Former Apponequet principal named interim Freelake superintendent

LAKEVILLE – A familiar face will be returning to lead the Freetown-Lakeville school district.

Barbara Starkie, a former teacher and principal at Apponequet Regional High School, was selected to be interim school superintendent by the Freetown-Lakeville School Committee Monday, Feb. 24.

She and former Freetown-Lakeville Superintendent Rick Medeiros were the two finalists to replace Alan Strauss, who resigned in January. Medeiros retired from the district in 2022.

Committee members liked both candidates but selected Starkie with an apparent eye to a longer stay.

Starkie was an English language arts teacher at Apponequet from 1993 to 2010. After serving as assistant principal in Stoughton, she returned to Apponequet as principal from 2013 to 2021. 

She currently works as assistant superintendent for the Bourne school system, where she said she moved to gain upper management experience. Committee member Robert Clark noted that, although she signed a four-year contract extension there, she is still willing to return with an interim title to lead the district where she spent many years.

“That speaks to her loyalty and love of the district,’’ Clark said. “This district needs stability. We don’t need musical superintendents like we’ve had in the past.’’

He supported bringing her on as interim superintendent, with “an opportunity to extend’’ her employment. 

Committee member Crystal Ng initially endorsed Medeiros for the position, noting he had the experience to step in immediately. As the discussion leaned toward hiring Starkie, she suggested Medeiros might mentor Starkie, an idea that was well-received by the committee.

Starke’s appointment is contingent upon successful contract negotiations.