- Lynn Public Schools (LPS) makes history with appointment of Dr. Evonne Alvarez as city’s first Latina Superintendent.
By Gabriela Yero/El Mundo Boston
Lynn, Massachusetts, located 10 miles north of Boston, is called “The City of Firsts”, for many innovative traditions including the first jet airplane engine in the U.S., built at Lynn’s General Electric plant in 1942.
Lynn is also the largest city in Essex County, with a population of just slightly more than 90,000. It serves an international student population of 17,000 across 27 schools ranging from pre-kindergarten to high school.
In July, the City of Firsts also appointed its first Latina Superintendent as Dr. Evonne Alvarez took over the oversight of all school operations for LPS, including but not limited to curriculum, professional development, staff and student support, and a $230 million budget.
“I am humbled by the trust the community has placed in me to guide our school system and look forward to supporting the district in its efforts to become a model of innovation,” expressed Alvarez.
Alvarez, who served the students of Miami-Dade County Public Schools for over 26 years in various capacities, was featured on El Mundo Boston’s early morning show «La Hora del Café» last week, where she talked about her journey as well as her vision for Lynn’s public schools, the students and their parents.
“Growing up in Miami not only helped me stay connected to my Cuban and Ecuadorian roots, but also reinforced and celebrated my biliteracy which is essential to my position as Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools,” she said.
Alvarez underscored that while the student population in Lynn is very similar to Miami’s, with at least 75% of students being Hispanic, unlike Miami, the students of Lynn are largely underrepresented in the professionals charged with educating them. A vast majority of Lynn’s public schools have teachers that are non-Latino and have no knowledge of Spanish or other languages.
With such a diverse population, Alvarez believes representation for students is crucial and is actively recruiting teachers and leaders of color that mirror the student demographics.
«For a student to see an educator who has also had a similar story is very important for them,» said Alvarez.
The superintendent is already making waves, implementing programs for students beyond academics, including the arts, social and emotional learning, and more. She has done a comprehensive evaluation of how the current programs could be adapted to provide students with the most optimal experience, both personally and academically. Her entry plan was approved by the School Committee on October 12.
“I am excited to share my entry plan as it highlights short and long term equitable student outcomes for success,” shared Alvarez with a smile on her face.
Continuing to make history, LPS is working toward partnerships with higher education institutions to offer students a more rigorous and nationally competitive curriculum. Alvarez said the objective is for students to have a well-rounded education that will benefit them in the future.
Next year, LPS will implement a new health and physical education curriculum released by the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
There will be an opt-out form for any sensitive topic parents do not want their children exposed to.
To the parents of Lynn, she said in Spanish, «We are here to serve you. We are here to communicate with you and answer all of your questions.»
Alvarez shared that her main reason for relocating to Lynn was to make sure that the students of Lynn feel heard, represented, and empowered.
Mayor of Lynn Jared Nicholson shares Alvarez’s mission to empower their Latin community and is leading the city in a direction that ensures strong representation and inclusivity.
«The City of Lynn is thrilled about Dr. Alvarez’s vision and leadership for our public schools,» said Mayor Nicholson. «She has a deep understanding of educational equity and her goals to expand student engagement and community partnership are key to a bright future for all our students.»
«The future of Lynn is bright,» said an optimistic and positive Alvarez.
