LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield Public Schools is proud to announce its 2026-2031 Strategic Plan: a comprehensive, community-centered framework designed to guide the district’s priorities and decision-making over the next five years. The plan was presented to the School Committee and reflects a shared vision for every student in the Lynnfield community.

The plan is expected to be adopted by the School Committee at its May 26 meeting. 

A Plan Built by the Community, For the Community

The Strategic Plan was developed through an extensive collaborative process spanning months of dedicated work. With the support of an external facilitator, a 34-member stakeholder group representing students, educators, parents, administrators, School Committee members, and community representatives engaged in structured sessions to provide input for the plan. The process incorporated community survey data, district performance analysis, and in-depth root cause exploration, ensuring that the plan reflects the priorities and values of the Lynnfield community.

“This plan represents not only where we are going, but who we aspire to become together,” said Superintendent Tom Geary. “It challenges us to think differently, strengthen what we do well, and pursue continuous growth, always with our students at the center.”

Four Strategic Pillars

The plan is organized around four interconnected strategic objectives:

1. Academic Excellence for All

LPS is committed to developing critical thinking, creativity, communication, and problem solving skills through rigorous, engaging, and purposeful learning experiences. 

Key initiatives include establishing a shared districtwide definition of academic rigor, implementing a comprehensive curriculum review process, strengthening educator collaboration, and using student assessment data to drive instruction for all learners, including English learners, students with disabilities, and high needs populations.

2. Thriving, Inclusive, and Empowering Schools

The district will foster school environments where every student feels known, valued, and supported. This pillar prioritizes the adoption of a districtwide Social Emotional Learning program, the formation of a district inclusion committee, expanded mental health and wellness supports, and consistent, compassionate schoolwide expectations.

By year five of the plan, 100% of classrooms are expected to demonstrate SEL routines and practices.

3. Future Ready Learning and Innovation

LPS will embed authentic, real world learning experiences across all grade levels, from preschool through grade 12. Initiatives include reviewing options for STEAM programming expansion, integrating digital citizenship and media literacy, strengthening community and industry partnerships, and adopting a districtwide Vision of the Graduate framework that defines the skills and mindsets every LPS student will develop. 

The district will strive to provide students with annual opportunities to engage in project based, inquiry based, or interdisciplinary learning with the chance to present their work to authentic audiences.

4. Partnerships with Families and Community

Recognizing that student success is a shared responsibility, LPS will deepen its collaboration with families and the broader Lynnfield community. Plans include implementing a new district communication platform, creating multilingual access to school information, expanding family engagement events at every school level, and building a robust inventory of community partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and higher education institutions.

Vision of the Graduate

At the heart of the plan is a clear Vision of the Graduate, a framework outlining the essential skills, habits, and mindsets every LPS student will develop. The Vision of the Graduate will be implemented from preschool-grade 12. 

Lynnfield graduates will be prepared to be problem solvers, global citizens, literate, communicators, and resilient lifelong learners who are ready to lead and contribute meaningfully beyond their years in the Lynnfield schools.

Strategic Investment in LPS

While the plan does not include financial dependencies, it does include targeted staffing and facility investments aligned with each strategic objective. Recommended new positions include STEM teachers at the elementary and high school levels, a districtwide digital literacy teacher, additional special education and intervention staff, an adjustment counselor at the middle school, and expanded communication and human resources support at the central office level. 

On the facilities side, the district recommends exploring a feasibility study for upgrades to the high school’s media center, auditorium, and athletic spaces, a new STEM/engineering lab, expanded instructional space at the middle school, and improved theater and auditorium lighting at both LMS and LHS.

Measuring Progress

The plan includes clear performance targets to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. Among the district’s goals: a 2-4 percentage point increase in MCAS Meets and Exceeds scores above the state average, growth percentiles between 50-70 for each grade level, 75% of students at or above universal screening benchmarks, and 75% of Advanced Placement exam takers earning a score of 3 or higher. The district will remain committed to its “not requiring assistance” DESE accountability designation, with aspirations for “substantial progress” or higher.

A Living Framework

Importantly, district leaders emphasize that the Strategic Plan is not a rigid checklist or compliance mandate. Rather, is a living framework designed to evolve with the needs of students and the community. It will guide decision making, align district and school level efforts, and support ongoing reflection and dialogue.

The full Strategic Plan is available on the Lynnfield Public Schools website.

Lynnfield Public Schools is committed to supporting and challenging all students to meet their full potential as individuals and as citizens of the global community.