The meeting room erupted in applause as Lynn Public Schools showcased an inspiring year of growth and innovation that promises to transform educational opportunities for thousands of students. At Thursday night's School Committee meeting, Superintendent Molly Cohen shared accomplishments that reflect a district genuinely invested in every child's success.

The standout achievement centers on early childhood education, where Lynn has created 233 additional pre-kindergarten seats. This 52% expansion means 693 young learners now have access to quality early education, up from just 460 previously. For families across Lynn, this represents more than numbers on a page. It means more parents can give their children a strong educational foundation while balancing work and family responsibilities.

Superintendent Cohen credited the collective effort behind this growth, noting that a special task force is now collaborating with Mayor Jared C. Nicholson's office to conduct a Pre-K ecosystem analysis. The Committee expressed heartfelt gratitude to Jacqueline Gallo, director of Early Learning, and Shinghi Mustasa, who leads the task force. Their dedication exemplifies the compassionate leadership driving positive change throughout the district.

The celebration of progress extends well beyond the youngest learners. Lynn's Multilingual Education Department has launched transformative programs that honor and support the district's diverse student population. Through a partnership with WestEd, a nonprofit educational research organization, the department implemented a district-wide ESL professional learning hub and introduced the Quality Teaching Program for English Learners. This research-based approach strengthens instruction for multilingual learners while benefiting all students.

Deputy Superintendent Lori Gallivan highlighted another exciting development called Flashlight 360, implemented across all secondary schools during the 2024-25 school year. This innovative program supports multilingual learners by strengthening speaking and writing skills while providing personalized feedback. The results speak for themselves, with measurable improvements in speaking and writing domains at the secondary level during just the first year.

In a heartwarming example of collaborative innovation, the Multilingual Education and Special Education departments joined forces to introduce Read and Write, a literacy software designed to help students with learning disabilities improve comprehension, writing, and research skills. Every student in Lynn Public Schools now has access to this tool on their devices, ensuring no child gets left behind.

The district's Career and Technical Education Department has opened exciting new pathways for students exploring future careers. Environmental sciences applications at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute have been approved, along with business technology programs at English and Classical high schools. Perhaps most inspiring is the expanded partnership with Lynn Community Health Center, which will create 70 additional seats in a two-year program where students work on real-world projects like blood pressure monitoring while networking with healthcare professionals.

The Ripple Effect: These educational innovations create waves of positive change that extend far beyond classroom walls. When 233 more families gain access to quality pre-kindergarten, working parents find stability and young children build crucial early learning skills. When multilingual students receive targeted support that celebrates their linguistic backgrounds, entire communities benefit from graduates who bridge cultures and languages. When career pathways connect students directly to healthcare organizations and technical fields, local employers gain skilled workers while young people discover meaningful careers close to home.

Mayor Nicholson captured the spirit of the evening perfectly, saying, "It's very exciting updates. Thank you to all the educators and families who make it possible." The School Committee also recognized four inspiring women, Yeimi Colon, Nichole Hagstrom, Aura Martinez, and Debbie Moral, whose dedicated work supports Lynn Public Schools daily. Their commitment, alongside countless educators and administrators, demonstrates what's possible when a community rallies around its children.