Barrington's schools will close for the special election on Jan. 18. The day will be made up at the end of the year.

Superintendent Robert McIntyre recommended closure because of concerns about security at the schools.

"We've never had children in the schools during an election," he said. 

McIntyre said he believes it would be difficult to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere for children with voters streaming into and out of the schools, which serve as polling places.

There also is a concern about parking and traffic at the schools, he said.

The School Committee concurred and voted 4-0 to shut the schools and make up the day in June.

The special election is to fill a vacant seat on the School Committee that was held previously by former chairman Jim Hasenfus, who stepped down to run for the State Senate.