LOOK OUT FOR LORI

A P.O.ed parent has taken matters into her own hands and let the powers that be at the  MA DOE (I know it goes by a different name, don't be so picky) know that WE need help,

to: www@doe.mass.edu

It is my hope that this email reaches Mr. Chester since he is the Commissioner.  I am a Lynn resident and my child attends one of the public schools in Lynn.  As you are aware, Lynn is a failing school district (level 4) that has 2 failing schools (level 4) and many of the remaining schools are under-performing (I believe there are 7 level 3 schools).  We are continuously told by the superintendent, Dr. Catherine Latham and her staff that there are not enough funds for the many services, resources and supplies our children, schools and district need.  We have schools that do not have textbooks and other necessary and required supplies.  Because of this, parents receive notices from teachers stating that WE must purchase a list of required supplies.  It is my understanding that it is against Massachusetts law for a public school not to provide all required supplies for free.  I have brought this issue to Dr. Latham and our schools committee's attention.  However, I will have to wait until school resumes in the Fall to see if Dr. Latham has taken any action to stop requiring parents to purchase the required supplies that SHE should be providing.  We have overcrowded classrooms and schools, as well as deteriorating hazardous school buildings that our children must attend that have problems such as mold, asbestos, crumbling walls and ceilings, and non-working restrooms.  All of these create and cause an environment that hinders the learning process, which I am sure contributes to our low test scores.  

 

Since Lynn schools and district are facing so many severe problems and there is not enough funding (so we are told) to correct these problems or to improve our schools and district, I would like to know how Lynn is able to spend millions of dollars creating and hiring new administrator positions, giving out raises to principals, giving a $25,000 raise to Dr. Latham, and paying the secretary of our school committee over $90,000?   I know the state continues to give Lynn MILLIONS of dollars which is suppose to help improve our schools, district and test scores, so why isn't this happening?  Where is all this money going to (besides all these administrator positions and raises) if it is not going toward purchasing required supplies and improving our schools for the children?  Does the state perform audits on school districts to make sure they are spending all funding they get appropriately? 

 

As a parent, I would also like to know what responsibility the state of Massachusetts has for having and allowing failing schools and failing school districts?  What actions does the state of Massachusetts plan to take to make sure that each and every child in the state is receiving the education they deserve and are entitled to?  Having a child who is forced to attend a level 3 school in a level 4 district, I can tell you the state is NOT doing enough!!  It is absolutely unacceptable for any child in this state and even in this country to be denied the opportunity of obtaining a good education!!  As of today, the children of Massachusetts are being denied this!!

 

I would love and appreciate a response from Mr. Chester regarding this email and my concerns.

 

Thank you very much for your time

 

Lori D'Amico