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School Board member leaves Barrington schools ‘moving forward’
After serving on the District 220 School Board for three years, Nick Sauer has stepped down to serve as a Lake County Commissioner. | Michelle LaVigne ~ Sun-Times Media
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Updated: December 30, 2012 3:08PM
BARRINGTON — Barrington School District 220 announced earlier this month the resignation of board member Nick Sauer, who had served on the board since 2009.
Sauer’s resignation followed his successful election to the Lake County Board, where he will serve the 17th district.
Sauer, whose resignation went into effect Nov. 14, said it was a pleasure serving on the board.
“I enjoyed it because I was giving back to a school district that gave me a lot,” said Sauer, who also is a graduate of District 220. “There were times I was in opposition with decisions, but we had healthy disagreements. We had our hearts in the right direction.”
Barrington 220 Superintendant Thomas Leonard said Sauer did an excellent job helping the District oversee educational programs, policy and finances.
“Nick’s integrity is without question and his commitment to his community is truly noteworthy,” Leonard said.
Sauer, who served as the board’s secretary, said one of the most difficult aspects of his term was handling the ongoing budget reductions.
“We’ve gone through two to three years of budget reductions,” Sauer said. “We’ve been looking at how to get the most out of a dollar.”
Sauer said he considers District 220 to be fortunate because despite recent budget cutbacks, the district was able to avoid cutting teaching positions.
“We’ve kept the district moving forward,” he said. “I think our residents really appreciate that.”
School Board President Brian Battle said the Board will greatly miss Sauer.
“As a Barrington High School graduate, Nick always had the best interests of the district in mind during our deliberations,” Battle said. “Barrington 220 has benefitted from Nick’s service to the community. We know Nick will bring that same commitment to his new responsibilities on the Lake County Board.”
Sauer said he expects his new responsibilities will be somewhat similar to his role on the school board.
“We deal with a lot of different things,” said Sauer, explaining that the county board allocates funds for roads, jails, city health departments and clinics, among other services.
“I’ll also serve as a Forest Preserve Commissioner for Lake County,” Sauer said. “We value open space. I think that is something a lot of people move here for.”
Sauer said although he appreciated his time on the school board, he is looking forward to the county position.
“It’s a bigger role,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
Sauer reported that there will be a five-month period in which the school board will be conducting interviews for his replacement. He said the board expects to fill the position by April of 2013.
