Bethany Welcomes Superintendent Barile

The new superintendent of Bethany schools says the district is poised for excellence and in the coming years will achieve great things.

"Bethany is on the ascent," John Barile said to parents and students gathered for a welcoming reception at Bethany Community School Wednesday night. "We are going to do great things here."

Barile comes from Foran High School in Milford, where he served as principal for the last five years.

Board of Education Chairman Brian Fournier said the school board selected Barile because of his "breadth of experience." The Milford resident was the only candidate interviewed during a "long, arduous process" who had the distinction of having worked as principal at an elementary school, a middle school and a high school, Fournier said.

"John rose to the top, he impressed the board," the school board chairman said.

'I'm one of you'

Barile said he was attracted to the Bethany school system because of its small size and the focus on elementary education.

As a parent of two boys, ages 8 and 10, Barile, talking to parents in the school's gymnasium, said, "I'm one of you."

Barile shared a personal story of a family trip to Disney World where his boys would read out loud Walt Disney quotes posted throughout the amusement park. One of them goes, "If you can dream it, you can do."

"I've benefitted from that attitude," said Barile, adding that it's a perspective he hopes Bethany students can learn to live by.

The reception started with musical performances and readings by the school's students. After a violin duet and a piano performance, a large group of students sang the Bethany school song.

"One thing you'll learn about us is we love to sing," music teacher Michael Smith directed toward Barile.

To learn more about the new superintendent, read the Board of Education's profile on Barile.