Barrington-area leaders share successes, challenges at chamber forum

From a “showcase” pool to a state-of-the-art high school auditorium, Barrington-area officials shared their gains, as well as their challenges, Thursday during the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce’s Town Hall forum.

Barrington Park District Executive Director Teresa Jennings told the gathering that the new pool at Langendorf Park, among the projects funded by a successful $18.8 million referendum in 2023, is expected to open in mid-June.

“We are going to be a showcase pool in the state of Illinois,” Jennings said.

Barrington Area Unit District 220 Superintendent Craig Winkelman said some of its recent successes include implementing full-day kindergarten three years ahead of the state deadline and passing a referendum last year that will fund upgrades that include a new auditorium at Barrington High School.

“In the spring of 2028, we will host our first spring musical,” he added.

Officials also detailed challenges ahead.

Barrington Area Library Executive Director Jason Pinshower said the library will be celebrating its 100th anniversary at a time when the Institute of Museum and Library Services — a federal agency that provides grants to smaller libraries across the country — faces massive funding cuts.

Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District Trustee Tom Long said the state legislature could force fire personnel into a pension plan that would increase costs and require a local referendum to fund it.

The cost of fire equipment is rising faster than the rate of inflation, he added, in part because private equity groups control production of most fire vehicles.

Barrington Township Supervisor D. Robert Alberding told the audience that township government is “under attack” in Springfield. He defended the value of townships, saying for the cost of $28 on the average property tax bill, the township provides services such as a food pantry serving about 58 families.