Barrington School Committee appoints outside investigator to review personnel matter

Barrington School Committee members voted to appoint outside counsel to investigate a personnel matter, Acting Superintendent Ashley told the committee during the meeting.

The committee approved a motion to accept Acting Superintendent Ashley’s recommendation to retain attorney Matthew Olivarrio to conduct a third‑party investigation. Acting Superintendent Ashley said the outside investigator would “have an outside perspective to review the facts, and conduct an analysis of district policies, statutes, procedures, [and] regulations so that ultimately a report can be submitted to the superintendent's office to determine next steps.”

The committee chair emphasized process and transparency, saying the action “is about, processes, fairness, and transparency.” The motion to appoint Matthew Olivarrio carried after a voice vote. The committee did not provide a roll‑call tally during the session; the vote was recorded in the meeting as in favor.

Committee members discussed the importance of following district policies and protocols while the independent review is under way. Acting Superintendent Ashley and the district’s legal representative, Attorney Lombardo, were both present while the recommendation was presented.

The committee made clear the investigation is intended to be an objective fact‑finding step to inform the superintendent’s office on any next steps. The chair and superintendent asked the public to refrain from speculation while the investigation proceeds.

No additional personnel decisions were made at the meeting; the independent review was the formal action taken. The district indicated the public comment period would follow but that the committee would not answer public questions about the personnel matter during the meeting.

The committee moved on to other agenda items after the vote and scheduled public comment as announced at the start of the meeting.