Immediately after placing Dr. Barry Ring on paid administrative, the following letter was sent home to all parents of students at Newfields Elementary School.

                                                            Superintendent Arthur Hanson  

December 4, 2002

Dear Parents:

As you may be aware, it has become necessary for me to remove Dr. Barry Ring from his professional responsibilities as principal of Newfields Elementary School pending law enforcement investigations of certain allegations, which I am presently unable to discuss or explain.  The allegations are currently being investigated by the Exeter Police Department.  However, I can assure you that the allegations are not connected with the school or students.

It is important to remember that all persons must be presumed innocent until they are proven guilty.  At the same time, we are concerned with the operations of Newfields Elementary School and the needs of the students and staff.  To this end,

Dr. Chester Lee, who served with high distinction for six years as principal of Kensington Elementary School prior to his retirement two years ago, will begin service immediately as interim principal.

I would urge you to address educational questions to Dr. Lee and/or your child(ren)’s teacher(s).  Please address any questions about the removal of Dr. Ring to Dr. Stephen Kossakoski or me at the SAU 16 Office.  I thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Arthur L. Hanson

Superintendent of Schools

C:         Newfields School Board                       Dr. Stephen Kossakoski

                                                                        Assistant Superintendent