Barlow named new principal of Mansfield Middle School
Aug. 18—MANSFIELD — Mansfield Public Schools Superintendent Peter Dart announced on Monday that Larry Barlow had been selected as the new principal of Mansfield Middle School and would start effective immediately.
Dart broke the news in an announcement to the school community on the Town of Mansfield website.
Barlow has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History/ Social Studies from Eastern Connecticut State University, a Master's Degree in Educational Technology from Central Connecticut State University and a Sixth Year Diploma in Educational Leadership from Sacred Heart University.
Barlow taught as a middle school social studies teacher for 12 years at Lebanon Middle School in Lebanon, Connecticut. He was named teacher of the year at that school in 2008.
Barlow has served as the assistant principal at Mansfield Middle School for the past eight years. Dart spoke highly of Barlow's skills as an educator as well as his strong leadership.
"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," Dart said in his announcement to the school community regarding Barlow. " 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 Mansfield Public School District was searching for a new principal of Mansfield Middle School, as Candace Morell, the previous principal of the school, had been named the district's director of teaching and learning in July.
In order to find a new middle school principal, the district posted the job opening widely. Survey feedback from community members, staff and students was also gathered to identify the desired skills, disposition and experiences for the next principal.
A committee comprised of teachers, families, Mansfield Board of Education members and school administrators reviewed applications for the principal position. They identified six candidates and conducted first round interviews. Three qualified candidates moved forward in the process and were interviewed by the administrative team and were asked to complete a rigorous performance task.
Dart said that Barlow set himself apart from the other candidates during the interview process. " Larry 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," Dart said in his announcement to the school community.
Barlow is excited for his new position as principal of Mansfield Middle School.
" I am excited and eager to
NEW, Page 4
