Voters Approve Financing for Middle School

BARRINGTON, RI—The middle school building's problems were in the spotlight this week, as classes did not resume right after Winter Storm Stella. Roof leaks caused the district to close the school for Wednesday and for Thursday.

But Thursday night, as scheduled, the Town came out to vote at Special Financial Town Meeting and approved the financing for a new school. According to the district, the measure passed by 590-349.

Voters had already approved the new building project in November, but the Special Financial Town Meeting was necessary to lift the four percent cap. State law says the Town's total levy cannot exceed a 4 percent annual increase, and Barrington could not stay within that limit and still finance a 25-year bond for the new school.

Barrington Middle School, according to the school district, was built in 1958, and additions were constructed in 1968.

"The existing facility is deteriorating, with cracked walls and foundation, broken shingles and a leaking roof. The building does not meet many state and federal codes including life safety, seismic, building, and accessibility. The electrical and plumbing systems are original to the building. In addition, the building does not support a 21st century middle school education."

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