To the editor: 

Transparency (behavior) means operating in such a way that it is easy for others to see what actions are performed. Transparency implies openness, communication, and accountability. Has transparency lost its meaning with our school committee? 

For instance, the school committee refuses to let taxpayers know how much they spent in legal fees trying to “set precedent” over the suspension of a middle school student. Our hope is the Attorney General will grant the Barrington Times the right to that information in order to share it with our community. 

Did the school committee ask their attorney how much each appeal would cost? After losing the first appeal, did they consider ending the process before spending more money? These discussions happen in executive sessions to protect privacy, which is important. However, since our town/school budget is funded primarily with residential property taxes and little state support, every taxpayer dollar should be carefully considered before spending.

At the school committee meeting Feb. 6, the superintendent presented the results of the district-wide K-12 survey regarding the new school schedule. In addition, he presented the results of a high school survey completed by fall athletes that included information about the impact the later dismissal time had on their season. All the results were concerning and most certainly do not align with what the school committee promised. 

On Feb. 26, after almost three weeks, the survey information was emailed to district families but it was embedded in the “School Committee Briefs.” A divisive initiative deserves its own communication to parents, teachers, students, and the community. Furthermore, the results were revealed a month ago and the school committee has remained silent. 

Lastly, and most concerning is a change the school committee has made regarding recording their meetings. In the past, all meetings were recorded. This fall they decided to record business meetings only (approximately 1 out of 2 meetings per month). The committee discussed their budget at their meetings on Feb. 6, 20, and 27. The meetings on Feb. 20 and 27 were “workshops” and were not recorded. Unless you attended, you are unable to hear the budget discussion that took place during 2 out of 3 meetings.

Transparency should not be selective in order to fit pre-existing views.

The School Start Time Initiative has had many negative outcomes. The school committee needs to acknowledge this and let district families know how they plan to resolve the issues. Perhaps sending an email with the results and holding a workshop to address these topics would allow frustrated parents, students, and teachers to feel like their concerns matter.

We encourage parents and community members to get involved. We need a new school committee. With three seats up in November now is the time to mobilize! 

Lisa Daft

Carolanne McTaggart

Tanja Epps

Chase Kazounis

Tom Rimoshytus

Gina Pine

Dianne Tine

Jamie Triebwasser

Barrington