Barron School
Barron School History
The Barron School is named after William T. Barron. It was constructed as a 12 room school in 1967. Mr. Barron was one of Salem's strongest municipal leaders of the 20th Century. He was a school board member beginning in 1926 and became a selectman three years later. He was primarily concerned with the police and fire departments and saw the retirement of all of Salem's indebtedness in 1944 as a high point of his years of public service. He also served as a representative to the General Court and as a State Senator. He served as a director of Rockingham Park for many years as well.
On September 17, 1975, a birthday party was held at the Barron School in his honor with the entire student body present. William T. Barron died in the spring of 1976 at the age of 84. To honor the memory of Mr. Barron, the Barron School Student Council places flowers at his family's gravesite during the Memorial Day Holiday.
The 10 acre location of the Barron School on Butler Street was purchased in 1966 from the Fraser Family, who had bought the property from the Butler family in 1953. The Butler's and their earlier relatives had lived on this farm property since Colonial Times.
Since the original Barron School was built in 1967, there was a 6 classroom addition in 1969 bringing the school to its current size. A major fire damaged the rear portion of the Barron in 1975.
In 1990, a new playground was constructed by parent volunteers. There have been two additions to this playscape since 1990 with the latest being completed in the summer of 1998. The Barron School PTA was responsible for developing activities to raise the money needed for each phase of the project. The grounds of the school also include several new trees and plants that are planted in honor of former Barron staff members. A new bench and 12 swings were also installed in August 1999. The fifth grade class of 1999 purchased the beautiful bench, while the PTA purchased the swings.
In closing, we are very fortunate to have such a committed group of parents and friends involved in our students' educational journey. Upon entering the Barron School, volunteers can be found involved in a number of student-centered activities whether it be assisting in our library, reinforcing basic shills with a group of children, or organizing an activity involving the entire family.
