Two board veterans end service in Dist. 220

Two veteran Barrington Area Unit District 220 board members who didn't seek re-election last month said farewell Tuesday night.

District 220 board President Brian Battle wrapped up a 16-year career as an elected official there, while Joseph Ruffolo ended an eight-year tenure.

At 12 years, Battle was the longest-serving board president in District 220 history, Superintendent Brian Harris said. In recognition of Battle's record, a new board room will be named in his honor and a plaque hung in the soon-to-open district headquarters in a renovated office building across the street from Barrington High School.

"It's been an honor to serve the Barrington community as a board member," said Battle, a Barrington resident who is managing partner at Great Lakes Capital. "It's often been said, right, the community gives the school board responsibility for two things that are pretty important to them, right: their money and their kids."

Ruffolo, a South Barrington resident who is a physics teacher at Franklin Park-based Leyden Township High School District 212, became known for perspective as an educator and involvement on District 220's advisory committees, including one on facilities.

"The job has been stressful, difficult and rewarding," Ruffolo said. "I am proud of what we've accomplished during my tenure as a board member. We have continued to improve test scores at all levels."

Much has occurred since Ruffolo and Battle began sharing time together on the board on 2011: Two district schools received the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award. The board hired Harris. The district implemented new start times. And it acquired land off Hart Road across from Barrington High.

On behalf of District 220 employees, Harris thanked Battle and Ruffolo for their service.

"You don't get paid anything," Harris told Ruffolo and Battle. "You only choose to do this service because of what's in the heart. And we all appreciate it."

After Ruffolo and Battle exited, the new version of the seven-member board was officially seated.

Incumbent Angela Wilcox and newcomers Leah Collister-Lazzari and Barry Altshuler won 4-year terms in the April election. Wilcox is serving her second term on the school board.

Colleagues selected longtime board member Penny Kazmier to take over as president. The other board members are Sandra Bradford, Michael Shackleton and Gavin Newman.