LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield Select Board and Lynnfield Teachers Association have made their voices heard in the ongoing controversy surrounding racial incidents in Lynnfield Public Schools, expressing support for affected students and families while calling for transparency, accountability, and action moving forward.

In a statement, the Select Board said it stands “in full support” of the independent investigation currently being conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and called for the full cooperation of LPS throughout the review.

The Board also said it expects all reports completed by the Commonwealth or through the independent review processes to be publicly presented and made available for the public.

“Transparency is essential to restoring and strengthening trust across our community,” the statement said.

The statement comes as parents and residents continue to repeatedly address the School Committee, seeking accountability and answers regarding the handling of incidents involving racism.

The Select Board also recognized that many members of the community, particularly students, families, and residents of color, have expressed “deep hurt, concern, frustration, and exhaustion” regarding experiences involving bias, exclusion, racism, antisemitism, and other forms of harm within the schools and broader community.

“To those who have felt unseen, unheard, or isolated, your voices matter, and your experiences deserve to be treated with seriousness and care,” the statement read.

The Board continued that the path forward cannot be built on “denial, dismissal, or hostility toward one another,” and emphasized the need for respectful dialogue, accountability, and meaningful action.

The Lynnfield Teachers Association statement stated that it felt compelled to speak out following the recent events.

The association noted that it previously issued a statement following racist comments made by a town employee prior to Lynnfield High School’s 2025 graduation ceremony and said it again wanted to address incidents that have affected students and families.

“We offer our deepest support and care to the students and families who have been harmed directly and indirectly by the racist remarks and actions reported at Lynnfield Middle School,” the statement read.

The association said educators have a responsibility to create schools where every student feels safe, valued, respected, and able to learn and grow.

“When that sense of safety is broken, the impact reaches far beyond a single moment or a single student,” the statement said. “It affects entire classrooms, families, and the trust students place in the adults and systems meant to protect them.”

The association said it initially hesitated to issue a public statement out of concern for all students involved, including those harmed, those responsible, and those who witnessed the events. However, after listening to concerns raised before the School Committee and reflecting on experiences shared by students and families, the organization concluded that remaining silent could be harmful.

“We want the students and families who are hurting to know that we see you, we care about you, and we stand with you,” it stated.

The association also expressed concern for students who may be reluctant to report incidents out of fear of retaliation, embarrassment, or further isolation.

“No child should have to weigh their safety against their voice,” it continued.

Changes continue to happen at LPS, with Superintendent Tom Geary announcing the new middle school principal, Michael Walsh.

The district continues to await the results of the DESE investigation, as well as an independent review being conducted by consultant Dr. Darnisa Amante-Jackson.