To the editor:
I attended the School Committee meeting on March 11 after reading articles and hearing talks about the budget override needed and the impact it will have on our schools.
First, I want to thank Superintendent Geary and the School Committee for doing such a great job explaining the district’s needs and the consequences of a failed override. I left that meeting concerned about understanding the devastating impact on our schools and our community if a budget override fails this spring.
This past year, the School Committee has brought back interventionists who work directly with students needing extra support and developed impactful new policies such as class size, cell phone use, and dress code, which have improved the educational culture and experience for students. Most recently, they just hired a new director of special education. It’s clear that our School Committee is dedicated to providing all of our students and teachers with the best experience possible.
I certainly don’t want the School Committee to take a massive step back from all the progress that has been made over the past year. If the override fails, many teachers will be laid off, greatly increasing class size. Programs, including athletics, could be cut. I encourage the community to start paying attention and educate themselves on the impact the entire town will feel if the override doesn’t pass.
Please listen, read articles, attend meetings, and most importantly, vote! Please support me in voting for the re-election of Jenny Sheehan and Kristen Elworthy to the School Committee on April 8. Please attend the Town Meeting on the week of April 28 and vote yes for the override. If the override passes at the Town Meeting, it will go to a ballot vote in June. Please vote, and together, let’s keep Lynnfield the amazing community we all know and want it to be!
Thank you,
Melissa Murtagh
