To the editor:
As we approach the April 8 School Committee elections and the subsequent Annual Town Meeting later this month, it’s crucial that we carefully consider the future of our school district and town finances. In particular, we will face the challenge of addressing the FY 2026 budget, with a projected override of $5 million, largely driven by the increasing needs of our school district. The consequences of this decision will impact our taxes, services, and the educational experience of our children for years to come.
This is why I am writing to STRONGLY endorse Kim Baker Donahue for the Lynnfield School Committee. If you believe, as I do, that we need a more effective approach to the budgetary process and a well-prepared strategy for addressing our town’s necessary override, Baker Donahue is the ONE candidate you should vote for.
Over the last several months, we have seen opportunities for significant improvement in transparency and accountability in our school budgeting process. There is a need to have far more timely information shared with all residents because, until recently, the current process has left many of us uninformed about the financial health of our schools. This lack of clarity and real-time communication must be addressed, especially as we approach such an important vote that could significantly raise taxes and fundamentally alter the financial landscape of our town.
Baker Donahue is a person of great integrity. She is someone who understands the importance of clear, open, and transparent communication. As a lifelong valued member of our community, Baker Donahue has consistently advocated for a more robust process to ensure the entire community is well-informed about the financial decisions affecting us all. Her focus on transparency and her experience as an attorney and managing challenging financial matters will be invaluable as we navigate this critical period for our schools and our town.
If we are to make informed decisions about the future of our school district, especially as we approach an important override vote, we need someone who can effectively communicate the needs of our schools while ensuring that all stakeholders, from our young families to our senior citizens, are fully engaged in the process. Baker Donahue will work tirelessly to make sure we, the community, are not left searching for where our tax dollars are going, and she will ensure that our school district’s financial needs are met with proper planning, foresight, and, most importantly, effective oversight.
Baker Donahue understands the importance of budgeting not just for today, but for the future, ensuring our schools remain the pride of Lynnfield. If you believe, as I do, that the School Committee needs to be better equipped to tackle the budget challenges ahead, vote for Kim Baker Donahue for School Committee.
Together, we can create a better, more informed process to protect the quality of our schools and our community. A vote for Kim Baker Donahue for the Lynnfield School Committee is a vote for a brighter, more sustainable future for our children, educators, administrators, and every resident of our town. Baker Donahue will make sure our extraordinary teachers and administrators are fully supported with the resources they need to succeed and the appreciation they rightfully deserve. Let’s take this opportunity to elect someone who will always put our community first, ensuring our schools continue to thrive while balancing fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
On April 8, please join me in supporting Kim Baker Donahue for School Committee. Kim is the ONE vote we need to ensure we make the thoughtful, transparent, and strategic decisions that will shape the future of Lynnfield for generations to come.
Thank you for your consideration and dedication to the Town of Lynnfield. It is greatly appreciated!
Christopher J. Barrett
Former Lynnfield Select Board Chair
Former Lynnfield School Committee Chair
