LYNN — Lori Gallivan, a veteran educator who spent nine years as a Lynn Public Schools teacher early in her career, has been appointed interim deputy superintendent by Superintendent Molly Cohen.
When Cohen was promoted to interim superintendent by the School Committee on Oct. 16, it created an opening for a deputy superintendent. Gallivan, who is currently serving as assistant superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Accountability in Winthrop, will start on Jan. 2, and her focus will be on secondary schools.
“As we move through this transition, my focus is on stability, belonging, and keeping our focus on excellent instruction in every classroom,” Cohen said. “In order to achieve that, we need a complete leadership team in place.”
Gallivan has been in her current role in Winthrop since 2018. Prior to that, she worked as both a principal and the executive director of Curriculum for Saugus Public Schools for seven years. She also served as an administrator in Newburyport for four years.
Gallivan was a teacher in Lynn from 1998 to 2007. She began her career as a teacher in Springfield as part of the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, a DYS facility for juvenile boys.
“Lori is a highly respected leader who has dedicated nearly three decades to public education,” Cohen said. “She brings a rare combination of systems-level expertise, instructional depth, and genuine care for the Lynn community.”
Gallivan earned a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University, a master’s in education from Cambridge College, and completed her educational leadership work at Gordon College.
She is a Rennie Centers Educational Policy Fellow, and was recognized by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents in 2023 with the Assistant Superintendent Leadership Award.
“I’m excited for this opportunity. Returning now feels both deeply meaningful and full circle,” Gallivan said. “I look forward to working collaboratively to ensure that every student in Lynn has access to the highest quality education and equitable pathways to success. I fully support Superintendent Cohen’s vision. I believe it will build a school system that reflects the pride, potential, and promise of the City of Lynn.”
In addition to supervising all grade 6-12 schools, Gallivan will have oversight of areas including athletics, social emotional learning and adult education.
“Having a skilled leader to integrate this work will ensure that we maintain coherence, continuity and momentum on district priorities,” Cohen said.
