DiBenedetto Announces School Committee Candidacy

The School Committee was created to ensure that our children are receiving the best possible education with the public resources entrusted to them. A School Committee Member is responsible for reviewing and approving the annual School wide budget that is presented by the Superintendent. A School Committee Member is also entrusted in hiring, evaluating, and directing the Superintendent in his fiscal responsibilities. Furthermore, it is imperative that a School Committee Member have the basic knowledge of educational policy, the ability to make objective decisions, and be an innovator who has problem solving skills.

A School Committee Member must be trustworthy, communicative, and understanding of the students and parents for whom they are shaping the Medford educational system now and for the future. As a parent of two children who have recently graduated from the Medford Public Schools, I have strived for protection of vital services and educational opportunities for the children of Medford for decades and believe I mirror the above qualities to be a Medford School Committee Member.

My son Joseph is a graduate from Medford High School class of 2009 and is currently entering his junior year as Biotechnology major at Worcester State University. My daughter Katelyn just graduated from Medford High School in June 2011 and is off to her freshman year at Tufts University on the Pre-Med track. With the support of my husband Joe, I have been very involved in our community serving as the Vice President of Medford High School PTO for the last three years. Wonderful moments as a Band/Orchestra parent, Soccer mom, Crew supporter, proud mother of a MHS Production Actress and a fan at almost every home Medford High School Football game have filled my time. Dressing girls at MHS Prom Dress Shop has brought great pride and assisting in the creation of this opportunity only shows what civic involvement can do.

Advocating for programs our Medford School system has been my passion and I have affected positive change not only the education of our children but in many ways has ensured their safety in our schools. Coordination and fundraising for the MHS Post Prom Party is one example of safety. My experience in Education began twenty years ago when my Family Daycare opened. Working with many Medford families who entrusted me with the care of their children began my long journey as an advocate for all children. My educational career has continued where I have been employed for the last 15 years as Special Education Coordinator for a neighboring school district. My experience in educational administration has made me well aware of what it takes to operate a successful school system both operationally and fiscally.

Hands on experience working in a school has taught me the value of our tax dollars. Money is tight. We all experience this in our own daily lives. We need to be careful of what we buy and be sure that we are utilizing every resource we have to its fullest value, whether it is shopping with a coupon or using a backpack and lunch box for a second year. We need to have a similar stance with our school budget. We need to ensure that our students have what they need to be successful in the classroom while being objective and financially responsible. As an advocate at the last five Medford Public Schools Annual Budget Meetings, my role has kept vital items from budget cuts. I have been the voice of reason and business justification for both the Schools and the children of Medford.

Cast your vote for an efficient use of your tax dollars. Cast your vote to maintain a higher value of education for the children of Medford. Cast one of your six votes for Medford School Committee on November 8th to Erin DiBenedetto.

Together with the other Committee Members I will work to ensure that our children are receiving the best possible education with the public resources entrusted to us. That is what a School Committee Member does.

The Committee to Elect Erin DiBenedetto to Medford School Committee invites you to meet the candidate at a fundraiser being held September 9th from 7:00 – 9:00 at the Fireman’s Club 340 Salem Street Medford.

– Submitted by Erin DiBenedetto