The five candidates running for Barrington School Committee took the stage for a forum on Monday night, Sept. 30.

Independents Liz Singh and Karen Rasnick, and Democrats Tim McNamara, Lisa Nelson and Dr. Megan Douglas spent about an hour speaking about the previous effort to de-level classes at Barrington High School, if they will support the project to build a new track and synthetic turf field at the Victory Field athletic complex, their priorities for the $250 million school construction project, how they feel about banning cell phones in local schools, and a number of other issues. 

Candidates differed on the very first question. Douglas said she supported the district’s earlier effort to de-level classes at the high school, but said they needed to do a better job educating the public on the change. Singh said the de-leveling effort never should have happened. Rasnick said she did not support de-leveling.

When asked about priorities with the school construction project, candidates shared some different perspectives. Nelson said the district needs to have the right people at the table when it comes to the design of the buildings, and that does not necessarily mean architects. Nelson instead called for input from health experts, school psychologists and others. McNamara said fiscal stewardship was paramount. He also said that it was important to maintain a safe environment for students and others during the projects. Douglas said officials are trying to build environments that will help prepare students for the new future. She said she wants to see more student voice involved in the projects and also referenced opportunities for the district to bring in some revenue through CTE programs. 

Singh, Rasnick, Nelson and McNamara said they supported the plan to build a new track and synthetic turf field at the high school. McNamara said he did not support how the project came about. 

When it came to a possible ban on cell phones in schools, there was some support among the candidates. Douglas and McNamara said they did not believe teachers should be left to police a ban. Singh said the decision should be made at the individual school level. Nelson said there needs to be a conversation and then officials can see what works best for local schools. Rasnick, a former teacher, said the issue needs to be addressed. 

Candidates also discussed a need to improve students’ feelings of belonging and some mental health issues. Rasnick endorsed community service and said there was no room for bullying in the schools. McNamara said elevating the students’ voice is important. Douglas said many students are very successful at “doing school” but she wants to find a way to get them more engaged. Singh said there needs to be more counselors and psychologists available in the schools, as well as more clubs and activities students can get involved in. And Nelson said she was focused on the mental health concerns surrounding students. 

The candidates also weighed in on what can be done to enhance the special education program in local schools, and how officials can be more fiscally responsible with school spending.