To the editor and Lynnfield residents:

With the recent resignations of Mr. Sjoberg and Ms. Dahlstedt from the Lynnfield School Committee there have been quite a few accusations thrown around toward the parents who have helped bring the issues at the schools to light. Although I strongly disagree with the characterization and statements toward the parents, I do think it is important to point out that Mr. Sjoberg and Ms. Dahlstedt have contributed in many positive ways to the Lynnfield community over the years through their involvement with various different groups and committees. I do believe they are good people who happened to handle this particular situation poorly. I would like to thank both of them for their contributions over the years and I would also like to thank them for stepping down at this time, as it was the right thing to do and is important for the School Committee to move forward with some new voices.

It’s now critical at this time that we turn our attention to the healing process for our schools and town as there will certainly be a bumpy road ahead. There will be a total of four seats open for the School Committee in the upcoming April elections and getting strong, well-qualified individuals to step forward to fill these seats is paramount. Getting the right School Committee members in place will greatly help with the other major concern, and that is finding and getting a great superintendent in place to help lead the schools back to the prominent position they once held.

I would also like to congratulate Ms. DePrizio on being named the new chair of the committee, it’s well deserved and I wish her the best of luck navigating these tough times.

Thank you,

Jimmy Crawford