To the editor:

I am writing today to express my sentiments about what transpired at last week’s joint Select Board/School Committee meeting in which two interim School Committee members were appointed.

To say I am disappointed is understatement. In a true testament to our town’s commitment to volunteerism and supporting our public school system, 10 community members stepped up and submitted letters of interest for the interim School Committee positions that were open.

When I first heard the town was accepting letters of interest in hopes to attain the most qualified candidates for the School Committee role, I was thrilled. In these unprecedented times, and given the highly emotional situation unfolding in our school district, I was very hopeful to hear that the town was giving the community the opportunity to apply and fill this interim role with a candidate who had shown their passion and understanding of the district’s current circumstances and ongoing challenges.

Of the 10 applicants who applied, there was former special education experience, previous town Finance Committee experience, past and present PTO involvement as well as countless other relevant, CURRENT DAY professional and town board volunteer experience, which all seemed to go unnoticed during the selection process. It was clear during the voting process that the prospect of potential continuity was not important and the only qualification that mattered to the Select Board was previous School Committee experience.

I would be remiss to not at least mention that seven of the 10 applicants were women – all of whom were highly qualified but several of them being the most well spoken, highly respected, passionate, critical thinkers I have seen in a long time. All qualities that would be extremely beneficial at this time of conflict and change in LPS.

I left last week’s meeting feeling defeated. Not only did myself and my peers feel as though this meeting only took place for optics, I am also left with many questions. How are we creating the next generation of leaders if we keep falling back on the same few from decades before? How are we moving forward if we are reappointing someone who hired our current superintendent?

And how are we cultivating a community of inclusivity if we are recycling the same male candidates whose only mentioned relevant experience is that they served in the role previously?

Jim Dillion was right in his LTE a few weeks ago, “The sky is not falling,” but that is ONLY because of our amazing Lynnfield educators and passionate community who won’t let it fall down on the children of Lynnfield. I thank everyone who has attended meetings, spoken up, applied for an interim or permanent seat on the School Committee and I encourage you all to continue fighting for what you believe this community and our children deserve. We can do better, Lynnfield.

Sarah Kelley