Dist. 220 ready to roll out newsletter, online magazine

A new newsletter, online video magazine and redesigned Web site are just a few ways Barrington Area Unit District 220 is trying to improve communication with residents.

Starting this week, all district residents -- not just those with children enrolled -- will get the newsletter, which also will direct them to a new online video magazine.

School board President Brian Battle said the goal is to give residents more information about what's going on in the district, as opposed to only hearing about it when it needs money.

"We don't want it to look like the only conversations we have are around referendums," Battle said.

Jeff Arnett, the district's new chief communications officer, said the newsletter will provide basic information, but readers will be encouraged to view the online video magazine for more details.

"It will help residents understand some of the achievements and challenges in the district," he said.

The first issue will highlight Sunny Hill School's Nancy Kontney winning a Golden Apple Award, the high school's advanced placement program and data on district finances.

"They are meant to represent different things going on at all levels of the district," Arnett said.

The online video magazine will be produced by students in Barrington High's BHS TV program.

"There is a really fun synergy there," Battle said.

The magazine is just one part of a revamped Web site, Arnett said.

"I think it will become the catalyst for more changes coming to the Web site over time," he said.

The majority of work on the site, which includes giving it a new address at barrington220.org, is planned for over the summer.

A goal of the new site, Arnett said, is to give residents a way to share their feelings with the district.

"We hope to create a better avenue for two-way communication," Arnett said.

Superintendent Tom Leonard said the district also plans to expand its e-mail blast service. Currently, only parents receive the e-mail alerts.

"We are going to set up a way for anyone (in the district) to subscribe into that," he said.

In recent years, much of the district's communication with residents has centered around asking money for new facilities.

The district tried twice in 2006 for voter approval for new middle schools to ease crowding, and sought money for a new early learning center and athletic stadium at the high school.

Only the stadium, now under construction, won approval.

For more information, visit cusd220.org.