It's the Superintendent's Final Day

Robert McIntyre is ready to go.

The superintendent of Barrington’s schools for the past five years is retiring on Friday, June 29, after 30 years in administration and 10 years in a classroom.

“You’ve got to know when it’s time to move on,” said McIntyre. “And it’s time.”

The outgoing superintendent said his position in Barrington was “the best I’ve ever had.”

“It was a great opportunity,” McIntyre said. “There are so many great people here, so many dedicated people, the parents, the School Committee, the BEF (Barrington Education Foundation). I’ve made a lot of great friends. And I’ve told them all, I’ll be back.”

“I always felt welcome here,” he said. “I always felt it was a good match, and that’s critical. You need that bond and relationship, especially with the School Committee. I’m very thankful for that.”

McIntyre believes Barrington’s schools are in great shape even though some significant issues exist, primarily the budget and what to do with the middle school.

“Budgets will always be an issue because Barrington gets limited state aid,” he said, “always a sore spot with me.”

Coming up with new sources of revenue will be a challenge, McIntyre said.

Barrington also must decided what it wants to do with the middle school: renovate it or build a new one.

“Funding all these things will be a challenge,” he said. “That’s why it critical to have a strategic plan.”

McIntyre does not plan to drop out of education completely. He is already thinking about consulting.

“There are a lot of opportunities out there,” he said. “But I’m going to sit back for the summer and think about things for a while. I’m in no rush.”

McIntyre had particular praise for the School Committee.

“They’re volunteers and they put in very long hours,” he said. “I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to work with this very dedicated group of people.”

McIntyre also said he believes he is leaving the school department in “great hands.”

Assistant Superintendent Michael Messore will move into McIntyre’s position and the new bigger office on July 1.

“He’s the right person for the job,” said McIntyre. “He has a great understanding of the issues and the expectations people have in Barrington for the schools.”

Given his familiarity with Barrington’s schools, McIntyre said, “Mike won’t have that disadvantage of having to learn so much when coming into a new position even though there is always a breaking-in period.”