To the editor:
I echo the thoughts of many townspeople when I say that we have a very important Town Election ahead of us on April 8. It is my belief that the School Committee race is one that will greatly impact the community, whether you have children in the school system or not.
Lynnfield Public Schools have the largest operating budget of any department in town and the school system is a draw for people moving to our community. As members of this community, we have the opportunity to make changes. We are tasked with voting in the people we feel will best represent the community when faced with decisions around budgeting, policy, hiring, and collective bargaining as we move forward. It is my strong belief that Kim Baker Donahue is the candidate for the job.
For the past 26 years, I have worked in multiple capacities in the field of education. Through my experiences as both an educator and a parent, I have seen what it takes to be a strong School Committee member. Anyone holding a position on a School Committee must have the ability to listen, reflect, make thoughtful decisions, and communicate in a calm and respectful manner. I believe that Kim possesses these qualities and more, and would be an integral member of our School Committee.
In both her professional and philanthropic roles, Kim has proven that she has the ability to listen to the opinions of others, gather information, make sound decisions based on the information she has available, and present her message to others in a way that is calm and respectful. As an Estate Planning lawyer and Trust Officer, Kim is focused on planning for the future. She is detail-oriented, and will no doubt bring the same passion, care, attention, and forward-thinking that she uses in her professional career to her role on the School Committee. Through her philanthropic roles, Kim has experience with bylaws, and policies, running effective meetings, and building relationships with stakeholders. These are all qualities that are needed in individuals that we elect to fill School Committee positions.
Kim is also a loving parent to two wonderful children who attend our public schools. As a parent of an elementary school student and a middle school student and an aunt of another middle school student and a high school student, Kim has a unique perspective and has insight across, and is invested in, all levels of our school system. Being able to see the strengths and challenges facing our students and parents across all levels of our school system is an asset. Rather than being focused only on one age range, Kim can see how the different schools work together.
Our district has challenges ahead as we work through a difficult budget and our collective bargaining agreement and as we continue to focus on hiring and maintaining strong leadership. I am voting for people who I feel will take on these types of challenges, and others, with mutual respect, honesty, transparency, and responsiveness. I believe that Kim possesses these qualities and is an ideal candidate for the School Committee. I invite and encourage the community to join me in voting for Kim Baker Donahue on April 8.
Thank you,
Danika Ripley
