Published April 8, 2020
By DAN TOMASELLO
Superintendent-elect
LYNNFIELD — Kristen Vogel is looking forward to taking the reins as the town’s chief educational officer on July 1.
The School Committee voted to appoint Vogel as the district’s next superintendent, pending contract negotiations, following a virtual meeting on March 30. The current Tewksbury Memorial High School principal will succeed Superintendent Jane Tremblay, who will be retiring this June.
“I am beyond thrilled to be taking on the position of superintendent in Lynnfield,” said Vogel in an interview with the Villager. “I think it’s a wonderful fit for me and the community. We both have the same core values and understand the importance of providing an excellent educational experience to students. I am looking forward to getting to know students, teachers and the community.”
Vogel told the School Committee during her public interview that her educational philosophy is rooted in developing positive relationships with different constituencies.
“Relationships are interdependent on three factors,” said Vogel. “Those three factors are the connections we all have to each other, the consistency of the way we work together, and the contact that creates the space for creativity and innovation. I have learned over the past 30 years that it is these three elements that allows us to succeed.”
School Committee member Stacy Dahlstedt asked Vogel how she views the role of Lynnfield’s superintendent.
Vogel said attending school events such as concerts, plays and sporting events is a good way for a superintendent to connect with people and build relationships. She said communicating with parents and educators is very important, especially during challenging situations such as the current COVID-19 virus outbreak.
“I think a superintendent needs to be constantly communicating with staff and parents in order to reassure them,” Vogel added. “It’s important for them to know that you are there and they can trust you.”
School Committee Vice Chairman Rich Sjoberg said student safety and social-emotional learning have created “an environment for successful learners” in Lynnfield’s schools. He asked Vogel if she would change anything in both areas.
Vogel said parents and educators have informed her during virtual site visits and meet-and-greets that student safety and social-emotional learning are important priorities. She said both areas are incredibly important to her and she wants to learn more about what the district has undertaken to support the two initiatives.
School Committee member Phil McQueen asked Vogel how her 16 years working as a classroom teacher will help her make decisions as a superintendent.
“Whether I am a classroom teacher or a superintendent, I am an educator through-and-through,” said Vogel. “I am still teaching. My students might look different, as they might be staff or administrators, but I am still a teacher and a coach. The root of what I learned in the classroom is the power of relationships and the connections I have with my students. My three C’s of connections, consistency and contact are elements that were in my classroom, and they are elements that are in my building in Tewksbury. Those skills are transferable.”
School Committee member Tim Doyle asked Vogel why she should be appointed as the district’s next superintendent.
Vogel said her vision of public education is “aligned with the vision of public education in Lynnfield.” She said she is committed to providing the best possible education to students, which she noted is important to the community and educators as well.
School Committee Chairman Jamie Hayman asked Vogel what she hopes the district will accomplish in the next five years.
Vogel said she would not change “the level of investment and engagement in the public school system in Lynnfield.” She also wants administrators and teachers to continue focusing on “the safety and well-being of their students.” She said the district must continue evaluating the school system’s priorities and objectives each year.
In response to a question from Dahlstedt, Vogel said it’s critically important to support special education students’ needs regardless of whether they are enrolled in the school system or are placed outside of the district.
Doyle asked Vogel what would be her priorities when developing a school budget, particularly if fiscal year 2022 is going to be a challenging year.
“We need to make decisions that are best for students,” said Vogel. “It will require digging deep and thinking outside the box, especially when a budget situation might be tight. It’s a delicate process and it requires a tremendous amount of collaboration and communication between all of the stakeholders from the very beginning of that process. I don’t think looking at what we can slice and dice should be the first reaction. It’s really about figuring out what are students’ needs as opposed to cutting what is best for kids.”
Sjoberg asked Vogel about her communication style.
Vogel said listening is an important way to learn about parents and educators’ concerns. She said listening has allowed her to resolve different issues.
Sjoberg also inquired if Vogel has worked with municipal officials in the past.
Vogel led a security team while serving as Bedford High School’s assistant principal. She has also worked with Tewksbury’s police chief about different security initiatives. She worked with Tewksbury’s town manager as part of a fields project as well.
Doyle asked Vogel to cite some examples of when her core values were tested.
Vogel recalled that she prohibited a Tewksbury student from walking at graduation because of a behavioral issue. She also gave verbal reprimands to two teachers for failing to stop students from drinking on a school bus that was on its way to a football game.
“It boiled down to safety for kids,” said Vogel.
In response to a question from Hayman, Vogel said she will listen to the elementary schools’ principals and teachers as part of the decision-making process.
“I recognize that I am not an expert and I don’t know everything, but I see myself as a learner and I need to learn from the experts,” said Vogel. “The elementary school principals and the teachers are the experts in that content area. I will reach out to them to be the most informed superintendent that I can be.”
Sjoberg asked Vogel if she has experience with construction projects.
Vogel said Bedford High School added an addition and was renovated while she was assistant principal. She also worked to address the new Tewksbury Memorial High School’s punch list items.