The national search for Barrington’s next superintendent ended in Weymouth, Mass. 

On Thursday afternoon, Barrington School Committee Chairman Patrick McCrann sent out a district-wide email announcing Robert Wargo as Barrington’s next superintendent. Wargo has served as superintendent of Weymouth (Mass.) Public Schools since 2021. He will replace longtime Barrington School Superintendent Michael Messore, who will retire at the end of the school year.

“We’d like to congratulate our incoming Superintendent, Robert Wargo, on his new position and exciting opportunity to continue the important work and success of Barrington Public Schools,” McCrann said in the release. 

“It’s clear his previous leadership experience in Massachusetts has served him well, as our diverse Search Committee identified him as a leading candidate during our national search and interview process.”

According to the press release, Barrington’s national search drew applicants from across the country, including many sitting superintendents. 

The search committee reviewed the candidates and selected a group for first-round interviews. In March, the committee met with those candidates, and then recommended several individuals to the Barrington School Committee for a second round of interviews. 

“Our School Committee unanimously selected Robert Wargo,” McCrann said. “During his interview process, Mr. Wargo’s expertise and leadership qualities stood out, as did his empathy and unwavering commitment to students.”

According to the press release, Wargo has served in a number of school districts, at the district-level and school-level administrative positions. 

“He received his Masters in Education from Northeastern University and Bachelors degree from the University of Maryland,” McCrann said. “Robert Wargo has worked with students at all different levels, and has proudly participated in many school initiatives from athletics, to diversity, equity and inclusion, to instruction and learning.”

According to an article in The Patriot Ledger, Wargo was hired as superintendent of Weymouth Public Schools in March 2021. He began his work in Weymouth as assistant superintendent of instructional services and support in Jan. 2020. Previous to that position, Wargo served as principal of Scituate (Mass.) High School and was also an athletic director and guidance counselor at the Bromfield School in Harvard, Mass., according to The Patriot Ledger.

“We firmly believe that we have made the best possible choice, and we are grateful to everyone who served on the Search Committee for their valuable contributions,” McCrann said. “Our School Committee plans to formally announce Robert Wargo as the official incoming Superintendent of Barrington Public Schools at our next School Committee meeting on May 16 at 6:30 p.m.”

The Barrington School Committee hired Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, an expert search and recruitment firm that specializes in school district and education leadership across America, to help guide a comprehensive search for Barrington’s next Superintendent. 

The School Committee also appointed a 16-member superintendent search committee, which included current teachers at the elementary, middle and high school levels, parents at the elementary, middle and high school levels, a student, the district’s directors of human resources and finance, a special education teacher and administrator, representatives from the teacher’s union (NEAB) and support staff union (BEST), and Barrington School Committee members.

Upcoming retirement

Current Superintendent Michael B. Messore, III will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, after more than a decade of leading Barrington Public Schools. 

“During Superintendent Messore’s tenure, our District has experienced outstanding performance – continuously being among the top performing Districts in our state, including having schools recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence – the highest honor from the U.S. Department of Education – and recognition by U.S. News and world Report among other organizations for our success and initiatives,” McCrann said. 

“Over the course of the leadership transition in the coming months, our School Committee will be prioritizing opportunities for staff, students, and families to connect with the incoming superintendent, as the community continues to thank and acknowledge the work, dedication, and impact of Superintendent Messore.”