To the editor:
My name is Kim Baker Donahue. I am a proud lifelong Lynnfield resident and a product of the Lynnfield Public Schools. I, like many of you, have children in the Lynnfield school system. And what I also share with you is a concern about the direction of this school system and where it is heading.
It has become very clear that trust within the school system and administration has been broken. Without trust, it will be impossible to move forward. It is critical that we all work collaboratively. Together, we need to approach difficult issues, such as budgets and collective bargaining, with clarity, accountability, transparency, respect, and kindness. And most importantly, let us not forget that it is our teachers and the staff in our schools who partner with us in raising our children.
I am a lawyer by training. I came out of the womb fighting the fight — an “injustice collector” by nature, who wants to right every wrong that I see. Learning which battles to pick has taken time and restraint. Being proactive is ideal, but when it’s necessary to be reactive, it’s important to think before you react and to be accountable for your words. One of the key attributes that I bring to any situation is to be a good listener and to be patient. I have always believed that, when working with multiple parties, it is important to preserve a healthy relationship among everyone. To offer clear, honest communication is key to achieving a common goal. If asked a question, I will always do my best to get an answer, even if it’s an answer that someone doesn’t want or like. I believe the School Committee should operate with the same philosophy.
My story may not be much different than yours. My experiences with Lynnfield Little League and Lynnfield Youth Soccer have given me good insight on not just the educational processes but other processes needed to protect our children and their future. I have also served on the boards of many non-profits throughout the North Shore. I am very proud of the work I accomplished as the president of the North Suburban Jewish Community Center whose primary program is a childcare center and preschool. So, I understand what leadership means and how to communicate with teachers, staff, and the community (even when the “right decision” isn’t the most popular). And I understand how to act decisively and with accountability to achieve results that will serve the greatest good.
For as long as I can remember, my family has been passionate about and invested in Lynnfield Public Schools. My mom served on the Summer Street School PTO when my brother, twin sister, and I were kids. My brother was the president of his freshman class at Lynnfield High School from 1989-1990. Times were very different then, as was the town! But, since my nephew started kindergarten at Huckleberry Hill School 10 years ago, my passion and commitment to LPS has only grown. As a mother, I am invested in my children’s futures and as a School Committee member, I will be invested in YOUR children’s futures as well. Having a son in first grade at Huckleberry Hill School, a son in fifth grade, a niece in seventh grade at Lynnfield Middle School, and a nephew in ninth grade at Lynnfield High School means I have eyes and ears in almost every school. This is critical when trying to balance the needs and wants of ALL our schools and especially any cuts that may need to be made across our district. Like you, I have decided to stay here and raise the next generation of my family. I am here for the long haul.
During his campaign for class president at LHS, my brother used a slogan my dad (may his memory be a blessing) had used from a campaign he ran, and I do not hesitate to do the same. “Baker has the recipe to make the class rise.” If you give me the opportunity to become a member of the Lynnfield School Committee, I believe I have the recipe: honesty, transparency, and responsiveness, to help ALL of us, our classes, students, teachers, staff, and community RISE.
Please don’t hesitate to call/text me at (781) 258-7180 or email me at kimforlynnfield@gmail.com ANY time!
Kim Baker Donahue
