Vote Medford 2005

Q5: Comparisons with Surrounding Communities

How do you think Medford public schools compare to those in our surrounding communities?

Are there specific initiatives in local communities that could serve as models for Medford schools?

Blackburn: Q5 - Comparisons with surrounding communities

Ms. Blackburn declined to take part in this questionnaire.

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.

Cincotti : Q5 - Comparisons with surrounding communities

First of all I would not compare The Medford Public School System with those of the surrounding communities lets be concerned with our self's. I believe the only incentive necessary is the parents involvement with there children

Cugno: Q5 - Comparisons with surrounding communities

I believe Medford is ranked high on the list compared to other surrounding communities. Is there room to learn from our surrounding communities? Definitely. There is always room to improve and learn as we get new and fresh ideas from other communities. They in turn can receive the same from our experiences.

DiGiantommaso: Q5 - Comparisons with surrounding communities

We have many programs that other communities do not have. Other schools have asked our school system for advice, because they felt we had very good programs.

Kulik: Q5 - Comparisons with surrounding communities

There are many aspects of Medford schools that are on par or superior to surrounding school systems, which I've touched upon in previous answers. However, in several analyses I've seen in local press, Medford does not perform as well as would be expected when adjusted for its overall demographics. I attribute some of that to the relatively large percentage of families (over 20%) that have opted to send their children to private and charter schools.

There are a number of programs that have been implemented in nearby districts that I think warrant investigation by Medford. One area in which we are weak is the frequency of general musical instruction at the elementary and middle school levels. Additionally, I would like to see all students encouraged to engage in instrumental or choral groups beginning at the elementary level. In particular, many families in Medford cannot afford the cost of instrument rental. I would like to see Medford pursue grants to assist low and moderate-income families in this area.

Medford should also explore diversification of teaching styles such as is done with public Montessori programs like the River Valley Charter School in Newburyport or Hill View, Haverhill. Another model along this line is the constructivist choice program at Somerville's Healey School.

Finally, Medford should consider the teacher hiring practices of most nearby schools. Earlier this month, the Boston Globe's help wanted pages show aggressive continuing recruitment by Everett, Somerville, Belmont, Stoneham, Billerica and Burlington, amongst other regional districts. When it comes to schools, the ability to attract, retain, and train exemplary teachers is one of the most important considerations.

Pompeo: Q5 - Comparisons with surrounding communities

Based on Department of Education reports, Medford's schools compare very well to those in neighboring communities.  Frankly, I feel that our schools are a "cut above".  I am not aware of specific initiatives in other schools - including charter schools that could serve as models for Medford schools.  Medford has several, including Tritec Collaborative with Malden and Everett, Family network, Teacher Licensure program.

Skerry: Q5 - Comparisons with surrounding communities

Medford has many fine programs that other cities and towns try to emulate. We are a Urban city with a diverse population and home to many cultures. We strive to foster a sense of community thru education and offer many programs that other cities and towns do not. Medford and its educational staff adopt change in a positive fashion and new ideas from surronding communities are always welcome.

Van der Kloot: Q5 - Comparisons with surrounding communities

Part of this question should be "Does Medford have programs and initiatives which serve as models for other school districts?" The answer would be an emphatic yes. The Family Network  and Community Partnership for children are extremely successful initiatives which have served as models for other communities. Tritec is a joint technology collaboration with Everett and Malden. One exemplary program which Tritec put together was with the Museum of Science. Twelve of our outstanding math and science high school students attended a program this summer at the Science Museum with students from Everett and Malden. In addition to the fabulous learning experience afforded to these students, they were also each given a stipend which was grant funded that encouraged them to participate in the program. A fine lesson for our students who will someday enter the working world; not only can you do something you find interesting, you can earn a living doing it!

Several other Medford initiatives have been implemented in other communities including STARS (School Threat Assessment and Response System), district based licensure programs, teacher mentoring programs, and numerous partnerships with industry and universities. Medford aggressively goes after grant money which funds new initiatives and allows us to provide more opportunities for the students and for the community.

I very much favor looking to other communities for ideas. One way a school committee member can do this is by participating in the annual school committee conference which is held every Novemeber. I have attended the conference every year I have been on the school committee and have benefited by interacting with school committee members and superintendents from across the Commonwealth.