Barrington School officials have notified families across town about a second sexual assault allegation levied against a Barrington school bus monitor. 

In an email sent on Thursday night, June 19, Barrington Superintendent of Schools Rob Wargo wrote that a second report was shared with school officials regarding the same bus monitor who was alleged to have sexually assaulted an elementary school student on June 12. 

Barrington Police said the second alleged incident predated the June 12 alleged incident.

Police said the student made an allegation about inappropriate touching — second degree sexual assault. The suspect, police said, is an employee of the bus company that services Barrington Public Schools. 

“Since our initial communication, a second report has been brought to our attention involving the same bus monitor and a different student,” wrote Wargo in the June 19 email. 

The superintendent added that Barrington School officials have been communicating with the Barrington Police Department, and have also filed the mandatory report with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families. 

“The police investigation remains active, and we have been fully cooperating with law enforcement as our own Title IX investigation continues,” he wrote. 

“While both alleged incidents occurred on the same bus route, the Ocean State Transit bus monitor has been serving Barrington Public Schools since 2022. We are taking additional steps to understand any and all details tied to the extent of this distressing situation.”

Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia said there are “a lot of moving parts” with the investigation. 

“We’re move along at a good pace,” he said. 

Chief Correia said the bus company that services Barrington schools, Ocean State Transit, has been cooperative with the police investigation. 

Wargo, in his letter, wrote “We are demanding full cooperation from Ocean State Transit and have requested access to any and all employment and background records, route assignments, safety protocols, documentation, and training and safety requirements for this employee.” 

Wargo added that Barrington school officials are also evaluating transportation safety protocols, policies, and safeguards in place, and “will be determining––in coordination with our School Committee––what further requirements or adjustments we will make from our contracted transportation provider.”

Barrington recently signed a new five-year, $10.7 million contract with Ocean State Transit. 

According to the Ocean State Transit website, the company performs regular safety audits at its facilities, reviewing and reinforcing safety policies and procedures.

“We implement secure, digital platforms for our driver screening and compliance processes to systematically evaluate candidates, and to ensure employee credentialing is always up-to-date,” stated the website. “We hold mandatory monthly safety meetings, and support a variety of safety campaigns and initiatives throughout the year.”

Ocean State Transit services numerous school districts in Rhode Island and has terminals in Newport, Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter/West Greenwich, Middletown, East Providence, Chariho, and South Kingstown.

Special meeting June 24

The Barrington School Committee will hold a special public meeting on Tuesday, June 24, regarding this situation. The meeting is intended to ensure that the district is “taking every possible step to investigate and respond appropriately…”

“While no new information will be shared or questions addressed at the meeting—out of respect for student privacy and the integrity of the ongoing investigations—the Committee will take formal action to appoint an independent third-party investigator to conduct a thorough, districtwide review of this evolving situation, part of our district’s now expanding Title IX investigation,” Wargo wrote.

In addition, the school committee “will engage outside mental health professionals to provide confidential support and counseling services for families who may need help navigating these difficult conversations with their children. These resources will be made available alongside the support already offered by our school-based counselors.”

School officials are asking that any related questions, information, or concerns be directed to Barrington Police (437-3935) or the district’s Title IX coordinator Heidi Harris (harrish@barringtonschools.org, or 245-5000).