Subject: Important Update for Barrington Public Schools
Dear Barrington Schools Community,
Following the conclusion of Barrington Public School’s independent investigation into a high school teacher’s social media comments, I am writing to inform you that a decision has been made by my administration to issue appropriate discipline, end the teacher’s paid administrative leave, and return the teacher to work.
I want to provide all of our families, faculty, and staff with operational details and reassurance about the days ahead.
The high school teacher at the center of the recent district independent investigation will be returning to the classroom on December 1. The investigator’s now public report confirms that the teacher violated district social media policy, resulting in substantial disruption to our district. This is a personnel matter, and while we cannot share details of internal actions, the district is moving forward and maintaining strong expectations for staff conduct.
It’s no secret that over the last two months, our district has been thrust into national conversations, and students and our school community members have been exposed to online hostility and certainly a more challenging and distracting education environment in the wake of this issue. We want students, families, and staff to feel safe and supported as we transition back to routine school operations that continue the outstanding work of our district.
Given the reach of this news, along with many families who have students in age groups across our district, we want all members of our district to be aware of the steps we are taking to support our students, staff, and schools. Beginning immediately:
Increased Safety Measures Across Barrington Schools
We have been meeting closely with the Barrington Police Department and our district’s safety consultant to ensure we are doing all we can to support the safety of our schools, particularly in anticipation of any decision made around this issue. BPD is also coordinating with the Rhode Island State Police, surrounding municipal police departments, the FBI Providence Field Office, and the Rhode Island State Fusion Center.
I recognize this increased presence may feel discerning; however, we want to go above and beyond to support the safety of our schools, particularly given the national attention on Barrington. We strongly oppose any and all threatening language or communication toward our district, but we are fully prepared to respond. We have temporarily adjusted the inbound call process to our individual schools, and our team is receiving live transcripts of all calls and will respond back to any parent calls/needs regarding students. Parents and guardians are asked to please follow our schools’ voicemail prompts should you need to speak to your child’s school directly.
Student Support Services
We know that some families may wish to speak with their school administrators about their student’s needs, and their school will work with them to ensure appropriate support. Students who have concerns or need space to process recent events will have access to school counselors, social workers, and trained staff members. Further, our district professionals have developed additional mental health resources available to our high school students.
Stability for Our Students
We are reminding our staff across the district not to engage in classroom debate or conversation about this personnel matter, and ask for your partnership in speaking with your students about doing the same, should they broach this subject with you. We want to do all we can to re-focus energy on the important learning and educational success happening across our district, and avoid any misinformation or classroom disruptions.
I know these last two months have been difficult and, at times, deeply upsetting for many. I am grateful to our educators, support staff, and leaders for maintaining professionalism and focus despite extraordinary pressure.
Our responsibility now is to ensure a safe environment, to rebuild trust, and to keep our work centered on our amazing students.
I ask for our community’s partnership and patience as we move forward together. Should you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to me or your school administrator directly.
Sincerely,
Bob Mitchell, Interim Superintendent