To the editor:
My husband and I are 40+ years residents of Lynnfield, and we raised our children here. Even though we no longer have school-age children, we stay updated about and invested in what we believe is best for the Lynnfield Public Schools. As an educator (Boston Public School system), what I have observed over the last year and a half has been disheartening and discouraging. Something needs to change.
I have known Kim Baker Donahue for almost 40 years, since she was 8 years old, having been her religious school teacher. After she graduated from religious school, I would see Kim personally every so often and get direct updates about high school, college, law school, her career, and her family, in addition to getting updates from her mother. It does not surprise me that she is running for a seat on the Lynnfield School Committee.
An effective member of the Lynnfield School Committee must have the ability not just to listen to, but to hear the perspective of others. The school committee member must be willing and able to consider those other perspectives and adapt to provide what is in the best interests of the children and families. He or she must be able to communicate effectively, respectfully, and in a timely manner. He or she must have the ability to think creatively, in both the short term and the long term, to balance fiscal responsibility with moving our school district forward so that every student can have the opportunity to be fully prepared for the next chapter of their journey. Kim Baker Donahue not only observed and learned these skills from her parents but has also had the opportunity to develop and put these skills into practice in both her professional and philanthropic roles. On a daily basis, as an estate planning attorney and a trust officer, Kim considers the circumstances of the past and the present in order to plan for the future which is exactly what we need our school committee members to do. She pays attention to details, brings a legal-thinking mind, and has years of experience on boards of directors that will only serve to move our school committee forward.
Perhaps most importantly, however, Kim is a mom to two sons and an auntie to a niece and nephew in our school system who attend our elementary, middle, and high schools. She is committed to all students, of all ages, at all levels. She is committed to the amazing teachers and staff who have proven to be dedicated and loyal to our community time and time again. She is passionate about the town in which she grew up and is determined to help preserve the reputation of the Lynnfield Public Schools.
As our town faces the most difficult budget we have faced in many years, we must trust that the members of our school committee also consider those of us who no longer have children in the schools. I have no doubt that Kim will do that, without hesitation. I have no doubt that honesty, integrity, and fairness are essential to who Kim is and I ask and encourage you all to join me in voting for Kim Baker Donahue for a position on the Lynnfield School Committee on April 8.
Thank you,
Ronda F. Spitzer
Lynnfield
