To the editor:

Two years ago this November, the voters of Barrington did something extraordinary. Even though the majority voted Democrat across the entire ticket, there was one exception. Our schools.

Voters of Barrington chose to walk away from political parties as the source of candidates and influence for our school decision-making process. This November is a chance for voters to memorialize this change by once again voting for independent candidates for School Committee.

The last two years have marked an incredibly strong and healthy new path for our schools, And just in time, too.

From turning around the school building project, mired in community controversy, to securing a quarter-billion dollar bond, to navigating the transition to a new Superintendent and central office staff, to starting the much-needed process of investing in the Victory Field complex...your School Committee has been very busy working for a better future.

Don’t just take my word for it. Talk to your neighbors, our teachers, and other leaders in the community. Ask around and you’ll find out that something really incredible is brewing in our schools, both in the classroom and at the central office.

The most amazing part? This change is more about what the School Committee has NOT done in the last two year. Community voice and engagement are a priority. The needs of our teachers, staff, and students are being addressed. The transition to school-based leadership has accelerated and strengthened.

That’s right -- the power for this change has always been here. The School Committee evolved, and simply started working with its constituents. Not on their behalf. Not in their stead. Not in the court room.

And you made this possible. By choosing to vote independent, you changed who was at the table. The last two years are proof-positive that politics or interest groups, no matter what their size, have no place in our schools.

Members of the Democratic and Republican parties have and continue to attend meetings to address the Committee on their talking points and preferences using public comment, not in back channel meetings. This is how it should stay.

Barrington has the chance to further distance itself from the party system for schools leadership. This November we can reaffirm our shared commitment to putting what's best for our students, teachers, educators, families, and community ahead of political parties.

Let's keep the streak alive, Barrington. I hope you'll join me in voting for our two independent candidates this fall. This is a test we can’t afford to fail.

Please note: I am writing as a resident of Barrington, not in my capacity as a School Committee member.

Patrick McCrann 

Barrington