LYNN — Sean Reid, Lynn native and district director for Sen. Brendan Crighton, announced his candidacy for School Committee this past week.
Reid says he will use his unique personal and professional experiences to bring a new generation of leadership to Lynn Public Schools (LPS).
Reid attended LPS up until his graduation from Lynn Classical High School in 2013. He is a graduate of North Shore Community College and Amherst College, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration and Affairs at Merrimack College.
Reid’s wife, Kelsey, is a teacher and coach in LPS, as well as a Lynn Teachers Union building representative. Reid said his wife’s experiences have given him great insight into what teachers are thinking and feeling on the ground level.
“Public education is deeply personal to me,” said Reid. “It is personal to me as a former LPS student who has experienced the positive impact that this system can have on a student’s life. It is personal to me as the husband of an LPS teacher. It is personal to me as a passionate Lynner who is going to raise his children in this city.”
Reid didn’t always excel in academics. He says he struggled in high school, frequently got suspended, received failing marks, and questioned if he would have to drop out.
“It would have been so easy to give up on me, but the teachers, counselors, and administration always believed in me and pushed me forward,” said Reid.
Former Lynn Classical Principal Gene Constantino said Reid was very special to him, as he was an example of a student who faced difficulties but never gave up.
“Sean clearly always had much potential with his academic abilities, personality, and caring nature, but he certainly struggled,” said Constantino. “As evidenced by all that he does in the community, Sean cares so much about the city and he will be able to bring a youthful experience, knowledge, and compassion, which will greatly enhance the Lynn School Committee.”
Reid has worked for Crighton since January 2022, and says his perspective as a state house staffer will be valuable. Reid said many of the city’s school-related issues, including new school construction, involve state policy and agencies.
Reid is also involved in numerous organizations in the city including the Rotary Club, the Alumni and Friends of Lynn Classical High School, and the local non-profit Kayak and Sail Lynn, of which he is a co-founder. This past fall, Reid also co-organized an event that raised more than $5,000 for Thanksgiving items for those in need.
Reflecting on his academic growth since high school and how it helped get him to where he is today, Reid said he was very fortunate. Now, he wants to give back by “ensuring that we have a system that provides these types of opportunities to all and meets the needs of every child, regardless of their situation or background.”
Some of his top priorities for the School Committee include bettering pathways to higher education and jobs, creating a more inclusive system, expanding pre-K, advocating for better school infrastructure, improving student mental health, and expanding extracurricular opportunities.
“Our students, teacher, families, and community as a whole deserve a top-notch education system,” said Reid.
Reid believes this is a crucial time for LPS with a new superintendent, the continued implementation of additional state funding, and the upcoming Pickering Middle School construction.
“I am prepared for this moment, and ready to hit the ground running,” said Reid. “I look forward to listening to and learning from the residents of Lynn throughout this campaign.”
