Friday, Sept. 26, 2008

New video scoreboard paid for by private funders, not tax dollars
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Dear Parents, Staff and Community:

You may have seen an article in today's (Sept. 26) edition of the Chicago Tribune highlighting the new video scoreboard at Barrington Community Stadium. The story appropriately features the players, fans and students who enjoy the scoreboard and how it adds to the exciting atmosphere of athletic events at the new stadium. While the story includes many positive aspects, the article and its subsequent coverage on WGN radio inadvertently implied the cost of the scoreboard was paid from the referendum passed by voters in April 2007. In fact, the entire cost of the scoreboard was graciously covered by outside sponsors, not by Barrington 220 tax dollars.

Contributions from businesses and individuals to pay for the scoreboard were secured by the Friends of the Stadium, a non-profit organization of supportive parents and community members who tirelessly raised funds for the video scoreboard and other upgrades to the stadium, such as heated restrooms, the FieldTurf, fencing and landscaping. Without this private funding, the video scoreboard and many other enhancements would not have been possible. These donors are acknowledged on the scoreboard and throughout the stadium complex to thank them for making such improvements possible.

The addition of the video scoreboard to the stadium project was not because we are one of the "more affluent schools," as the story indicates, but because we benefit from a community of generous and loyal stakeholders. The uniqueness of the new Barrington Community Stadium goes far beyond the video scoreboard. What sets this facility apart from other prep sports arenas is its example of what can happen when a devoted community and its dedicated taxpayers collaborate with a fiscally prudent school district and private funders. We hope you will stop by Barrington Community Stadium to enjoy the results for yourself.

Sincerely, Tom