Barrington (Ill.) School District 220 is planning a $62 million renovation of Barrington High School.
The Daily Herald reports that the facility upgrades will enhance student safety and create more flexible learning spaces. The plan also calls for changes to the school's parking lot, upgrades to athletic facilities, the creation of a fitness center, a redesigned cafeteria and the consolidation of student services department.
Funding for the project would come from a $147 million referendum approved last year by voters.
To enhance security, the plan calls for reducing the number of building entrances.
"We have 45 entrances in that building and it's not always clear which one (to) go into," says Barrington High School Principal Steve McWilliams.
Three primary entryways would be refurbished with canopies to protect students in inclement weather and secure area just inside the doors. The main entrance would be built out to add an atrium, or commons area, for students.
Parking lots would be rearranged to provide a safer flow.
Inside the building, the cafeteria would be redesigned with the inclusion of three additional multipurpose rooms to host club meetings or other activities.
The plan also calls for significant improvements to the physical education and wellness areas.
McWilliams says the plan also includes a tech lab with spaces that could be easily changed and moved. Other spaces could be converted to meet the needs of a modern curriculum.
