To the editor:
The recent departure of two highly qualified superintendents of color from our district is both deeply regrettable and a cause for serious concern.
This marks the second instance in which an exemplary leader, representing the diversity of our student population, has left the district prematurely. Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, a professional of exceptional caliber and our first Black superintendent, served for only three years before being appointed to a prominent leadership role as Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This trajectory clearly demonstrates the significant talent our district has failed to retain.
His successor, Dr. Evonne Álvarez, an equally qualified Hispanic leader, has unfortunately faced systemic barriers that have demonstrably impeded her ability to execute her duties. Under her brief tenure, the academic progress within Lynn Public Schools was undeniable:
• MCAS Ranking Improvement: The district’s accountability ranking improved from Level 5 to Level 7.
• School Accountability Gains: 17 out of 29 schools improved their accountability ranking in 2025.
• Reduction of Low-Performing Schools: The number of schools in the state’s lowest 10% accountability designation was reduced from 14 at the start of her leadership to 11 in 2024 and further to 8 in 2025.
These demonstrable results prove that Dr. Álvarez was a capable and effective leader. It is therefore profoundly disheartening and frankly shameful that the actions and decisions of the elected School Committee — the very body entrusted to serve our community — appear to have created an environment that pushes away the very leaders who best represent and can most effectively serve our students. This pattern is detrimental to the educational future of Lynn and demands immediate, critical reflection.
We must acknowledge a critical failure in leadership retention within our school district. For the second consecutive time, an immensely qualified Superintendent of color has been driven to leave their post prematurely.
We first saw this with Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, our first Black superintendent, whose exemplary credentials were confirmed by his subsequent appointment as the Massachusetts Secretary of Education — a testament to the high-level talent our district could not retain. Now, we face the departure of Dr. Evonne Álvarez, a highly qualified Hispanic leader who delivered tangible academic results:
Metric Improvement Under Dr. Álvarez:
• District Accountability (MCAS) Improved from Level 5 to Level 7
• School Accountability Gains 17 out of 29 schools improved ranking
• Lowest- Performing Schools Reduced from 14 to 8 in (Bottom 10%) 2025
These achievements are a matter of public record, yet the actions and apparent interference from the School Committee — the elected body accountable to the public — have systematically undercut the Superintendent’s authority. It is unacceptable and a disgrace that the School Committee has repeatedly created conditions that alienate effective leaders who reflect the demographics and needs of our student body. This pattern must be addressed immediately to ensure the stability and success of our educational system.
Signed,
Maria Carrasco, Jose Manuel Encarnacion, Pastor Eduardo Caceres, Adriana Paz and Miembros de Familias Latinas por la Educacion: Alba Soch, Erick Toc, Danissa Lopez, Gerson Lopez, Monsy Melgar, Jasmine Toc, Gabriela Gomez Norma Mendez, mother of Lynn student, and leader of the community, Michelle Guzman, community leader Magda Batres, former Lynn Public School employee and mother of student attending it.
