Lynn Public Schools seeks $15 million U.S. Department of Education magnet grant to expand themed high‑school pathways

Lynn Public Schools announced it is applying for a U.S. Department of Education magnet schools grant that officials said would bring a five-year, $15,000,000 award to the district if approved.

Marissa Lendolis, deputy superintendent for secondary schools and programs, said the grant would fund a design year followed by two implementation years and two sustainability years. “This is an opportunity to bring innovation, choice, rigor, equity, and relevance to our public schools, specifically our secondary schools,” Lendolis said. She spoke at a district webinar that included a question-and-answer session with parents, staff and community members.

The district is proposing themed, college-and-career pathways at its high schools. Shannon Gardner, executive director of innovation and grants management, described magnet themes as “high-quality rigorous standards that prepare students for higher education and career success” while keeping core academic requirements intact and adding theme-based electives and integrated instruction.

Officials said the application would include outreach…