Newcomer Wilcox to join incumbents on Barrington 220 board
Newcomer Angela Wilcox appears set to join victorious incumbents Brian Battle and Joseph Ruffolo on the Barrington Area Unit School District 220 Board of Education.
With all 43 precincts reporting early Wednesday morning, Wilcox had 2,964 votes, ahead of Battle's 2,841, and Ruffolo's 2,806. according to unofficial vote totals. Each will claim one of three four-year terms that were up for election Tuesday.
Alex Bernardi, of North Barrington, had 2,382 votes. Bernardi, who is the president of the Barrington Chinese Immersion Council, was running as part of a slate with Battle, of Barrington, and Ruffolo, of South Barrington.
Wilcox thanked her supporters on her Facebook page Tuesday night.
"Thanks to you, we are currently the leading vote-getter," Wilcox, of Barrington Hills wrote. "I couldn't be more happy or humbled by your support. I will do the very best of my ability to serve District 220."
Battle, who has served on the board since 2003 and is its current president, said he is looking forward to the challenges of the next four years, noting the economic uncertainty of the state and what it means for school funding.
"I believe we'll be able to weather the financial changes the state may give us," Battle said. "It will take a little work with the community, but I believe the school board can lead a very healthy conversation."
Battle said he didn't think the election came down to any one issue in particular, and he wished Bernardi well.
"I hope she stays involved with the district because she would make an excellent school board member," Battle said. "She's a community member that has a lot to offer to the school."
The district encompasses 72 square miles, including portions of Cook, Lake, McHenry and Kane counties, and serves more than 9,000 students at its high school, two middle schools and eight elementary schools.
Michael Shackleton, who told the Daily Herald in February that he was dropping out of the race, nonetheless received 1,110 votes.