Vote Medford 2005

William Brady

Candidate for Medford School Committee

phone number: 781-396-5832

 

View the complete School Committee questionnaire.

Brady: Q1 - Why Medford Public Schools?

The Medford Public Schools has an excellent teaching faculty. We have state of the art school facilities not available in most private schools. We maintain good class sizes. Medford provides a wide variety of course offerings. 70% of the students go on to post secondary schools and others trained in our very fine vocational school obtain jobs in their fields. Services like this are not found in most private schools where you would have to pay tuition above your local tax contribution.

Brady: Q2 - Adequate service for gifted and talented?

We offer one of the finest Advanced Placement programs in the state. Last year 42 graduates received 104 qualifying grades on AP exams that they earned at Medford High School. Four Medford students were recognized by the National Merit Corporation. Medford was a co-sponsor of the Gifted and Talented planning summit. We plan to apply for a grant under a new gifted and talented allocation in the state budget. Medford recognizes the need to do more in this area.

Brady: Q3 - Computer-skills Curriculum

Medford ranks 35 out of 327 districts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in number of students per computer (2.3).  All our new school have state of the art technology set-ups.  We have provided many courses to our faculty to upgrade their technology skills.  We also participate in the Tritec Collaborative which is a leading program for technology use in the classroom.  This program features project based units and has received several federal grant awards.

Brady: Q4 - On MCAS

MCAS has definitely intensified instruction in core academic skills. However, I do not believe that it should be the only measure of school performance. There are many students that have talents and abilities outside the core academic curriculum and who do not do well on paper and pencil tests. For example art and music. Medford has shown considerable improvement on MCAS. Medford High School has exceeded the state in competency determining passing rates.

Brady: Q5 - Comparisons with surrounding communities

Medford has many innovative programs. While we are always interested in programs that can help us from other communities, my experience is the Medford Public Schools has often exported programs to other communities. For example: early childhood programs, Tritec, STARS, and District Based Licensure programs.

Brady: Q6 - Religion in Medford's Public Schools?

Public education must maintain a separation from religious teaching. This is required by the United States Constitution. I believe that Medford is a community that respects religious groups and most of our citizens are affiliated with a church, temple or other group. Still we would not include religious teachings in our science programs. However, it is important to note that when we study social studies the topic of religion will inevitably come up. This is particularly true with current events. We are not judgmental but respect religious diversity.

Brady: Q7 - Remaining in touch with school reality

I am constantly involved in the schools. As secretary to the School Committee, I review bills before confirmation is brought before the entire committee. Therefore, I know what is being spent in our schools. I often go to various events held at schools and visit the schools frequently. I know all the principals, department heads and many of the teachers. Over the years I have had the opportunity to ask questions and the discuss perspectives on the schools. I also talk to parents on a regular basis sometimes about concerns and sometimes to get input on an idea.

Brady: Q8 - Energy Costs

Energy costs are way up. There will definitely be an impact on the school budget. We all talk about conservation but it cannot by itself make up the difference between what cost was and what it is today. It is time for the state to initiate an assistance plan for communities to help deal with these rising costs.

Brady: Q9 - Attracting and retaining excellent teachers

We have excellent teachers. 97.4% of our teachers are fully licensed for the positions they hold. This is better than most communities in the Commonwealth. We attract new teachers by providing them much support. For example the District Based Teacher licensure program and our mentoring program. We keep our salary schedule competitive. We offer many professional development programs to our teachers which is an attractive feature. I think we have a good hiring practice.