BARRINGTON, ILL. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Barrington District 220 Superintendent Brian Harris spent the majority of Tuesday night’s school board meeting explaining the decision to switch from a combination of in-person and remote learning to being fully remote to start the school year.
“I know, we all know, having kids in our schools is the best place for them. However, there are significant reasons why we just cannot do it at this time," Harris said.
There are two main concerns: the inability to maintain social distancing and meeting staffing needs.
“The unfortunate reality is that this school year is going to be unpredictable, it’s going to be uncertain, unsettling for everyone involved. We will be required to be flexible and be able to pivot and adjust multiple times this year,” added Harris.
“I’m ashamed of our school district. I have a junior and the impact that this has had on him emotionally and his confidence is unprecedented. I know you didn’t mean to do that but I do not think you accepted enough responsibility in truly supporting this community that values the level of taxes that we’re paying for the level of education we’re supposed to have,” Eleanor Sweet McDonnell said.
“I understand the risks, and I feel for families that are affected by them, but you had offered our children in-person learning and they were so excited and then that option was taken away in a brief email,” added District 220 parent Kathy Quinn.
Harris said the remote learning will go through at least October 16.