To the editor:
There has been much debate recently about the Lynnfield Public School budget process and the required override necessary to maintain level services for our district. While it is easy to emotionally blur the lines between these topics, I believe each of these situations, the budget process and the override, needs to be evaluated independently.
With regard to the budget, I think our board (School Committee) is confusing hard work with transparency. It is no secret to those who have been watching that I have been critical of the budget process this year. Among my concerns is the timing of the public budget recommendation, which was presented later than it has been in previous years. From years of experience, I know the budget doesn’t appear overnight, and I appreciate the School Committee, Select Board and town administration working together, as they do every year, to come up with a fiscally responsible budget.
Here’s the challenge: We have known about the school’s financial situation since last summer, and those of us who have previously served on the School Committee have seen this train coming for a long time. Ultimately, this comes down to the committee finding the courage to have an honest and transparent conversation with our community about our fiscal situation; no matter how much work was done behind the scenes, or how many people spoke in support of the process during public participation or write letters to the editor, it doesn’t change the fact that the first public mention of an override by the School Committee was not until March 11. That being said, the place to address concerns about the budget was at the public budget hearing (March 25) and at the town election on April 8, not by voting against an override.
Frustration with the budget process and the need for an override are not mutually exclusive. Regardless of who the superintendent is or who serves on the School Committee, an override was going to be needed this year. Rising costs make further cuts untenable, as they would directly impact the quality of education our children receive. Like many neighboring towns, if we want to provide the best possible education for our students and ensure fair treatment of our educators – two priorities that go hand in hand — an override is essential.
It is not an exaggeration to say that failing to pass an override would have severe consequences. Every resident would feel the effects — either directly, through their children’s education or indirectly, through declining property values. In my eleven years on the School Committee, we have not faced an operating override, but I have often heard that ‘Lynnfield steps up for education.’ I witnessed that firsthand with the school expansion project. Now, it’s time to step up again. Express your frustration with the budget process at the town election on April 8, but let’s come together for the sake of our students and support an override at the Town Meeting on April 29. The future of public education in Lynnfield is in the hands of our community. Let’s do what’s best for our students, teachers, and families.
Please note: Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of the Lynnfield School Committee.
Regards,
Jamie Hayman
Former chair and current member
Lynnfield School Committee
