LETTER: Dorothy Presser for Re-Election to School Committee

The following is a letter provided by School Committee Chair Dorothy Presser, who is running for re-election on April 8th:


In Lynnfield, we are justifiably proud of the quality of our schools and the accomplishments of our students. During the time I have served on the School Committee, our schools have continued to rank highly in state and national measures of achievement and accomplishment: 

• Our elementary MCAS scores are in the top 1% of the state. We all know how critical early literacy skills are to future academic success and I am committed to ensuring that we continue to provide the resources and supports to sustain this high level of early achievement.
• Our SAT scores, already consistently above state and national averages, improved last year and the committee has set a plan in motion to continue this upward trend.  In the competitive college admission process, high SAT scores help position our students to be accepted at the college of their choice.
• Lynnfield High School is a Silver Medal school in US News & World Report’s annual rankings based on AP performance. The opportunity to succeed in an AP class helps prepare students for college.  One important goal of the school committee is to expand the number of students who take AP classes at LHS. By expanding course offerings, we can provide opportunities for students with differing skill sets.
• I’m proud that our graduates consistently report that they are better prepared than their peers for the expectations of college level courses. This is an indication that we have prepared them well for success after high school.
• In 2012, Lynnfield High School was ranked 28th in Boston Magazine’s list of Best High Schools.  The ranking is based on factors including academic results and the number of sports and clubs.  Academic achievement is important, but co-curricular activities allow students to grow and flourish and help develop other skills such as leadership.  I value providing all our students with a well-rounded education at all levels.

As we strive for educational excellence, my fellow committee members and I also focus on fiscal responsibility. In FY2011, the latest data available, Lynnfield spent $1886 per pupil less than the state average.  Our budget would have to increase by $4.3M to match the state average.  It would have to increase by $7.1M to match the per pupil spending of Hamilton/Wenham, one of the many North Shore districts where we compare favorably in student achievement, but spend significantly below.  My fellow committee members and I take very seriously the community’s trust to provide the best education possible for our students through prudent use of the resources provided by the taxpayers.  

My focus always has been, and will remain, on continuous improvement. My two sons are successful graduates of the Lynnfield schools.  I know, however, that the students currently in our classrooms are getting a better education than my sons received. I will never stop seeking ways to improve the education and outcomes for the students in our schools. Our students and our community deserve nothing less. I respectfully ask for your vote on Monday, April 8.