Dear Lawrence Public Schools community,
I am writing with an important update regarding the year ahead in LPS, which was also shared at our School Committee meeting last evening.
As we have highlighted in our communications and public meetings since I began as receiver last January, we are collectively working to build the School Committee's capacity for an eventual return to local control. That work includes continuing to focus on improving outcomes for all students and preparing the School Committee as the community's primary advocate for students' needs.
In 2024, the former receiver, the Lawrence Alliance for Education, selected Ralph Carrero as superintendent. Superintendent Carrero’s three-year contract ends in June 2027. To prepare for the end of his tenure, and consistent with the typical superintendent search process in Massachusetts school districts, beginning this fall the School Committee will help lead a transparent, thorough superintendent search that involves the community and results in finalists recommended to me for selection.
Transitions can often bring challenges, but I'm confident Superintendent Carrero will lead the district throughout this final year of his contract with high expectations and an unrelenting focus on students. In the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to working with the district and School Committee to provide updates on the search process and opportunities for you to provide input and engage.
Finally, as we officially welcomed back all of our students with the start of pre-K and kindergarten yesterday, allow me to wish everyone a great school year and thank you for the support I know you will provide our students and schools throughout 2026-27.
Sincerely,
Lauren Woo, Ed.D.
Receiver, Lawrence Public Schools
Deputy Commissioner, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
