Politics & Government

Dillon Focused On Performance In Bid To Return To School Committee

Candidate Jim Dillon served on Lynnfield School Committee from 1995 to 2010 and has been a science teacher for 24 years.

Jim Dillon isn't your typical school committee candidate in that his background already includes 15 years as a committee member. Dillon, who served on the Lynnfield School Committee from 1995 to 2010, is making a bid to return to it in the current town election season.

For the past 24 years, Dillon has taught 8th grade science, in southern New Hampshire as well as his present position in a nearby district. He is the father of three grown sons, all of whom are graduates of Lynnfield public schools.

"I feel what I've seen is that (Lynnfield) is still a great school system," said Dillon in a recent conversation with Lynnfield Patch, adding that despite that, he is concerned that the district may also be settling for "a little bit of a status quo" in areas like 6th grade math performance and high school SAT performance. Looking back, he recalls how when he first joined the school committee, "there was a lot of room for improvement," but in the ensuing years, the district went on to gain considerable recognition for its academics.

Find out what's happening in Lynnfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At a time when many districts, including Lynnfield, are carefully looking at all of their options for future school technologies, Dillon acknowledges that the perspectives of a science teacher can be valuable on the school committee.

"I just want to provide a spark to be sure we're ensuring the highest level of education for every program," said Dillon, adding that he brings high expectations for himself and his students to his work. "I expect that from Lynnfield," he added.

Find out what's happening in Lynnfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Despite his concern about various aspect of the district's performance, Dillon also says that Superintendent Thomas W. Jefferson is the right person for the job, with high standards.

On the school budget, Dillon cites the importance of working within the town's current fiscal restraints. "That's a reality," he said, while adding that ultimately, he supports "what will benefit the kids the most in their education."

"I'm all about high standards, high expectations for kids, academically and behaviorally," said Dillon. "That's basically what my candidacy is all about."


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