To the editor:
For much of the last year I have remained silent on the topic of the School Committee and have kept my conversations private amongst a small circle of friends. But I cannot remain silent any longer.
The time for change has arrived and what occurred at the opening of this past meeting only continues to prove that. To present a statement chastising the very parents that elected you because those parents have opinions, concerns and a lengthy list of unanswered questions is petty, irrational, and most importantly irresponsible.
We, as parents, have these concerns and questions because of the School Committee’s inability to effectively communicate, be transparent, and engage in meaningful dialogue with parents.
Having a public comment policy that doesn’t allow participants to engage in conversation with a committee member or school administrator isn’t effective. It creates the appearance that the committee is unwilling to engage in difficult conversations and that theirs is the only opinion that matters. Change is needed, change is here and I write this today to provide my full support for Brian Charville and Kate DePrizio for School Committee.
Brian is a proven leader, an effective communicator and one who is always willing to engage in a discussion no matter how difficult the subject matter. As chair of the Planning Board, he has supported this town and its residents by putting them first and working to ensure that Lynnfield remains a top-notch community.
I have had the pleasure of working with Brian firsthand and our engagements are professional, respectful and always with the focus of what will make Lynnfield better. As a member of the School Committee, I am confident that Brian will continue that focus and will help take Lynnfield schools to that next level.
Kate embodies everything that makes Lynnfield parents special. She’s passionate, she’s dedicated and always has the students’ interests as her top priority. Through her work on the PTOs at Tower Day School and Huckleberry Hill, she has advocated for providing the best for the students and the staff to ensure that their in-school experience is second to none.
She successfully led the parent organized group “Together We Grow” and helped provide an overwhelming victory in the school expansion project, which will bring much needed space to both Huckleberry Hill and Summer Street schools. She is a phenomenal human being and I am honored to call her a friend. As a member of the School Committee, I know she will continue to advocate for both students and teachers in a collaborative, team-based effort that provides this district with the greatest chances of continued success.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a great many challenges to all of us. The superintendent, the administrative leadership team, and the teachers have all worked tirelessly to provide our students with the best possible (experience) during these trying times. Along with our students, they have been most affected by these challenges. They deserve more from this committee that is responsible for their well-being.
What comes next is yet to truly be known, but what we do know is that this school district and this town will need a school committee that is willing to be a partner to confront the social-emotional needs of our students while balancing the financial impacts of COVID-19.
If you are like me and believe the old saying of “attitude reflects leadership,” then Brian and Kate are your candidates. They have the right leadership skills to bring the necessary change in attitude to the School Committee.
Please join me on April 13 in voting for Brian and Kate and for the future of the Lynnfield Public Schools.
Chris Mattia
Lynnfield