An Announcement from Superintendent Peter Dart
August 15, 2022
Dear Mansfield Families, Faculty, Staff, and Administrators:
I am thrilled to announce that Mr. Larry Barlow has been selected to serve as Mansfield Middle School’s next Principal, effective immediately. As many of you know, Mr. Barlow is a talented educator who is passionate and advocates for strong middle school experiences that support 21st century learning. His service as the Assistant Principal coupled with the multiple district leadership roles he supports which include TEAM District Facilitator, Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Team, Social Studies Curriculum Team Chair, and Vice Chair of Mansfield’s Youth Services Advisory Board, makes him an outstanding candidate who will effectively lead Mansfield Middle School.
The district posted this position widely and the search was supported with survey feedback from community members, staff, and students that helped to identify the desired skills, dispositions, and experiences for the next principal. A committee comprised of teachers, families, Board of Education members, and administrators reviewed applications, identified six candidates, and conducted first-round interviews, which included a performance task. Three highly qualified candidates moved forward in the process and were interviewed by the administrative team. The second round also included another rigorous performance task. Mr. Barlow emerged as the strongest candidate who used his current understanding of our district to frame his vision for leadership, teaching and learning, and continued supports for the middle school.
Mr. Barlow has a B.A. in History/Social Studies from Eastern Connecticut State University, a Masters in Educational Technology from Central Connecticut State University, and a Sixth Year Diploma from Sacred Heart University in Educational Leadership. He taught for 12 years in Lebanon, CT as a middle school Social Studies Teacher and was named Teacher of the Year for that school in 2008.
Mr. Barlow came to Mansfield Middle School as Assistant Principal serving for the past eight years. He has built supportive relationships and rapport with our community, while leading professional learning, supporting the development of the STEP process, and is respected as a collaborative colleague. And while we have known Mr. Barlow over the years as an effective leader, I am proud that he was vetted by a representative team that ensured that our next Principal will hold the values and attributes needed in order for Mansfield Middle School to continue to grow and best support students, families, and staff.
Finally, thank you to the interview teams and staff, especially Human Resource Manager Michele Beers, who supported this process during the summer. In addition, I am so very grateful for Candace Morell’s leadership and service to our district. Her willingness to support the middle school through the transition while stepping into her new role as the Director for Teaching and Learning exemplifies dedication and care.
Congratulations, Mr. Barlow, on your appointment as Principal.
Sincerely,
Peter Dart
Superintendent of Schools