The Weekly News obtained a list of the candidates running for the April 9 Lynnfield annual town election from Lynnfield Town Clerk Amanda Haggstrom and asked the candidates two questions: what motivated you to run for the position you’re running for, and what are your top three priorities if elected. These are their responses.
Responses were edited for length and clarity.
Select Board
Alexis Leahy, three-year term
I’m running for Select Board because I believe that representation matters when it comes to the governance of this town. I believe that bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences fuels innovation allowing for unique ideas and solutions to challenges. I have been working in service with mission-based organizations for over 20 years in nonprofits, state and federal government with a focus on oversight and governance. I believe I bring a collaborative work ethic that is increasingly important and which would support the ability to deliver quality public services to members of the town while modeling best practices for transparency and accountability in local government.
The town’s top priorities over the next three years should be exploring additional revenue sources and balancing that with the level of expected services, planning for the longer term including the development of a capital plan so that we don’t get into situations where band-aid quick fixes are needed, and ensuring our residents are well informed about the decisions being recommended in town government. The public safety project will be a focus to ensure it’s completed in a timely fashion and within budget while ensuring emergency response is covered sufficiently. The schools will require additional attention given concerns that have been brought to light, growth in the elementary population and what’s being done to address growth and additional needs in the middle and high school populations. While the majority of the attention has been at the elementary level in recent years, these students will move on to the other schools and anticipated needs should be addressed in advance. Effective strategic and capital planning will ensure that all town facilities are maintained and we don’t end up in a situation where we have a building that’s not up to code and requires significant investment, which could’ve been avoided had the town been presented with all available options in the decision-making process. Balancing these with maintaining the town’s aesthetics and open space planning will be critical.
Joe Connell, three-year term
I am running for re-election because I am committed to serving the citizens of this town for another three years. Why I first ran, and why I am running again. I am a 30-year Army Veteran, with four combat deployments. When moving back to Lynnfield, I committed to give back to the town as much as possible, because of the support I received when deployed. This is what Veterans do, and always will. I believe I have done that and want to continue this service and do more! There are many important projects underway that the Select Board has started and wants to finish: the Public Safety Building, Veterans Memorial, Rail Trail and the Library Renovation Project. I believe I have the best qualifications that you deserve to represent you.
There are more than three priorities in the next three years that need undivided attention: continuing to represent all ages in our community, maintaining a balanced budget and keeping our AA+ bond rating, ensuring our school administration is providing a top-notch education for our students, seeing the construction of our public safety buildings project through to fruition, getting the Rail Trail through the State requirements, keeping the remarkable partnerships with all committees and boards, maintaining or increasing the amount of protected land in Lynnfield, improving the health of and access to Lynnfield’s natural beauty and expanding the range of recreational opportunities and assets, for all ages.
Planning Board
Amy MacNulty, five-year term
As a member of the Planning Board, my priorities are centered around advancing the best interests of Lynnfield’s residents. I am dedicated to ensuring that our town experiences orderly growth and development, always following the town’s bylaws and regulations. With several significant projects underway and potential new ones on the horizon, maintaining consistency in our approach is paramount to preserving the values that define our community.
Additionally, I am committed to completing the Lynnfield 2040 Vision Plan. This comprehensive plan will serve as the foundation for updating the 2002 Master Plan. Both the 2040 Vision Plan and the 2002 Master Plan share common objectives, including the preservation of Lynnfield’s distinctive character, the revitalization of key areas such as the Town Center and South Lynnfield, and ensuring equitable access to open spaces for all residents. I look forward to working with the Planning Board to ensure that Lynnfield continues to thrive while preserving the qualities that make it such a special place to live.
School Committee
Brian Charville, three-year term
I am running because I am concerned that if we don’t act now, LPS’s best days might be behind them. There is a basic value proposition – come to Lynnfield for great schools – at stake. Our schools are good and most students have good outcomes, but I don’t see us keeping pace with the systems we consider peers. We’re without a permanent superintendent, the interim superintendent is also having to cover the finance director and Special Education Director jobs, the HHS principal retired, the LHS principal is new, and the LMS principal has spent 80% of his time since November teaching a specialized classroom that lost its teacher – that is a lot of disruption for a small system, and I want to be a part of fixing it. I lead a real estate & construction company and have skills and experience with issues like these.
My top three priorities will be the budget, finding and guiding a great superintendent who will bring LPS to greatness, and negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with paraprofessionals, teachers, and other staff that balances their needs with Town fiscal realities. A majority of the current School Committee supports a budget that cuts both a nurse and the High School’s Media Specialist – I support retaining those positions, especially the Media Specialist. LHS can’t keep being asked to bear cuts so resources can go elsewhere. We must conduct the broadest, most robust possible superintendent search if we want to hire the very best person available, and we have to provide them on day one, the necessary resources to do their job. And the writing is on the wall, from other towns, regarding the new teachers’ contract – it will have to be right for Lynnfield, reflective of the market and our peer systems, and prioritize our values and Lynnfield remaining a competitive employer of educators in 2024 and beyond.
