Published January 8, 2020

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Another school official will be retiring this June.

Lynnfield Community Schools Director Michaelann Herook announced last week that she will be retiring at the end of the school year. She has worked for LCS for the past 20 years.

“I want to spend more time with my family,” said Herook. “I have five children and five grandchildren, and I have a sixth grandchild on the way. I want to spend more time with them as well as my husband and my mom, who just turned 80.”

Herook began her tenure at LCS working as an assistant. She was appointed as the program’s director eight years ago, when she succeeded retired Director Susan Leffler.

MICHAELANN HEROOK

Since Herook took over Community Schools, she has worked diligently to expand its programming.

“I added a lot of programs at the elementary schools, which really helped boost enrollment,” said Herook. “The Artworks Program went from 100 registrations to over 300.”

Herook also worked to increase enrollment for Community Schools’ Summer of Fun Activities (SOFA) camps.

“We started offering more focused camps,” said Herook. “We have over 2,000 registrations each summer.”

Herook also launched a program called Family Fun Fridays, which are offered once a month.

“We have offered fun family programs on topics such as yoga, baking and painting,” said Herook. “Those programs have been well received.”

Herook said one of her favorite parts about working for LCS is getting to know families.

“That has been one of the best parts of the job,” said Herook. “I have enjoyed helping meet families’ childcare needs.”

Herook also said she has enjoyed working with Community Schools’ dedicated staff. She noted current LCS assistant Katie Darragh previously attended the LEDS after-school program at Summer Street School as a child. She also said a lot of high school and college students who attended LCS camps as children now work for the program.

“That has been great,” said Herook.

In addition to working for LCS for the past 20 years, Herook worked at FedEx for 17 years. She worked in the customer service department and drove trucks for FedEx. She left the company after the LCS assistant position became available.

“I thought it was a great opportunity for me to be closer to my kids,” said Herook.

Superintendent Jane Tremblay, who is also retiring in June, said Herook will be missed.

“Michaelann has been instrumental in running Community Schools for the last several years,” said Tremblay. “She cares deeply about the students and families we serve. She has done an excellent job and we will miss her greatly.”

After Herook announced her retirement in a Facebook post, a number of people wished the soon-to-be retiring director well.

“I’m so happy for you,” LHS English teacher and LCS teacher Joey Puleo wrote. “I’ll miss you like crazy though.”

Summer Street School media center aide Linda Rugato agreed.

“Congratulations,” Rugato wrote. “Thanks for all you have done for our school and children.”

Darragh told the Villager she will miss working with Herook.

“Michaelann has been the best boss,” said Darragh. “She will be missed.”

Tremblay said she and Finance Director Tom Geary will be meeting in January in order to “map out a timeframe and plan” for finding Herook’s successor.