Barrington Area Unit District 220 will put an interior view of the proposed new Barrington High School auditorium, which will be funded by a portion of the city’s $64 million tax increase, before voters on Nov. 5.
Courtesy of District 220

Barrington Area Unit District 220 voters will decide the fate of a proposed $64 million tax increase on Nov. 5. The tax increase would build a new high school auditorium, fund safety improvements and improve curriculum in science, math and art.

The District 220 Board of Directors unanimously approved the ballot question on Tuesday and preparations are already underway for a series of informational meetings over the next month.

If voters approve the plan, owners of a $500,000 home would face an increase in the county’s share of property taxes of about $235 a year, officials said.

The scope of the planned projects is the result of a collaboration by about 2,500 community members this year who favored the middle of the three options proposed in the referendum, said Samantha Scheinman, communications director for District 220.

A more expensive option would have cost $11.5 million more for plumbing and maintenance, she added.

“The district will take care of these things using the remaining funds from our $147 million referendum that passed in March 2020,” Scheinman said. “The projects for that referendum were completed on time and under budget.”

On November 5, voters will be presented with a rendering of the exterior of the proposed new Barrington High School auditorium, which will be funded with a portion of the $64 million tax increase enacted by Barrington Area Unit District 220.
Courtesy of District 220

The planned new, larger lecture hall will be a modern, accessible space equipped with the latest technology, officials said.

The aim of the referendum is to increase security at all schools in the district, including through modern locking systems and the use of key cards. The additional revenue will also be used to improve mechanical systems, doors, windows and floors.

The funds would also be used to improve STEAM (science, technology, engineering and math) classrooms and programming in high schools and middle schools.

A rendering of the lobby of the proposed new Barrington High School auditorium, which would be funded by part of a $64 million tax increase, will be requested by Barrington Area Unit District 220 from voters on Nov. 5.
Courtesy of District 220

The plan also includes improvements to high school visual and performing arts programs and opportunities, as well as career pathways.

The four planned information events for residents are as follows:

Monday, September 9, 6:00 p.m., Barrington High School, 616 W. Main Street in Barrington;

6:00 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 18, Barrington Middle School-Station Campus, 215 S. Eastern Ave. in Barrington;

6 p.m., Thursday, September 19, at Barbara B. Rose Elementary School, 61 W. Penny Road in South Barrington; and

Saturday, September 28, 12:00 p.m. (immediately after the Homecoming Parade) at Barrington High School, 616 W. Main Street in Barrington.

More information is already available online at barrington220.org/referendum-2024.