The Barrington School Committee is looking for new legal representation. 

Listed on the agenda for Thursday night’s meeting is a report from the superintendent regarding an RFP (Request For Proposals) for legal services “posted per School Committee request.”

At the Dec. 6 meeting, new Barrington School Committee member TJ Peck made a request to add an item to a future agenda: Interview for new general counsel. 

Currently, Barrington Schools use the firm Whelan Corrente and Flanders; Sara Rapport has represented the district and the school committee. 

Rapport has been serving as counsel for the district and school committee during the lengthy legal battle with three teachers who were fired by the Barrington School Department after their requests for religious exemptions to the district’s vaccine mandate were denied. The teachers, Brittany DiOrio, Kerri Thurber and Stephanie Hines, filed lawsuits against Barrington Public Schools and the Barrington School Committee. 

The invitation to bid is included in the packet of information for the Jan. 26 meeting. It calls for sealed bids to be submitted to the district’s central office by 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17. 

The bids will be opened publicly. 

“The School Committee reserves the right to accept or reject without prejudice, any or all proposals or to waive any irregularities therein, or to accept the bid deemed to be in the best interest of the Barrington Public Schools,” stated the invitation to bid. 

The Barrington School Committee meeting on Thursday, Jan. 26 will begin with an executive session at 6 p.m. and public session at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Barrington Middle School.