Barrington appoints veteran RI educator Mitchell to Interim Superintendent

BARRINGTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Long-time education official Robert Mitchell has been appointed the Interim Superintendent of Schools in Barrington with his tenure beginning Wednesday.

According to a statement from Barrington Public Schools, the Barrington School Committee approved Mitchell’s contract at a September 25 meeting.

Mitchell has been an educator for over 28 years, serving as Superintendent of Schools for Cumberland.

He has also been an Assistant Principal, Principal and Assistant Superintendent in various school systems in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Mitchell retired in 2021, and has since worked throughout Rhode Island in numerous interim educational leadership roles.

These include several roles in North Kingstown, along with an appointment to the Rhode Island Board of Education in 2023.

Mitchell will succeed outgoing Acting Barrington Superintendent Christopher Ashley, who took the role in July.

“Barrington is one of Rhode Island’s top-performing school systems, and we are confident that Mr. Mitchell’s leadership will guide the district successfully through this important time of transition,” said TJ Peck, Chair of the Barrington School Committee.

“We are excited to welcome him to Barrington, and are deeply grateful for Christopher Ashley’s work over the last several months as Acting Superintendent.”

Ashley will return to his position of Principal of Barrington High School.

The Barrington School Committee’s will provide details and timelines about their search for a permanent superintendent in the coming months.