Barrington 'role models' retire from service

School committee says good-bye to Patrick Guida and Bob Shea

By Josh Bickford
Posted 12/10/16

Emotions ran high at Thursday night's school committee meeting, as school officials bid farewell to two long-serving committee members.

Bob Shea and Patrick Guida smiled and sometimes swelled with …

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Barrington 'role models' retire from service

School committee says good-bye to Patrick Guida and Bob Shea

Posted

Emotions ran high at Thursday night's school committee meeting, as school officials bid farewell to two long-serving committee members.

Read more Barrington news stories.

Bob Shea and Patrick Guida smiled and sometimes swelled with tears as the other committee members, administrators and local legislators shared heartfelt sentiments. 

Fellow committee members spoke about Mr. Shea's and Mr. Guida's contributions to Barrington schools over the years, their unwavering support for local students and their strength in the face of staunch opposition.

"You are unflappable at the most challenging times," said committee chairwoman Kate Brody, about Mr. Shea who served for eight years. 

"He's been a role model for us, because he's always calm," said superintendent Michael Messore.

The praise continued for Mr. Guida, who served on the committee for 20 years. During that time, Mr. Guida also served on the Rhode Island Association of School Committees, the Rhode Island Board of Regents, and the National Association of State Boards of Education.

In addition, Mr. Guida served on numerous hiring committees for the district.

"Buzz, you hired all of us," said Ron Tarro, the director of finance and administration. 

"Your work was one of the reasons why I (came to work in Barrington)," said Paula Dillon, the district's director of curriculum and instruction.

Rep. Joy Hearn credited Mr. Guida for his support and testimony during the state's move to adopt a school funding formula. Rep. Hearn said Mr. Guida played a key role in the process. She and Sen. Cindy Coyne both presented Mr. Guida and Mr. Shea with special legislative citations.

Mr. Guida thanked his fellow committee members and the administrators for all their work over the years. He also took time to thank his wife, Sandy, referring to her as a hero in the audience.

Mr. Guida mentioned some of the work he was most proud of during his tenure on the committee — it included the increased number of Advanced Placement courses offered at the high school, the push to adopt professional learning communities, and all-day kindergarten. He also mentioned the district's National Blue Ribbon winners, as well as the high school renovation and addition and the passage of the bond that will allow for the new middle school.

"It really has been a team effort," he added.

Mr. Guida said his decision to serve on the committee was based on his appreciation of what the district had done for his own children.

"They had done such a great job with my kids," he said. "I wanted to return that."

Mr. Shea also showed his appreciation to his fellow committee members and administrators, and made a special point to praise Mr. Guida. "It was an honor to be sitting here with you," he said.

Mr. Shea said his decision to first run for the school committee came after he realized he wished to see progress made for the health and wellness of students in Barrington. He has served as the chairman of the health and wellness committee.

Mr. Shea grew emotional when he began speaking of his colleagues and the citizens of Barrington, and "the trust that's placed in us." He also thanked officials for allowing him the opportunity to serve with his son, Eli, who is the student representative to the school committee.

Mr. Shea said he learned many things while working with his fellow committee members and recalled a moment when Mr. Guida was speaking with a community member about the work the committee handles.

"You said 'The work is easy if you think about what's best for the kids,'" Mr. Shea said. 

The two men received plaques for their service and also ties.

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