Dist. 220: We must move quickly to renovate Hough St. School

A long-discussed renovation to Hough Street Elementary School, which proponents say would make the more than 50-year-old building at 310 S. Hough St. in Barrington more functional and safer, faces a tight deadline for it to be approved and executed this coming summer.

The plan, which is estimated to cost the Barrington Area Unit School District 220 around $2 million, would provide several facility improvements, including moving the building's front office closer to the school's main entrance.

School board member Wendy Farley said the plan enhances the school's safety by making the main office the gateway of the building.

"This is truly a concern for the safety of our students," Farley said. "This is a project that has been put on the five-year plan for, who knows, 20 years?"

Tuesday night's board meeting also featured a celebration of Hough Elementary's recent designation as a National Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education and the Golden Apple award won by Hough kindergarten teacher George Vlasis.

"Tonight is a good example of how wonderful the staff is at Hough," Farley said. "I think these teachers and staff deserve a building that is to the level of standard that we expect throughout 220."

During the 45-minute discussion of the plan and other potential work the district would like to get done during summer break several board members expressed concern that they did not have enough information about how much money would be available this far from the budget process.

Usually budget discussions begin in January, but board member Penny Kazmier said because the renovation would alter the school's footprint, the school district would need additional cooperation with the village of Barrington and that cooperation needs to start soon.

Board President Brian Battle brought up another concern: If the district chooses in the next five or 10 years to knock down and build a new school, it wouldn't be prudent to spend $2 million on a renovation now.

"Why not spend $12 million and give them a brand-new building where its better suited to the community's educational needs," Battle said.

Jim Aalfs, principal of Hough Elementary, said he understands that the renovations would be an expensive endeavor but stressed the importance of the improvements. "It's not frills, it's basic needs and it's getting us compliant with the rest of the district," Aalfs said. "I appreciate the discussion and I look forward to more of it."

The next board meeting is Dec. 1.