LYNN — The School Committee voted unanimously last Thursday to appoint resident Lauren Walsh as the school district’s new co-supervisor of attendance.
Walsh previously served as a response supervisor at the state Department of Children and Families, a role that aligns well with the responsibilities of an attendance supervisor, said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.
She will join Kristin Fraher, a former juvenile justice supervisor with the Essex County District Attorney’s office, and who was hired by the city in 2018.
Responsibilities of the position include filing the school’s child requiring assistance (CRA) cases, attending court discipline hearings for students and acting as the keeper of records for Lynn Public Schools.
Citing her seven years of work in the clinical field, including experience in leadership roles, Walsh “understands the work,” according to Tutwiler.
“I am thrilled to recommend for the position of attendance supervisor a candidate who I believe will not only make a significant impact on our attendance initiative, but will be a great partner and colleague,” said Tutwiler.
Walsh was chosen from among several candidates who applied for the position and were interviewed by a committee consisting of members of the district’s attendance team, its executive director of social-emotional learning, two members of the School Committee and representatives from the LPS administrative team.
During their interviews, candidates were required to demonstrate an understanding of the district’s mindset around attendance as a risk factor and how it aligns with a focus on achieving equity in its schools, Tutwiler said.
Tutwiler said Walsh “blew them away” during her interview.
“The depth of her answers conveyed to show she understands the work and has a strong grasp on our approach to addressing attendance issues in the district, which is somewhat unlike the effort to engage in other districts,” Tutwiler said.
As a Lynn resident, Tutwiler said Walsh is connected with community agencies and professionals in the city, which he believes will ultimately allow for a “seamless” transition to her new role.
School Committee member Michael Satterwhite spoke in support of the hire, saying that he agreed with Tutwiler’s assessment of Walsh.
“Lauren came in and interviewed and answered the questions with data and actual knowledge as to what we are hoping to do in this district,” said Satterwhite. “I am happy with her selection.”
School Committee member Lorraine Gately said Walsh applied for the position the last time the district was hiring and was given feedback and suggestions on what to work on, including gaining more experience and holding a supervisor position.
When she recently applied for the position for the second time, Gately said “she came back and hit a home run.”
Mayor Thomas M. McGee, chairman of the School Committee, said he is “excited” to bring Walsh on as a part of the district attendance team.
