Lynnfield Superintendent Responds To State Review Of Racial Harassment Complaint

LYNNFIELD, MA — Lynnfield Superintendent Tom Geary called the incidents that led to a racial harassment complaint against the district from March "completely unacceptable" as he accepted a state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education report that determined the district "complied with its obligations under state and federal law and regulation in its response to the complaints of racial harassment."

"There is still work to be done to ensure that our schools continuously foster a culture of inclusion and acceptance," Geary said in a social media post responding to the final report. "Every student deserves to attend school in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and supported. While no school can guarantee that inappropriate behavior will never occur, our responsibility is to respond promptly, hold students accountable, support those who have been harmed, and continually strengthen our practices and culture."

The complaint was filed by a Lynnfield resident based on three incidents that occurred at Lynnfield Middle School in March.

The district said DESE directed Lynnfield Public Schools to strengthen its nondiscrimination policies, complaint procedures and investigation protocols so they fully align with current regulations.

Geary said that Lynnfield Public Schools has already started that work. He said a Civil Rights Grievance Procedure has been adopted, and additional policy and handbook revisions were approved and implemented in May.

He also said any additional revisions will be presented to the School Committee in August before the start of the school year.

Staff members will complete a training session in September related to the updates. The district said that session had previously been scheduled in May and will be used to support consistent implementation.

DESE documented the school system's response to the reported incidents, including prompt investigations, disciplinary action when allegations were substantiated, student safety planning, counseling and support services, communication with families, educational programming, and a district-wide review of policies and practices.

"As we prepare for a new school year, my focus is on our students, our staff, and the collaborative work ahead," Geary said in the statement. "Lynnfield Public Schools will continue implementing required updates, strengthening our policies and procedures, and dedicating ourselves to a respectful school environment where every student is welcomed, supported, and safe."