LYNNFIELD — In a letter addressed to parents, guardians, and community members, Lynnfield School Committee Chair Rich Sjoberg announced that Superintendent Kristen Vogel had taken leave from her duties for medical reasons.
“The length of Superintendent Vogel’s medical leave is undetermined at this time,” the letter read. “We understand that there may be questions. Although privacy laws prevent us from sharing more details, please know that we plan to take action promptly to ensure a continuity of leadership.”
Vogel’s leave was effective beginning on Monday, Dec. 4. The announcement comes a day before the School Committee is set to meet in executive session to “discuss a complaint against a public officer, employee, staff member or individual” under Massachusetts General Law.
Wednesday’s meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. at the Al Merritt Center, located at 600 Market St.
Initially, the meeting agenda noted that the committee did not intend to return to an open session. However, in the statement, Sjoberg said, “It is anticipated that the School Committee will follow that session with a public vote as to any temporary changes to our administrative team necessitated by Superintendent Vogel’s absence, and will update the community following that meeting.”
In an interview, Sjoberg confirmed that it is likely that the committee will vote on an acting superintendent at the meeting.
In a separate letter addressed to staff, Sjoberg said to contact building principals or Assistant Superintendents Tom Geary and Kevin Cyr for any questions or assistance from the administration.
As a result of her leave, Vogel canceled appointments with parents and community members that were slated to take place on Tuesday. At last week’s School Committee meeting, she promised an opportunity to “hear your concerns, answer your questions, and problem solve.”
In addition, she also promised a raffle for teachers where they would have the opportunity to have Vogel take over their teaching duties for a day. Jim Crawford, a concerned parent in the district, said he doesn’t expect any rescheduling from Vogel when and if she returns.
“My gut feeling on it is that Ms. Vogel does not reappear,” Crawford said.
Crawford currently has a petition to terminate Vogel’s contract, which has more than 350 signatures.
Sjoberg said that there will be no public comment at Wednesday’s meeting. However the committee is planning to hold an extended public comment at its next scheduled meeting the following week.
