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LYNN — Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Tutwiler told the School Committee Thursday he is resigning his post, effective August 12.
Tutwiler, who is in the first year of a 5-year contract, said he agonized over the decision but ultimately came to the conclusion that stepping down is “the best for my health and my family at this time.”
“We are naturally extremely disappointed to lose a transformative leader the caliber of Dr. Tutwiler,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “He has served our students, families and staff with distinction. We respect his decision and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
Nicholson, who also serves as chairman of the School Committee, said an interim superintendent would be appointed prior to Tutwiler’s departure, with a comprehensive search for a permanent replacement commencing this coming school year.
“Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Tutwiler and the entire LPS team, our schools are in a good position,” the mayor said. “We will do everything we can to ensure a seamless transition.”
Tutwiler came to Lynn in 2015 as deputy superintendent and was named superintendent in 2018 after the retirement of Dr. Catherine C. Latham. Prior to joining LPS, Tutwiler served as a principal in Boston and Wayland, dean of students in Westford and assistant headmaster in Boston. He began his career as a history teacher in Boston in 2000.
“I am grateful for the privilege to serve as superintendent,” he said. “There is still much to do, but I believe the district is in a strong place.”
Tutwiler’s accomplishments as superintendent include increasing mental health supports for all students, as well as supports for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. The district introduced dual language programming at the elementary level and expanded early college participation at the high school level.
“I have always believed that success in school depends in large part on the quality of faculty and staff. I am sure LPS will continue to excel and persevere,” he said.
A Chicago native, Tutwiler went to high school in Minnesota and earned his bachelor’s degree at the College of the Holy Cross, a master’s from Harvard and a doctorate from Boston College.
He and his wife, Claire, have three children: Madeleine, William and Charles.
