LYNN — With the school year officially over, Dr. Evonne S. Alvarez sat down with The Item to talk about her first year as the superintendent of Lynn Public Schools.
“If I were to say how it’s progressed in terms of a normal district operation, I’d say two to three years of work in this past year,” Dr. Alvarez said. “I think that’s because of the fact that everyone believes that change is needed for students, and that we’re all in it together to make sure that change happens.”
Dr. Alvarez said the main focuses for this year were English learner (EL) students; diversity and inclusion; data, assessment, and accountability; and innovation.
Two big issues the district worked on throughout the year were trying to improve its graduation rates and increase the number of teachers in the district who are certified to teach EL students.
“It’s an issue all over Massachusetts, because there aren’t enough people that are certified,” Dr. Alvarez said.
Since 2019, Dr. Alvarez said there has been a dramatic increase of EL students in the district.
This year, the district formed a strategic partnership with Rosetta Stone for language acquisition in 25 languages and appointed its first diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) director, Robert Bishop.
Through the new DEI department, the district has developed and implemented an inclusivity program, a No Place For Hate campaign, superintendent teacher and student cabinets, and a DEI student consultants pilot program. Dr. Alvarez said these programs work toward changing the student experience with the schools and district in a positive way, fostering a healthy learning environment.
Dr. Alvarez said that the individualized education planning (IEP) for special-education (SPED) compliance in the district was at 93% in May. When she officially started as superintendent, compliance was at 62%.
“It’s our communication strategy with parents,” Dr. Alvarez said about the change. “Making sure that we are meeting parents with their needs as well.”
Another aspect that increased the compliance percentage was significantly adding to the district’s translation services, Dr. Alvarez said. LPS now has four full-time staff members working in the translation department.
“We continue to work on the programming for all of our SPED models, because they need work,” Dr. Alvarez said.
Another focus for this year was expansion of services and buildings in the district.
Dr. Alvarez said the district plans to open its Science, Technology, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Academy in the new Fecteau-Leary building in the 2026-27 school year. She said this will give students in grades six through 12 access to good STEAM programs and alleviate overcrowding in both the middle and high schools.
The district also expanded its Advanced Placement courses and options this past year.
“We looked at everything that they were offering and put it into one place, so students know what their options are,” Dr. Alvarez said. “What it also does is it gives a heightened awareness to colleges and universities, because they always want to know how rigorous are the courses the kids are taking, and when you don’t have a document like that, you’re cutting off access for students to be considered for programs or careers.”
Dr. Alvarez focused largely on data-driven strategic planning in her first year as superintendent, and said that set systems and procedures didn’t exist in the district previously.
She said it is crucial to use data to identify what the deficiencies are that the district needs to address to meet standards.
“I’m really proud of the work we’ve done with committees, principals, LTU (Lynn Teachers Union) to make sure that we put policies and then fill with the procedures to make sure that we have an administrative step-by-step process to ensure that district schools will follow it with integrity,” Dr. Alvarez said.
By putting written procedures in place, focusing on professional development, and having data meetings monthly, Dr. Alvarez said the “accomplishments are significant” for all involved.
There is also an expectation set in place to understand what needs there are in terms of work and feedback from teachers to students, and from students to teachers.
“When you see the data and it’s stagnant or continues to decline, you have to really look at root cause, you have to look at what other strategies… you need to change. And then, how do you shift to that change? And then, how do you progress-monitor?” Dr. Alvarez said. “I think our principals and teachers have done that… We’re moving in the right direction.”
Dr. Alvarez also created a brand-new innovation department in the district this year.
“We need innovative pathways and curriculums to insure that our students are receiving 21st-century learning,” she said.
The district received a Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant for Lynn Classical High School, Lynn English High School, and Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, allowing it to dive into themed education.
“Research tells us that themed education increases attendance, student achievement, sense of belonging, all of the things that are a part of our vision at LPS,” Dr. Alvarez said.
It’s been a busy year for the district and Dr. Alvarez’s office, but she’s only getting started.
