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Lighting Ordinance, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Transparency, Unions, Well Water Quality on September 9, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Barrington Hills Park District Board/Riding Club of Barrington Hills will hold their monthly meeting this evening in person and via Zoom at 6:00 PM. Some topics on their agenda include:

  • Adam Bianchi, Superintendent for the Cook County Forest Preserve District to present the Forest Preserve’s vision for Spring Creek
  • Treasurer’s Report Review: Approval of the August 2026 Financial Report & Annual Financial Report
  • Insurance Risk Assessment Review

A copy of their agenda can be viewed here. Instructions for accessing the meeting remotely can be found here.

 

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Barrington parents ask District 220 to reduce students’ screen time

Posted in 220, AI, Board of Education, Daily Herald, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, School Districts, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on September 3, 2026| Leave a Comment »

A group of parents in “Barrington Area Unit School District 220” are asking district officials to reduce the reliance on technology in classrooms and more closely monitor students’ screan time.

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

More than 1,200 parents, educators and community members have signed a petition calling on Barrington Area Unit School District 220 to reduce students’ screen time and access to technological devices.

“Technology can absolutely be a valuable educational tool,” Jenna Bennett, one of the parents involved in the effort, said in a statement. “But a tool should be used purposefully — not become the default.”

The parents are asking the district to demonstrate how and why technology is being used, establish appropriate guardrails, and ensure educators’ decisions are supported by research and data.

District 220 Superintendent Craig Winkelman said educators already are addressing some of the concerns, including with a policy change this year that keeps kindergarten and first-grade students from taking school-issued iPads home, unless teachers require it for an assignment.

“We used to have a stance that all of our devices went home as the standard, and we have changed that,” Winkelman said.

Petition signers say they want to district to go further, by keeping all elementary students’ devices at school whenever possible and creating screen-free lunch environments in middle schools.

Report continues here.

Editorial note: The petition the report refers to can be found here.

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CUSD 220 Board of Education budget public hearing and meeting Tuesday

Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Deception, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), E-bikes, Education, Elections, Ethics, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Look For The Union Label, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Hearing, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, Snowflake Effect, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Unions, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on August 31, 2026| Leave a Comment »

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

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

Related: “CUSD 220 Tentative Fiscal 2026/27 Budget Public Hearing September 1st,” “District 220 board members violated campaign policies, investigation finds,” “Proposed Policy Change Would Strip Anonymous Formal Grievances in Barrington District 220,” “Reminder: CUSD 220 Board of Education meeting tonight,” “CUSD 220 Board delivers second (slappier) slap on the wrist to member Erin Chan Ding,” “CUSD 220 Board of Education public comments we applaud,” “Special District 220 Board of Education meeting Monday,” “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” and “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’”

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The Stunning Rise of the Democratic Socialists of America

Posted in 220, Barrington Area Library, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, DARCHED, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Ethics, Fools and their money, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Immigration, League of Women Voters, News Media, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, School Districts, Taxes, The New Normal?, The New York Times, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on August 28, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Daily | The New York Times

This summer, the Democratic Socialists of America have mounted their biggest and most successful attempt yet to redefine the Democratic Party. They have defeated its candidates in primary after primary from coast to coast.

As its electoral success grows, the organization is confronting big, unresolved questions about what it stands for and what level of compromise is required to become a lasting political force.

Charles Homans, who talked to more than 30 D.S.A. candidates, organizers, members and volunteers across the countries, discusses the rise and limitations of the D.S.A.

Guest: Charles Homans writes about national politics for The New York Times and The Times Magazine.

The link to the podcast can be found here.

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Putting on the brakes: New Illinois law establishes rules for e-bikes, scooters

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Bicyclists, Capitol News Illinois, E-bikes, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Public Safety, School Districts, Springfield, Traffic on August 27, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Ben Szalinski | Capitol News Illinois

New rules governing who can use electronic bikes and scooters, including where and how fast they go, will go into effect next year following Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature on Wednesday.

Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3484 which establishes regulations on “micromobility” transportation that include age requirements, speed limits and rules on where they can be operated. The bill takes effect Jan. 1.

“Technology is evolving, providing expanded mobility options for our neighbors through the rise in popularity of e-bikes and scooters,” bill sponsor Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), said in a statement. “But without clear regulations for these devices, we are seeing increased injuries and accidents — jeopardizing community safety.”

The bill passed both chambers with bipartisan support on June 1 following several amendments throughout the spring session.

The new law was one of Secretary of State Alex “Ali G”i Giannoulias’ top priorities during the legislative session. The Chicago mayoral candidate said unregulated micromobility devices have become a problem in the city.

“As these high-powered devices become faster and more common on our streets and sidewalks, the stakes are simply too high to leave them unregulated and outpacing public safety,” Giannoulias said in a statement. “This law brings accountability and common-sense safety standards to our roads while helping prevent serious injuries and ensuring riders, parents and communities understand how to safely share the road.”

The state already has some regulations for low-speed electric bikes and scooters, but regulation often varies at the local level. The bill creates new statewide standards for high-speed electric bikes and scooters, electric motor bikes, and electric unicycles and skateboards.

“Municipal leaders have been responding in real time as new electric devices appear on local streets, sidewalks and bike paths,” Illinois Municipal League CEO Brad Cole said in a statement. “A statewide framework gives communities greater consistency while providing local officials and law enforcement with clearer guidance.”

Law enforcement groups were also in support of the bill.

Report continues here.

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Barrington Area Council of Governments meets tonight

Posted in Animal Welfare, BACOG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Village Government on August 25, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) Executive Board is scheduled to meet this evening at 7:00 PM at the Tower Lakes Village Hall, 400 North Rt. 59.

Meeting agendas are not posted by BACOG, nor are minutes, but their website does state, “Copies of approved minutes for BACOG committee and executive board meetings are available upon request. Please submit requests by email to bacog@bacog.org.

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