By Adam Swift
Lori Gallivan, the school district’s Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability, is leaving Winthrop to take a new position in the Lynn schools.
Superintendent of Schools Lisa Howard made the announcement at Monday night’s school committee meeting and praised Gallivan for her service to the Winthrop schools.
Howard noted that she has worked with Gallivan for 13 years, including a number of years when they both worked in Saugus.
“Once I got (to Winthrop) we did not have a director of curriculum and instruction; it was clear within five minutes that the school district needed that, and I knew someone,” said Howard. “I convinced first the school committee, and then Lori.”
Howard said the Lynn public schools were lucky to be getting someone with Gallivan’s experience and dedication.
“I will be coming back to the school committee and presenting you with a plan,” said Howard. “It’s not a replacement plan, it’s a new plan, but that is going to take a little bit of time.”
Gallivan said it was a tough decision to make to leave the Winthrop schools, and that it was a position she didn’t apply for but was approached about.
“It was offered to me and I just felt like at this point in time I only have a few years left before retirement,” said Gallivan.
She said the new position in Lynn will involve more time in the classrooms interacting with students and staff.
“I feel like this time, ending my career, that is where I want to be again,” said Gallivan.
She said it has been an amazing opportunity to work in the Winthrop schools and praised the support from the school committee and the community.
“You don’t really find that in a lot of places, so I appreciate the opportunity,” said Gallivan.
School Committee Chair Jennifer Powell said Gallivan will be missed in the district.
“We owe you a debt of gratitude for the work you have done in creating first the position that you came to, that you were attracted to, but then also creating and evolving the assistant superintendent role, and I know that was significantly needed,” said Powell.