Subject: Title IX Investigation Findings and District Response
Dear Barrington Public Schools Community,
Last night at the School Committee meeting, I shared my formal determination following the completion of a Title IX investigation involving a former bus monitor employed by our transportation vendor, Ocean State Transit, during the 2024–2025 school year.
The findings are disturbing and unacceptable, and it should never have happened. Families entrust us with their children’s safety every single day, including during transportation to and from school. That trust was violated.
I also want to remind our community that this matter was referred to law enforcement, and the individual has been criminally indicted by a grand jury. We will continue to cooperate fully with any ongoing criminal proceedings.
The investigation found that the misconduct occurred during the 2024–2025 school year. Once concerns were raised, the individual was immediately removed from working in our district and permanently barred from returning.
My most important thoughts remain with the students who were impacted and with their families. No child should ever endure such a violation of trust. We recognize that the public release of this report may reopen wounds for those directly impacted, and we have been in communication with those families.
For the sake of transparency and accountability, my determination letter is now posted on the district website, and the full investigative report, with appropriate redactions to protect student privacy. I ask that you please refrain from speculating about who may be the impacted students/families. This was a very sensitive matter and we want to do all we can to support and respect their privacy, while being transparent with our community about this investigation.
Although the individual at the center of this investigation was not an employee of Barrington Public Schools, he was entrusted with the care of our students through a district transportation contract. That means we are responsible for ensuring that the safeguards surrounding student transportation are strong and enforced.
While our district was under different leadership during the time of these incidents, what matters most is the responsibility we carry now to ensure that our systems are stronger moving forward.
Since these matters came to light, we have implemented significant corrective measures, including:
Termination of our contract with Ocean State Transit. As the School Committee voted last night, First Student will begin servicing our district on July 1 with clear expectations regarding safety, compliance, and accountability.
Strengthened oversight of all student transportation services, and additional monitoring protocols regarding transportation of students with special needs.
Mandatory verification and documentation of daily bus camera functionality. At the time of these incidents, required internal bus camera systems were not functioning as they should have been. That failure is unacceptable.
Annual CORI and SORI checks for all bus monitors.
Clear contractual requirements mandating full vendor cooperation in any investigation involving student safety.
Student safety is not negotiable. We will continue to evaluate and strengthen our safeguards wherever necessary.
I also recognize that news like this can create anxiety and confusion beyond the directly impacted families. Counselors and mental health professionals are available in every school to support students who may need to talk. If your child would benefit from speaking with someone, please contact your school principal.
For families who would like guidance on how to discuss sensitive topics in age-appropriate ways, I sharing resources from nationally respected organizations, including:
RAINN: https://rainn.org/get-informed/prevention/prevention-tips-for-parents-caregivers/
Stop It Now: https://www.stopitnow.org/resources
Enough Abuse: https://enoughabuse.org/get-the-facts/guides-for-parents/
Child Mind Institute: www.childmind.org
These organizations provide developmentally appropriate guidance for parents and caregivers navigating difficult conversations.
I know this news is painful and unsettling. As a parent and grandparent, I understand the instinct to protect our children from harm and from fear. Please know that every decision we are making is guided by a simple principle that the safety and well-being of our students must always come first.
I strongly believe that trust is built through transparency, accountability, and of course, action. We are committed to all three.
Thank you for your partnership and your continued trust in our schools as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Bob Mitchell
Interim Superintendent
Barrington Public Schools