The Lowell School Committee held its 2026 inauguration and organizational meeting, swearing in members, making leadership appointments and adopting internal rules and procedures in a series of unanimous votes.

David Conway, newly elected vice chair, thanked colleagues and family after the vote and outlined the committee’s priorities. "I believe this school committee will unite and work together for our most important goal, providing for an outstanding educational experience for each and every child in our system," Conway said during brief remarks.

At the start of the meeting, the Lowell High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps color guard and the Lowell High School Choir led the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem. Judge Stephen Gary administered the oath that referenced the constitution and city ordinances for incoming members.

Organizational votes and administrative actions were taken with little debate. The committee confirmed Superintendent Lynn Skinner as secretary (motion and roll call following a motion by Mister Bahu), elected David Conway vice chair, adopted the committee’s rules and approved an authorization motion and the establishment of subcommittees. The committee also adopted a voting ballot "as needed." All recorded procedural votes in the transcript were unanimous among the members present; the meeting recorded six members present and one absent.

New member Danielle McFadden, in her first remarks, said she had received calls, emails and letters from parents and families and that she is "excited to really advocate on their behalf and also to work with the wonderful school department." The chair asked members to submit their preferred subcommittee assignments before the February 4 school committee meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Secretary: Superintendent Lynn Skinner — appointed by roll call; unanimous (6 yes, 1 absent). (motion introduced SEG 059; roll call SEG 077)
- Vice chair: David Conway — elected by roll call; unanimous (6 yes, 1 absent). (motion introduced SEG 094; oath and remarks SEG 118–SEG 189)
- Adoption of rules: Adopted by roll call; unanimous (6 yes, 1 absent). (motion introduced SEG 193; roll call SEG 199)
- Authorization motion (specific authorization text not specified in transcript): Adopted by roll call; unanimous (6 yes, 1 absent). (motion introduced SEG 214)
- Establishment of subcommittees: Approved; unanimous (6 yes, 1 absent). Members asked to submit preferences by February 4. (motion introduced SEG 231)
- Adoption of voting ballot procedures: Adopted by roll call; unanimous (6 yes, 1 absent). (motion introduced SEG 259)

What this means

The meeting was largely ceremonial and organizational: the committee completed its required oath-taking and paperwork to begin its term, established internal procedures and set the administrative framework (subcommittees and voting procedures) it will use going forward. There were no policy debates or budgetary decisions recorded in the transcript.

The committee adjourned after completing its organizational business. Members were asked to communicate subcommittee preferences ahead of the February 4 meeting, the next scheduled opportunity for committee organization and business.