Hello Barrington Families;
Barrington’s one and only Dancing With the Barrington Stars is this Saturday, November 18th at 2pm at the Middle School. This is a must see event with a new twist this year. Our competitors will be showing off their dance moves as well as their Lip Sync skills. I can’t wait to see all of the performances!
The Budget Process is well underway for the 2024/25 school year. Unlike last year which was less than a 1% increase, we are looking at a more substantial increase due to a variety of factors. First and foremost, we need to continue to make progress toward academic achievement for all. This means looking at potential positions and programming. Additionally, we are continuing to see large increases in the cost of contracted services, supplies, and materials. We will continue to work collaboratively to prepare a fiscally responsible budget that will also meet the needs of our growing and changing community.
On October 17th we began with a preliminary Budget Presentation. This presentation looks at the needs of the District over the next 5 years and adheres to our Mission, Vision, and 5 year goals. This presentation was followed by a November 7th meeting where the Administrative Team spoke to the increases as well as the decreases in the proposed budget. We will continue our budget conversations at the upcoming November 21st, December 5th and December 12th meetings.
Here are the important dates which will conclude this process:
● January 2, 2024 Budget Hearing 6:00pm, BMS cafeteria
● February 10, 2024 Deliberative Session 9:00am, BMS cafeteria
● March 12, 2024 Voting BMS cafeteria
I would also like to take a moment to explain another timely process, snow
day calls. This is an area that I may not always get right and certainly not
everyone will agree with my decision however, I will always make my
decision based on student safety at the time in which I need to make the
call. Please know that you as a parent/guardian can alway make the decision to keep your child home. We all have different thoughts and feelings when it comes to driving in inclement weather.
Many of you may not be aware of the logistics surrounding how a
delayed opening, early dismissal, or snow day is determined. I have been in
contact with many individuals over the past couple of weeks to ensure that we are all on the same page. Here are the steps that occur:
1. If there is a clear cut storm arriving then I will work to make the call
the evening prior. Nobody likes to anxiously wait and wonder about a
snow day and certainly most of us would rather our sleep not get
interrupted at 5:00am.
2. If the timing of the storm requires a morning decision, that process
begins at 4:00am when the Bus Company calls the Road Agent in
Barrington to discuss the conditions of the road. Please keep in mind
that it takes approximately 4 hours to safely clear and treat the roads of
Barrington (if they are fully staffed). The timing of the storm will then dictate the time at which we can expect the roads to be travelable and as a result the potential start of school.
3. In the meantime, I am on the phone with area Superintendents to
discuss the conditions in their towns and what they are thinking. This
is primarily done given that we send our high school age students to 3
different towns and I want to do my best to ensure the safety of all
students. It is possible that Barrington is delayed or closed and our
high school towns may not be making the same call. Please
understand that busing availability will follow the decision that I
make in Barrington.
4. The Bus Company then calls me to discuss the conditions and we
make a decision based on all gathered information. I will strive to
have this information out to you all prior to 5:30am. Please make sure
that we have your accurate contact information in our system. The
Administrative Assistants at each of the schools can assist if needed.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends doing what makes you happy.