Jenny Sheehan, one-year term
I have been involved in the schools for the past few years – volunteering in classrooms, joining focus group sessions, attending meetings, and serving on the executive board of the Summer Street School PTO. From being in the schools and working with the teachers, I saw firsthand the challenges they were facing with class size and curriculum, which is what prompted me to first speak in public comment at a School Committee meeting a year ago. Having spent the better part of the last year attempting to engage with them, I quickly learned the operational procedures of the School Committee were not working for our community. This is what inspired me to run for an open seat with the goal of improving transparency, collaboration, and most importantly, the decision-making process of our School Committee.
There’s been a lot of focus on the issues in our school system over the past few months, but it needs to be said that Lynnfield has a very strong school system and the issues we face stem largely from having a poor administrator who had minimal oversight from the School Committee. With this as a backdrop, I think the first priority is simply to get the district back on track; starting with returning to an environment where all stakeholders – teachers, parents, and administrators – are treated with the respect and courtesy they deserve. There is an opportunity for much more collaboration and transparency, and I think it’s important we provide that for our community. Once that’s established, I think the biggest priorities for the School Committee are hiring a new Superintendent, and reaching a fair and fiscally responsible agreement with the LTA. These two tasks will set the tone for our district for years to come, so my focus will be ensuring we have a collaborative and data-driven process in place so we get this right for our children.
Jim Dillon, three-year term
I am running for School Committee because my background as a teacher, principal and former Lynnfield School Committee member uniquely positions me to promote a culture of excellence at the Lynnfield Public Schools. The quality of education provided by our schools has a large impact on every student, family, and our entire community. The committee has a great responsibility to ensure that each student receives an outstanding education that provides our students with the critical thinking skills, work ethic, and confidence to be successful in whatever endeavor they choose. I served on the Lynnfield School Committee for fifteen years until 2011 and was appointed to an interim position in January 2024. I have educational experience as a teacher and principal at Masconomet Middle School where I set very high standards for student achievement. I believe I have a unique understanding and insight of the challenges that our school district is facing. We have great schools, but there are areas for improvement and we can be greater. I believe that my experience will be a value added to the School Committee.
Three priorities for the School Committee will be to choose a new superintendent, to focus on student achievement, and to take a close look at school culture. As the educational leader of the school district, the new Superintendent will have a profound impact on students, teachers, administration, and our entire community. I have worked closely with 9 superintendents, and I believe that my experience as a teacher and principal will be invaluable when selecting the next educational leader of our district. Student achievement has to be a central focus of the Committee. The Superintendent’s goals and the school improvement plans should focus on improvement in teaching and learning. Areas of the curriculum should be part of a continuous cycle of improvement reported to the committee regularly. We should strive for excellence in every program, including the arts, performing arts, athletics, and academics. The Committee should make school culture a priority because it significantly impacts everything that happens in the school. Our Principals have reported increased behavior and mental health issues among our students. Research indicates that a child’s brain development thrives when they feel safe and are with adults who care about them. The Committee will need to work to ensure a healthy environment exists in our schools.
Kate DePrizio, three-year term
Three years ago, I first ran for the School Committee during the pandemic, focusing on open communication, increasing transparency, and advocating for the needs of all learners, most notably our youngest learners. As Chair, I’ve begun to address these priorities through a robust open budget process, soliciting collaboration from staff to focus on immediate student needs as well as encouraging open communication, and sharing our priorities, considerations, and constraints in the decisions we make. I am eager to continue to build on this progress while planning our vision for the future and rebuilding trust throughout the community. Most importantly though, meeting the needs of all students is not simply a cliché, it is my absolute priority and focus. As a mom of four, I am deeply invested in the growth and continued success of Lynnfield Public Schools and the Town of Lynnfield. I will continue to advocate, plan strategically, embrace challenges and build relationships for the betterment of students, staff, and the LPS community.
Over the next year the most pressing issues that Lynnfield Public Schools will face include a Superintendent Search, negotiation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and assertively and proactively addressing all student needs. For both the superintendent search and negotiating the CBA, we need someone with historical knowledge of the district, a good rapport with staff, the Lynnfield Teachers Association and Town Administration, and experience in negotiating and navigating legal matters. We need someone who prioritizes open communication, is strategic and most importantly motivated to do what is best for the district and all of Lynnfield – that person is me! To best address student needs, we need to view the issue through a wide lens, combining data-driven research, academic assessment, student agency, the youth behavioral risk survey, and the everyday needs expressed inside our buildings. The School Committee must maintain its focus on rebuilding which includes addressing staff and student morale and culture, redirecting Tier 1 supports appropriately to ensure that all students are having their needs met both academically and emotionally, prioritizing class size for our youngest learners, tackling mental health issues in all schools, most notably at LHS, and continuing to inspire and challenge our students toward excellence through electives and class options throughout the district. As Chair of the committee, I appreciate the balance between pressing issues and the management of ongoing needs is the absolute key to providing the district with stability and continued success.
