School Committee Candidates Speak Out at Forum
– Allison Goldsberry
Ten candidates are vying for six School Committee seats this election season- that’s the six veterans plus four challengers eyeing their seats.
Unfortunately for the candidates, the forum organized by the Medford Democratic Party Wednesday night fell on the opening of the play-offs for the Red Sox, but that didn’t distract the candidates from discussing issues important to the Medford Public Schools.
As the candidates fielded questions from Medford Daily Mercury reporter Kevin Maccioli, Democratic Party Issues Committee member John Falco, and educational advocate Christine Bennett, the top issue was how to preserve vital programs and services despite tight fiscal times.
It’s all about the Money
Several candidates talked about the importance of maintaining a small class size. School Committee member Bill Brady said he has always fought for more teachers and less administrators in an effort to keep class size down.
In response to a question from Maccioli, School Committee member Paulette Van der Kloot noted that while teacher hiring has received priority over more administration to keep class sizes small, the district is suffering without a full-time Fine Arts Director and an Assistant School Superintendent focused on elementary schools.
How to get more money to maintain and expand programs is critical, and several candidates noted Medford has had success in receiving grants and partnering with outside organizations such as Tufts University.
Challenger candidate Lisa Attenazio said collaborating with Tufts is essential, especially in providing extracurricular activities for students.
But attracting outside cash has to go hand-in-hand with pressing the state and federal government to fully fund their mandated programs, according to School Committee member Lena DiGiantommaso.
“It’s all about the budget, it’s all about the money,†said School Committee member Ann Marie Cugno.
The Challenges of Educating Every Child to the Fullest
Providing a top-notch education for all students with a tight budget is a challenge, especially with an increase in the non-native English speaker and special education populations.
Challenger candidate Bill O’Keefe said parents and teachers need to know what kinds of services are available to these students and schools should be held accountable if a student is not receiving adequate services.
School Committee member Fred Pompeo said the School Committee should fully support children with special needs and the Parent Advisory Council.
What are Medford’s Children Learning?
And as far as what’s taught inside the classroom?
Challenger candidate Bruce Kulik said too much of an emphasis on the MCAS exam is causing students to lose out on other subjects, such as foreign language. Kulik said cutting a language course at the middle school level so students can improve their math skills for the test was “not the right decision.â€
When asked about teaching morals in the schools, School Committee member Bob Skerry said morals should be taught at home and reinforced in the schools with parental involvement and permission.
Closing the Deal
After more than an hour of questioning, the candidates closed with reasons to support them on November 6.
Cugno said she’s most proud of helping establish a summer camp program and, after two years on the School Committee, she’s only just begun.
Brady will continue to champion more teachers and fewer administrators, small class sizes, and free busing for all students.
Pompeo, a member of the School Committee fifty years ago and a former teacher, said he has always been pleased to be associated with the Medford Public Schools.
Van der Kloot said she wants to see two important projects through- getting the School Committee policy book online so it’s accessible to everyone and putting in new lockers at the high school, which is happening next summer.
DiGiantommaso, a School Committee member for more than twenty-five years, said her experience, dedication, and loyalty to the office set her apart from her competition.
Attenazio believes she can make a difference for the children and families of Medford and she will be a voice for children with special needs and disabilities.
O’Keefe said he will focus on fostering accountability, communication, and teamwork in Medford’s public schools.
Kulik has two children in Medford’s schools and said he will bring a parent’s perspective to the School Committee.
Skerry touted his communications skills and ability in helping different groups achieve consensus.
Challenger candidate Chris D’Aveta missed the forum due to the flu and Mayor Michael McGlynn did not attend because of a scheduling conflict.
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The Medford Democrats have also organized an open house for all candidates on October 17 at 7PM at City Hall. The event will be hosted by Party co-chairs State Representative Paul Donato and Nancy White.