Under Nivens' leadership, Lamar Consolidated has implemented initiatives such as opening an in-district charter school for kids with autism spectrum disorder, increasing post-secondary planning for students, and establishing a career technical education center to provide more options for students.

The recent interim report by Governor Healey's K-12 Statewide Graduation Council (Council) entitled "Vision of a Massachusetts Graduate" may be well-intentioned, but it puts the cart before the horse.