LYNNFIELD — Another candidate has thrown her hat into the ring for a seat on the Lynnfield School Committee.
Kate DePrizio said she decided to run because she feels “compelled to serve as a voice for families that are struggling, children that are upset and anxious during remote learning, children that are disengaged (with limited) participation and for children and families, like my own, who have repeatedly shed tears as they do their very best to navigate their way through this process.
“I would like the Lynnfield School Committee to be willing to have the uncomfortable conversations, and ask the hard questions,” she said. “I am displeased with the lack of communication, an actionable plan, accountability, creativity and collaboration, and I am most displeased with the lack of compassion.”
The town election is set for April 13. DePrizio will be challenging incumbents Tim Doyle and Phil McQueen, and Planning Board Chair Brian Charville, who Town Clerk Linda Emerson said have also pulled papers.
An Illinois native, DePrizio chaired the Together We Grow organization, an initiative that culminated with a lopsided townwide vote at a special election in December to approve a $17 million improvement plan that will add 10 new classrooms at the Huckleberry Hill and Summer Street elementary schools.
“My approach was fueled by my love of our town, creativity, passion for collaboration, tenacity, and great heart,” said DePrizio. “Our goal was to keep residents apprised of changes, answer questions, have the uncomfortable conversations, and clearly present the plan of the school expansion project — and we succeeded with flying colors. These tenets are part of what I find to be lacking in our current School Committee.”
DePrizio said she is in favor of increasing in-person learning “to the greatest extent possible while in adherence with public health guidelines, space capacity limitations, and parental preference.
“That said, where is our ingenuity and our collaboration?” DePrizio said. “By keeping our parents and the community at arm’s length, and without a plan, I believe that the Lynnfield School Committee has misused its most valuable asset — this amazing community. Lynnfield is filled with highly educated, creative, resourceful, and incredibly motivated residents who have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to be considered as part of the solution.”
DePrizio feels the School Committee needs to share an action plan that spells out the obstacles to increased in-person learning along with a mitigation strategy, and also wants to see “validation and compassion” in School Committee communication to families.
“Improving the relationship between the Lynnfield Public School community and the School Committee begins with better communication and transparency,” DePrizio said, noting she has seen improvement regarding recent communication about the overall return plan to full in-person learning for kindergartners in March.
“This communication and plan is certainly a step in the right direction,” she said.
DePrizio is grateful to have such “incredible teachers” and also respects the commitment of the members of the School Committee.
“Our teachers are truly amazing and I am in awe of their persistence, ingenuity, generosity, and thoughtfulness,” DePrizio said. “I also want to express my gratitude and appreciation for all those who serve on the School Committee currently. I respect and value their commitment to our town. With that being said, the time for change is now. The time for an actionable plan is now. The time for transparency is now.”
The DePrizio family moved from Illinois to Massachusetts in 2005.
“My husband, Mike, and I looked tirelessly in communities along the North Shore searching for our forever home,” she said. “Top-notch schools were a priority for us and that led us to Lynnfield in 2014.”
DePrizio has served the community in many capacities, including as co-vice president of the Huckleberry Hill School PTO, Tower Day Parents’ Forum president, Brownie Girl Scout leader and youth cheer coach as well as serving as co-director of the Huckleberry Hill School variety show.
DePrizio graduated from Wheaton Warrenville South High School in Wheaton, Ill., in 1996. She received an Associate in Arts degree from the College of DuPage and studied psychology at Aurora University.
DePrizio and her husband have four children ranging in age from 13 months to seven years.
For more information about DePrizio’s campaign, visit her Facebook page, “Kate DePrizio for Lynnfield School Committee.”
