Lynn schools propose moving Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy to downtown office building; parents press for safeguards for therapeutic students

District and city leaders outlined a plan on Dec. 12 to relocate Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy (FDCA) into the Eastern Bank building at 195 Market St. and to use the move to reduce leasing costs and relieve severe overcrowding at Lynn Classical and Lynn English High Schools.

Dr. Shannon Gardner, who led the presentation, said the phased move would allow the district to renovate office floors into classrooms, lab and maker spaces, and a student‑operated kitchen. She said the plan would lower lease costs and expand pathways, and estimated FDCA could open in the new space in fall 2025 with roughly 352 students and that a therapeutic program currently in the Fact O'Leary building would move in 2025 with about 36 students, with additional relocations completing by fall 2026.

Why it matters: District leaders framed the relocation as a solution to long‑standing overcrowding and limited programming. Dr. Gardner said the new site would allow FDCA to offer more early‑college and advanced course tracks and free up space in other high schools.

Parents, staff and committee members pressed for details. Erin Doherty, a Fact O'Leary teacher and union representative, asked the committee to delay any binding decisions until the community had a forum and staff and families could review plans. She said the original message to staff was that the district intended to maintain therapeutic services at Fact O'Leary and that recent changes were presented suddenly: “How and when will families and students be informed about the changes?” she asked, and listed program elements—gym access, self‑management classes, therapeutic art and music, clinical space—that she said were essential to IEPs and must be preserved.

Several school committee members echoed requests for clearer communication and for site tours. Member Gately asked to arrange a walk‑through of 195 Market St. over the winter recess so committee members could assess whether the building would meet programmatic needs. Member Reid asked how the district would ensure students did not lose access to current services during the move.

Administration responses and safeguards: Dr. Gardner and district special‑education leaders said the therapeutic program would not be converted into a separate day school; rather, it would retain its current clinical team and supports while gaining access to additional curricular options. Dr. Colella emphasized that IEPs would guide individual placements: “That will be determined by their IEP and what they're ready for,” she said.

Financial context: Administrators told the committee that consolidating leases into the new building would reduce annual lease costs; during discussion, officials cited a potential North Shore Community College lease request that could rise to roughly $650,000–$658,000 and said consolidation could save the district close to $1 million annually in lease expenses. The city noted bond financing would cover building acquisition and that costs and phasing would appear in future budget discussions.

Next steps: The district will continue design and planning with architects, ISD and program staff, invite parents and staff to public forums, and coordinate with unions on staffing transitions. Committee members asked for specific plans on gym access, clinical spaces, transportation and staffing prior to final approvals.

The proposal remains an administrative recommendation; implementation will proceed in phases with ongoing community engagement and IEP reviews.