New Lynnfield superintendent looks to take charge of schools

LYNNFIELD – New to the job, but not to the town, Robert Hassett is more than optimistic for his first full year as Lynnfield’s superintendent of schools.”I’m really looking forward to this year in my new role,” he said, adding how fortunate he is for the experience.With roughly 2,344 students entering the public schools and 26 new staff members, Hassett said the pressure is on to make for a smooth year, and he’s more than ready for the challenge.”It’s a position where I’m responsible for an awful lot of people, children and faculty,” he said. “I’m going to make sure everyone gets taken care of and that I meet the needs of the entire Lynnfield community.”Helping him achieve such goals will be newcomers Kevin Cyr, Lynnfield High School’s assistant principal; Adam Federico, Lynnfield Middle School’s assistant principal; and Janet Barry, the district’s new director of special services.”She’s really hit the ground running,” said Hassett of Barry. “It’s hard to jump into some leadership positions, particularly special education.”Also new to the roster will be a K4 English Language Arts and Social Studies Curriculum Specialist. Hassett said the new position will help both students and teachers in those disciplines.Returning this year in a new form is Bob Cleary, who will take over Hassett’s position as the principal of Lynnfield High. Cleary spent the last six years as the assistant principal and was once a LHS graduate.”We’ll be starting this year in a strong position,” said Hassett. “Our teachers participated in a wide variety of professional development opportunities over the summer and will be returning with new ideas and strategies to help students achieve.”As the school buildings themselves are only five years old, there won’t be many physical changes. Hassett did say, however, that talks to redo the athletic fields have begun, but it’s “very preliminary” and funding hasn’t been squared away.Hassett also said that the ever-increasing enrollment is having an impact on the schools.”You can see it in the hallways,” he said. “It’s something we’ll have to address in the future.”But for now, Hassett is looking forward to the school year and making improvements all around, but not from behind his desk in Town Hall.”You know, it’s interesting,” he started. “I taught for 22 years, then was the assistant (principal), then the principal. I’m used to having 600 people around me?Now I have two secretaries and myself. I really want to be back in the schools?to see what’s going on and be seen.”