Lynnfield Superintendent Kristen Vogel, who has been on medical leave since December, has reached an agreement with the School Committee to leave the district.

“The School Committee and Superintendent Vogel have mutually agreed that the best way to achieve resolution is for us to part ways,” School Committee member Kate DePrizio said at the committee’s most recent meeting. “For that reason, we have signed an agreement that brings Ms. Vogel’s service as superintendent to a close immediately, and ends her employment by the school district as of June 30, 2024. The remaining two years of Ms. Vogel’s contract has been voided.”

The committee then appointed Thomas Geary, who had been serving as acting superintendent since December, to serve as interim superintendent.

“I would love to share the committee’s reasoning as to why we unanimously agree that Tom is the best choice for our district,” DePrizio said. “There is not another person more invested in the success and growth of Lynnfield Public Schools. From the moment Tom was appointed to acting superintendent, he has been a stabilizing force for the LPS community.”

DePrizio also said that Geary’s appointment will provide the committee with enough time to conduct a superintendent search for next year.

“We’ll take full advantage of the pool of potential candidates, allowing time to establish a superintendent search committee and clearly define our needs and goals of our district,” DePrizio said. “The School Committee looks forward to returning its complete focus to teaching and learning and the needs of all students.”

DePrizio said that Vogel will remain available as a resource for the School Committee to call on as needed through the remainder of the school year. Vogel will also receive a severance payment of $75,000 by July 1, 2024. 

Prior to taking leave, Vogel had been heavily criticized by parents at School Committee meetings, who said her office was not responsive or transparent, and that she failed to understand the grievances and concerns of parents and LPS staff members.