Kimberly Baker-Donahue, one-year term
The Weekly News attempted to contact Kimberly Baker-Donahue but did not get a response.
Kristen Elworthy, one-year term
Over the past several months, it’s become increasingly clear that there are difficult decisions to make for Lynnfield Public Schools – but that this is a moment of opportunity to influence the next generation of Lynnfield’s education. As a parent of three students and a product of Lynnfield schools myself, I’m invested in that outcome. One of the biggest needs for the School Committee right now is to rebuild credibility through clear and transparent communication – and also to bring together the different stakeholders to consensus on important decisions like our next superintendent, collective bargaining and school budget. This is one of my areas of strength: I have 15 years of experience in public relations and messaging, as well as on other town projects such as the Finance Committee, the Public Safety Building Committee, and the Summer Street School Council. When the opportunity to run came up, it felt like a unique chance to put that knowledge and skillset together to make a difference in Lynnfield.
There are really only two big themes to the priorities I’m looking at, though they are broad. One is rebuilding the trust and credibility of the School Committee with our teachers, parents and residents. We have some big decisions and advocacy work to do around the district’s needs, and that can only happen if we are a trusted body that is clearly locked into what is happening in the district and fairly balancing the needs of various stakeholders – all with an eye towards the best option for our students, which is the priority. The second is around building a strategic plan for LPS for the next several years. This encompasses a vision that includes hiring a new superintendent, approaching collective bargaining in a way that will keep Lynnfield a top place for teachers to work, and digging into what it will take to keep Lynnfield as a top district for our students. Exactly what that will take will require conversations and input – but it’s been clear that a strategy for special education, a STEM curriculum, and an increased program of studies at the high school are at the top of our needs.
Library Trustee
Anne Malenfant, three-year term
I have been an active member of the Friends of the Lynnfield Library, and co-president/president for the past three years. Through my increasing involvement with the Friends, I have gotten to know the amazing staff and Board of Trustees, and better understand their goals and challenges. The library is presented with critical opportunities over the next few years, with a possible reimagining of the existing building. I hope to use my skills as a Project Manager in the construction industry to guide the library through those decisions, communicate with residents and work to make the best decision for our community.
My top three priorities are: working together with the other Trustees, library staff and the community for open and transparent decision-making related to the possible renovation of the existing building, further developing opportunities for Lynnfield community groups to collaborate using the library, and identifying additional roles that the library can play in our Lynnfield community as a gathering place, accessible to all.
Darlene Samikkannu Kumar, two-year term
The Weekly News attempted to contact Darlene Samikkannu Kumar but did not get a response.
Joseph Gallagher, three-year term
The Weekly News attempted to contact Joseph Gallagher but did not get a response.
Russell Boekenkroeger, two-year term
I am seeking a fourth term as a library trustee because I can and will contribute towards addressing the challenges facing the Trustees and the Library in the coming years as an experienced community volunteer. My primary reasons for continuing to serve are implementing the newly revised Library Strategic Plan, and ensuring that the building hosting the Lynnfield Public Library satisfies Lynnfield’s needs and spends taxpayer dollars wisely. I have served as the Chair of the Library Building Committee since 2015. One of my greatest accomplishments as a trustee was to secure an $8 million grant to build a new library; a place to address future needs for space, programming, learning, connecting, and having fun. The Town also selected me as the community representative on the recent Renovation Feasibility Study. As this effort evolves, I would like to continue in this capacity as a re-elected trustee.
The passion that drove me on the new library project will continue to motivate me as a re-elected trustee. The renovation options as identified address some of the long-standing problems with a structure cobbled together as extensions to the 1865 Centre Schoolhouse. Stabilizing the structure into one entity is a long-deferred maintenance issue finally being actively discussed. The building must become accessible to support a user-friendly environment that Lynnfield residents require and deserve. It is a necessity to completely reconsider the building at the present location. There are many challenges, but I am up to addressing them. The rewards will be long-lasting for Lynnfield. This is an area where I am uniquely positioned to ensure that the insights and knowledge we gain from the Trustees and residents are incorporated into the future direction and plans. I believe in achieving the Library’s Mission and realize that this will require strong support for our Director, and Staff as well as engaging community organizations, Town officials, and Department Heads. My experiences as a trustee position me well.
Moderator
Steven Walsh, one-year term
The Weekly News attempted to contact Steven Walsh but did not get a response.
Board of Assessors
Donald Garrity, three-year term
The Weekly News attempted to contact Donald Garrity but did not get a response.