North Andover Candidate Profile: Holly Lynch for School Committee

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover will have two contested races in the March 24 town election: School Committee and Board of Selectmen. North Andover Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

Holly Vietzke Lynch is running for re-election to the School Committee. She and another incumbent, Helen Nevell Pickard, face a challenger, Kevin Dube. There are two available seats. Lynch, an attorney, previously served as chair of the Committee.

Are you running for office in North Andover? Contact Christopher Huffaker at chris.huffaker@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to North Andover Patch.

Previously on Patch: Nine File To Run In North Andover Annual Town Election

Holly Vietzke Lynch

Age (as of Election Day)

49

Position Sought

school committee

Party Affiliation

unenrolled

Family

Husband Rob, son TJ age 13, daughter Lauren age 11

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

J.D., Massachusetts School of Law, B.S., Boston University

Occupation

Attorney

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

School committee

Campaign website

www.facebook.com/lynchfornasc/

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have enjoyed serving the past three years. The district is moving in a positive direction, and I want to help ensure that we continue to address the needs and improve the education for all children.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The need to reduce class sizes at the middle school, which are currently among the highest in the Commonwealth. We need to look critically at how to obtain funding to increase space and add teachers.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have experience both as an educator and an attorney and have served on many committees and boards. Most recently, I was appointed by the Board of Selectmen to serve on the search committee for the new Town Manager.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Improving special education services, increasing rigor in the classroom, emphasizing the arts as much as athletics

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As chair of the committee last year, I worked very closely with the Superintendent creating agendas and discussing immediate issues facing the schools. I fielded multiple media requests during my tenure as chair and led some very emotionally charged meetings.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am always accessible and willing to listen.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.