Wow!

I’m a (former) Kelly School parent, but (as I think I mentioned in an earlier post) I think it’s time say “adios” to neighborhood schools, (weep) close the Kelly and get on with Superintendent Kevin Lyons’ recommendations. And sweeping, they certainly are.

I think maybe I can say this because looking back, it is my very firm belief that what made a difference in my son’s Newburyport Public School education were all the guardian angels within the system all the way along (they still exist), and concerned and supportive parental involvement.

I listen to worried parents who say, “but it’s different now” and no one seems to want to hear about the guardian angel stuff, but it’s true.

To quote The Newburyport Current, March 9, 2007:

“Obviously we’re concerned,” (City Councilor Tom Jones ) Jones said, “but it’s what I’ve said before – Dr. Lyons is a pragmatic person; he’s thinking outside the box. I’m encouraged by that zero sum look at the budget.”

“I’m glad we’ve gone away from discussing shiny new buildings to discussing shiny new students,” Jones added…”

(Me too.)

“I’m ecstatic that we have Dr. Lyons here to take us through this,” (City Councilor Steve Hutcheson ) Hutcheson said. “He’s made the best of what was given him; I’m glad we hired him!” ”

(Yup, that’s what I think also.)

I don’t know, now that it’s warmer out, and the shock of Superintendent Lyons’ recommendations wears off, maybe there will be a citywide stoning of the gentleman in question. I hope not.

Leadership calls for making tough and innovative decisions. Superintendent Kevin Lyons has certainly made really tough and innovative decisions on this conundrum.

But this is Newburyport, MA. Who knows what could happen in the coming weeks and months.

Cool heads. Hope so.

Wild Newburyport Elementary School saga. Very possible indeed.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport