To the editor:
As a Lynnfield resident for more than 20 years and a proud Lynnfield Public School teacher for 33 years, I am aware of and fully understand the current challenges facing our town and, in particular, our school system. I believe that Kristen Grieco Elworthy is the person to represent Lynnfield’s values and ideals as an elected member of the School Committee.
In seeking the position, Kristen’s goals are to really listen to all parties involved and to come to consensus through mutual respect and compromise as needed. In these challenging times for the district and the town, I am confident that Kristen will be fair, honest, compassionate, consistent, and intentional in her thoughts and actions in making decisions affecting the parents and students of Lynnfield as a School Committee member.
Kristen attended Summer Street School, where I was privileged to have this bright, engaged, articulate student in my class. She is a proud graduate of Lynnfield High School, received her undergraduate degrees in communication and psychology from Boston College, and completed her graduate work at Boston University, receiving her master’s degree in journalism. Kristen values education and demonstrates the determination and perseverance necessary to achieve goals.
Because of her love of her town, Kristen moved back to Lynnfield in 2013 upon the birth of her first child. Currently, her children are enrolled in kindergarten and third grade at Summer Street School, and fifth grade at Lynnfield Middle School. Kristen is fully invested in public education and can speak directly to the needs of the current student population in Lynnfield.
As the owner and operator of a small public-relations agency with a focus on elevating underserved voices, including mission-driven nonprofits, female founders, and others, Kristen has the leadership and organizational skills needed to manage all aspects of the demands of a School Committee member and the interpersonal skills to collaborate cooperatively with others.
With her experience as a member of the Finance Committee (including the School Budget Subcommittee) from 2020-2022, Kristen understands the workings of our town government. As co-president of the Tower Day Parents Forum, she has had experience in listening to the ideas and concerns of fellow parents. Kristen cares about the needs of others as she has donated pro bono public-relations services for the domestic-violence nonprofit RESPOND Inc. and sat on the board of the Community Dispute Settlement Center.
Kristen excels in clear and effective communication, thorough research, understanding all points of view and consensus building. I know she is most passionate about getting and keeping the next generation of families engaged with the town government and leading Lynnfield Public Schools efficiently and effectively into the future. It is without reservation that I endorse Kristen Grieco Elworthy as a candidate for the Lynnfield School Committee.
Michelle Burpee-Robert
