Skerry Seeking Re-Election to School Committee

Robert Emmett Skerry, Jr. has announced that he is a candidate for re-election to the Medford School Committee this November.

Skerry stated that he wants to put his years of experience to work for the children and parents of Medford. Medford has vastly improved its standing among public schools in the area by constructing state-of-the-art school buildings equipped with modernized facilities to help our children and staff flourish in the best educational setting possible. The educational system in Medford has benefited from a strong and steady hand on the school committee in the past, and will continue to do so in the future.

“My experience, drive, presence and commitment to the Medford educational community enable me to achieve results no matter the obstacles. I demand nothing less for the young minds attending our schools.

I have worked tirelessly for:

– Keeping class sizes small

– Constant updating of curriculum, district-wide

– Acquiring additional funding sources such as partnerships with the Bloomberg Foundation, Global Scholars Program, and National Foundation

– Creating new vocational programs and robotics technology

– Expanding counseling services in K-12

– Continuing to stress the growth, health, and wellness of our students

– Keeping art and music programs

– Offering quality extra curricular and athletic programs

– Continuing preventative maintenance programs system-wide

– Balancing budgets in tough fiscal times

“Education is the cornerstone of a prosperous community. In Medford, I place the highest priority on giving our young citizens every chance to achieve their dreams. My school board experience through good times and bad provides the perspective and skill to fix problems, overcome bureaucratic obstacles, and further the successes students achieve.

An education attained in our schools permits our youngsters to compete socially, civically and successfully in our 21st century global economy. The school budget is the foundation upon which successful educational outcomes are built. Across the nation, financial failings are registered daily, but we in Medford are working hard to ensure that the hard earned dollars of Medford’s taxpayers are put to best use and that sound programs and class size limits in place are enforced.

I scrutinize expenditures to assure school funds are used prudently on behalf of and to the benefit of our students in a timely fashion. I am a vocal advocate for proven programs that give Medford’s children the ability to flourish and succeed in today’s world. These programs enable graduates to compete for jobs, to complete advanced education, and to continue life-long learning after high school so that they prosper and remain civically minded.

I require new programs to substantiate their effectiveness before funding and implementing them. I will work tirelessly to increase public-private partnerships and expand community relations with institutions of higher learning.

I fight to advance educational strategies that support students throughout their schooling and maximize the number of students who graduate from Medford High prepared for the future. I continually challenge the school administration to provide remediation programs so that no willing student is denied his or her high school diploma.

As always, I bring concerns of parents and students to the school committee table. Parental involvement is crucial in a child’s school life. I believe that parents and schools must work in unison to create the best educational environment possible for our children. While parents have a nurturing and protective nature with respect to their daughters and sons, they must understand that the goals and objectives of our professional educators should be embraced rather than undermined.

Our PTOs and school councils work very hard for our children, and I foster and encourage their endeavors on behalf of our children. As a member of the school committee I never fear speaking out against frivolous spending and personnel appointments that are not in the best interest of the school community. I demand accountability from our school personnel and strongly promote the professional development of staff and personnel.

We must strive for academic excellence and MCAS mastery by offering advanced tutorials in Math, Science and English for all students to ensure proficiency and mastery of subject matter. I will encourage the school administration to promote after-school and Saturday workshops to enhance MCAS and test taking for elementary and middle school students.

Medford is a diverse community. Our children’s differences must be respected through the implementation of a curriculum tailored to their special needs and abilities, allowing them to successfully complete state mandated testing. The ideal educational experience in Medford prepares students to start school on firm footing, encourages them to pursue their educational journey through high school and beyond, promotes competency and career skills, and instills a lifelong thirst for knowledge.

As adults, we owe it to succeeding generations to provide the tools they need to face the economic, civic and social demands of maturity. I will continue to bring the educational interests of our citizens forward in city government when elected in November.

In summary, I remain committed to the children and residents of Medford. I ask for one of your six votes on November 3rd.

– Submitted by Robert E. Skerry, Jr.’s campaign