To the editor:

We are grateful that the Barrington Times recently covered the space concerns relating to Primrose Hill Elementary. These space concerns are the result of optional preschool expansion by BPS administration.  

We wanted to clarify a few details as it relates to this topic. First, it is important to note that as part of the district’s optional preschool expansion, the district extended two preschool classes to be full-day, requiring two separate classrooms rather than 1 shared classroom. Full-day preschool is not mandated by RIDE in any way.  

While expansion of the preschool offerings might be “nice to have” it should not be at the expense of classroom space for K-3 kids!  

When Mr. Messore said that they are looking at “what’s best for the students,” we implore him to explain how this arrangement is best, and for which students? We reiterate the question that has been asked at recent school committee meetings: “Who made the decision to prioritize optional full-day preschool over classroom space for K-3 students?” This question has yet to be answered.  

True to form, the current school committee has done nothing to address this administrative overreach and school committee candidate Margaret Reid seems to offer more of the same, stating on her website that “preschoolers have as much right to be there as anyone else.” 

We disagree. 

Preschool program expansion should involve community input and the education of K-3 students should be prioritized when there are space limitations.  

As parents of Primrose Hill Elementary students and Barrington taxpayers, we demand a better solution to the Primrose Hill overcrowding. Utilizing the cafeteria while we wait for modular classrooms for our third-graders and staff are not the solution while other schools in the district have space and there are alternate options for preschool programs as stated by a RIDE director during the most recent school building committee meeting.  

The Town of Barrington does not have a school building overcrowding issue, we have an administration that lacks strategic planning.

Claudia & Will Harris

Barrington

Kristen & James Pearse

Barrington

Erika & Tim Twohig

Barrington

Robert & Jo Tisdale

Barrington

Heather & Jon Magnussen

Barrington

Jessica Cabral-Lefreniere & James Lafreniere

Barrington

Elizabeth & Vishal Singh

Barrington

Mariella Bravo & Juan Ignacio

Barrington