More online surveys coming in District 220

Residents in Barrington Area Unit District 220 can expect several opportunities next fall to express their opinions on how the schools are run.

This week, school board members reviewed results from a recent online survey on the this year's redistricting process. They were so pleased with the participation that they plan to use online surveys next year to gauge residents opinions on a variety of issues.

The district's chief communications officer Jeff Arnett said 432 people responded to the survey, which was posted online between May 13 and June 8.

"That is a very good rate of participation," Arnett said. "We feel like this was a success."

Among those surveyed, only 60 were directly affected by the redistricting.

Board member Jeff Nordquist said he was glad to see many others besides those affected take the survey.

"It was interesting to see how many people took the survey who weren't involved in this at all," he said.

Overall, 52 percent of those who responded felt that the process used Enrollment Monitoring Committee, the group put in charge of redrawing the elementary attendance boundaries, was fair, balanced and objective.

Also, 52 percent said they felt the enrollment committee listened to and considered community feedback when making their decisions.

The survey also showed that more than 77 percent of those surveyed felt the district Web site was a helpful source of information during the redistricting process.

"I think it was great feedback," said Brian Battle, school board president.

Based on the participation, Arnett said the district will introduce a series of online surveys next fall on both school and district satisfaction.

"I think this provides us a good framework," Arnett said of the completed survey.

The entire survey results are available online at www.cusd220.org.

Strike up the band: The Barrington Park District kicks off its summer concert series Wednesday, with a performance by the Juke Box Band.

The Juke Box Band plays a wide range of tunes, including classic rock, blues, country and jazz.

The free concert, which includes food and free giveaways, is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Citizen's Park Amphitheater.

Wednesday's concert is the first of six planned for the summer.

The rest of the summer lineup includes Peter Oprisko on July 9, The Barrington Community Band July 16, Bopology July 23, Little Nashville July 30 and The Only Sons on Aug. 5.

The Only Sons concert will be held in conjunction with the village's annual National Night Out celebration.

Concerts will be held at the Citizen's Park Pavilion in the case of rain. For concert updates, call (847) 381-0881.