Lynn Leaders and Educators Urge State Education Board to Follow the Law (February 24, 2025)
KIPP Academy Lynn’s expansion proposal would circumvent long-standing regulations
In advance of tomorrow’s meeting of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education(BESE), Lynn elected officials, teachers, and education leaders are urging BESE members to reject the expansion proposal from KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School, which does not meet the standards required by state law to even be considered.
From the very beginning, Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, Lynn Public Schools Superintendent Evonne Alvarez, Ed.D., and Lynn Teachers Union President Sheila O’Neil have presented a united front in opposition to KIPP Academy Lynn’s expansion proposal, which would take away $8 million a year from LPS - on top of the $30 million the district already loses annually to charter schools.
The three testified in opposition to the proposal at BESE’s November meeting and sent a letter to Acting Commissioner Russell Johnston clearly laying out their opposition on grounds that KIPP Academy Lynn is not a proven provider - a necessary requirement for KIPP to expand to the level it seeks in Lynn.
To be considered a proven provider under state law, KIPP Academy Lynn’s proficiency levels must be similar to state averages over no less than a three- year period for all students. According to the Department's own data, KIPP Academy Lynn does not meet this requirement:
Percentage of All Students Meeting or Exceeding Expectations - English Language Arts
| Year | KIPP Academy Lynn | Statewide |
| 2022 | 32% | 41% |
| 2023 | 27% | 42% |
| 2024 | 24% | 39% |
| 3-Year Average | 27.6% | 40.6% |
Percentage of All Students Meeting or Exceeding Expectations - Math
| Year | KIPP Academy Lynn | Statewide |
| 2022 | 34% | 39% |
| 2023 | 29% | 41% |
| 2024 | 33% | 41% |
| 3-Year Average | 32% | 40.33% |
Percentage of All Students Meeting or Exceeding Expectations - Science/Tech
| Year | KIPP Academy Lynn | Statewide |
| 2022 | 27% | 42% |
| 2023 | 23% | 41% |
| 2024 | 25% | 42% |
| 3-Year Average | 25% | 41.6% |
Nor does KIPP Academy Lynn’s student body reflect the population served by LPS, another requirement to be considered a proven provider. LPS is the second highest receiver of English-language learner (ELL) students in the state - only behind Boston. ELL students account for 43.3 percent (over 7,000 students) of LPS students – compared to KIPP Academy’s dismal 15.1 percent (less than 250 total). According to DESE’s own data, the number of ELL students enrolled in KIPP academy’s 10th grade is so low that they cannot analyze this subgroup in terms of proficiency.
LPS educates over 3,200 students with disabilities while KIPP Academy has less than 250 enrolled. Their proficiency levels for SWD are well below state averages and have been in every subject for years.
In a step that seems to defy the laws governing charter schools, Acting Commissioner Johnston has recommended KIPP’s proposal to the Board for consideration. The Board is scheduled to vote on this proposal and others at their monthly meeting tomorrow, February 25 at 9 a.m.
KIPP Academy Lynn’s expansion proposal would circumvent long-standing regulations
In advance of tomorrow’s meeting of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education(BESE), Lynn elected officials, teachers, and education leaders are urging BESE members to reject the expansion proposal from KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School, which does not meet the standards required by state law to even be considered.
From the very beginning, Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, Lynn Public Schools Superintendent Evonne Alvarez, Ed.D., and Lynn Teachers Union President Sheila O’Neil have presented a united front in opposition to KIPP Academy Lynn’s expansion proposal, which would take away $8 million a year from LPS - on top of the $30 million the district already loses annually to charter schools.
The three testified in opposition to the proposal at BESE’s November meeting and sent a letter to Acting Commissioner Russell Johnston clearly laying out their opposition on grounds that KIPP Academy Lynn is not a proven provider - a necessary requirement for KIPP to expand to the level it seeks in Lynn.
To be considered a proven provider under state law, KIPP Academy Lynn’s proficiency levels must be similar to state averages over no less than a three- year period for all students. According to the Department's own data, KIPP Academy Lynn does not meet this requirement:
Percentage of All Students Meeting or Exceeding Expectations - English Language Arts
| Year | KIPP Academy Lynn | Statewide |
| 2022 | 32% | 41% |
| 2023 | 27% | 42% |
| 2024 | 24% | 39% |
| 3-Year Average | 27.6% | 40.6% |
Percentage of All Students Meeting or Exceeding Expectations - Math
| Year | KIPP Academy Lynn | Statewide |
| 2022 | 34% | 39% |
| 2023 | 29% | 41% |
| 2024 | 33% | 41% |
| 3-Year Average | 32% | 40.33% |
Percentage of All Students Meeting or Exceeding Expectations - Science/Tech
| Year | KIPP Academy Lynn | Statewide |
| 2022 | 27% | 42% |
| 2023 | 23% | 41% |
| 2024 | 25% | 42% |
| 3-Year Average | 25% | 41.6% |
Nor does KIPP Academy Lynn’s student body reflect the population served by LPS, another requirement to be considered a proven provider. LPS is the second highest receiver of English-language learner (ELL) students in the state - only behind Boston. ELL students account for 43.3 percent (over 7,000 students) of LPS students – compared to KIPP Academy’s dismal 15.1 percent (less than 250 total). According to DESE’s own data, the number of ELL students enrolled in KIPP academy’s 10th grade is so low that they cannot analyze this subgroup in terms of proficiency.
LPS educates over 3,200 students with disabilities while KIPP Academy has less than 250 enrolled. Their proficiency levels for SWD are well below state averages and have been in every subject for years.
In a step that seems to defy the laws governing charter schools, Acting Commissioner Johnston has recommended KIPP’s proposal to the Board for consideration. The Board is scheduled to vote on this proposal and others at their monthly meeting tomorrow, February 25 at 9 a.m.