The Barrington Superintendent of Schools is retiring. 

Michael Messore recently told Barrington Public Schools staff that he was retiring at the end of this school year. Messore has served as Superintendent for 12 years and worked in the district for a total of 24.

“My contract’s up this year,” Messore said, adding “It’s 10 months away… We have so much work ahead of us. I wake up every day thinking about the work. I am fully engaged.”

Barrington Public School officials are currently planning school construction work and are expected to propose a $250 million bond to voters this year. The district will also be updating its strategic plan, searching for a new principal at Primrose Hill School, bringing in a four-classroom modular unit at Primrose, and mulling over the future of the Nayatt School multi-age classroom program, among other work. In addition, the administration needs to negotiate a new contract with its support staff union, Barrington Educational Support Team.

Messore said each day presents unique challenges, and he has enjoyed the work.

“I wake up each morning with a plan,” he said, “and everything changes when you pull out of the driveway.”

Messore said he has always had a vision for the district, but there are many factors that come into play. 

Local roots

Messore and his family moved to Barrington in 1968, and he attended elementary school at Nayatt. He went to grades four and five at Peck School, before leaving the district to attend Providence Country Day School. 

Messore said he did his student teaching at Barrington Middle School in 1981, later taught at PCD and in Seekonk schools for about 10 years. 

He lived next door to Joe Hurley, who would later be hired as BHS assistant principal and then principal — Hurley and Messore went to graduate school together. 

“A job came up in the middle school,” Messore said. 

He returned to Barrington schools as an administrator, working as an assistant principal and finally landing the district’s top administrative post as superintendent. 

Messore said he enjoys working in Barrington schools and values the relationships he has made with people here. Messore said he is excited for the work ahead. 

“This is going to be a great year,” he said. “I can’t think of a better place to be.”