Nordquist: Fond farewell to board

I want to thank the entire Barrington area community for the opportunity to serve three terms on the Barrington District 220 Board of Education over the past 12 years.

I am proud to have served with other outstanding board members, who have produced 11 consecutive balanced budgets, increased the fund balance to more than 38 percent and raised the district's Standard & Poors rating from A+ to AAA.

District 220 is one of just 27 districts nationwide to have earned this level of financial achievement. This strong financial improvement was accomplished while continuing to increase the academic success of our students and stature of our school system.

Since first being elected in 1997, every school in the district has seen major capital improvements, including four new elementary schools (North Barrington, Rose, Countryside and Roslyn Road) and the recently approved construction of a replacement facility for the Woodland Early Childhood Center.

The school board has overseen more than $120 million in school construction projects which also covered additions and renovations to Lines, Grove, Hough, Station and Prairie middle schools, and a complete renovation of Barrington High School which culminated last fall with the opening of the new Barrington Community Stadium.

While I'm retiring from the board, I plan on remaining very involved with our schools from continuing to volunteer in my daughters' classrooms to exploring additional avenues to donate my time and talents for the improvement of our community public school system.

I care deeply about our exceptional schools, and I will always cherish the opportunity I have had to serve our community through the school board.

Thank you again and all the best!

Jeff Nordquist

North Barrington