To the editor:

I am disappointed in the Barrington School Committee. 

Regardless of one’s position on school start time change, the actions that the school committee has taken in the past week have set a dangerous precedent for our community. 

The school committee’s reversal of the decision to move forward with school start time change in 2016-2017 demonstrates that the school committee cannot be unequivocally counted on to follow through with difficult decisions and stay on track with plans.

The process that the school committee facilitated was a long, thoughtful and transparent process over a five year period. During this time, the school committee reviewed research, weighed options and obtained public input — all geared towards driving a responsible outcome and the best decision for our children and our community.  Given the amount of time that has been spent on this issue, coupled with an explicit decision-making process, it is thoroughly disappointing, and frankly inexcusable, that we must move backward to move forward.

How can we believe that the school committee will actually implement the school start time change with the 2017-2018 school year? Can we count on the school committee to stand behind this or any other difficult decision going forward? 

Unfortunately, through its actions, the school committee has inadvertently set an example for our community and for our children that following through on commitments is only important when they’re easy.

In order for the school committee to regain the community’s confidence, I urge the school committee to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the new decision to implement school start time change in 2017-2018 is followed through. 

I also urge my fellow Barrington residents to respect the school committee’s decisions and hold the school committee accountable for following words with actions.

Jennifer Ingram

Barrington