My Take on Top School Issues
✅ Addressing Student Attendance in Medford Schools
Regular attendance is a key predictor of student success, and while the Medford School District saw a small increase in attendance last year (66%), we are still well below pre-COVID levels and 10% lower than the national average. Students can’t succeed if they aren’t in class, and addressing chronic absenteeism must be a top priority.As an educator with over 30 years of experience, I know that improving attendance isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about engagement. Students attend school when they feel connected to their learning, their teachers, and their peers. We need to identify and address barriers to attendance, whether it’s student disengagement, social anxiety, or academic struggles, while creating learning environments that make students want to show up.
How We Can Improve Student Attendance
✅ Engaging, Hands-On Learning – Schools like Ruch Outdoor Community School have seen a 12% increase in attendance by implementing place-based education, which immerses students in their community and environment. I have long been an advocate for experiential, project-based learning, and I believe connecting curriculum to real-world experiences can make school more meaningful and engaging.
✅ Fostering a Culture of Belonging – Griffin Creek Elementary School improved attendance by building strong relationships with students and families. When students feel seen, supported, and valued, they are more likely to attend regularly. Schools must prioritize mentorship, social-emotional support, and family outreach to create welcoming, inclusive environments.
✅ Using Data to Identify and Address Needs – We must analyze attendance data to spot patterns and intervene early before students fall behind. By working closely with teachers, counselors, and families, we can develop personalized strategies to help students overcome challenges that keep them from attending school.
✅ Connecting Attendance to Graduation and Long-Term Success – While Medford’s graduation rate has improved slightly (85.3%), we know that attendance and achievement go hand in hand. Addressing attendance is about more than just numbers—it’s about allowing every student to succeed in school and beyond.
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✅ Addressing Low Reading and Math Achievement Scores
The recently reported low reading and math proficiency rates in the Medford School District are deeply concerning. With only 41% of elementary students proficient in reading and 28% in math, and high school students performing even lower (32% in reading and just 20% in math), it is clear that we must take decisive action to ensure our students receive the education they deserve. While standardized test scores provide important data, they have limitations in accurately measuring student learning and growth. A single test cannot fully capture a student’s critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving skills, or long-term progress. However, these scores do highlight areas where our schools must do better—and we must respond with meaningful, research-based solutions that help all students thrive.
What Can We Do?
✅ Strengthen Early Literacy and Numeracy – The foundation for success in reading and math begins in elementary school. We need to invest in early interventions, small-group instruction, and evidence-based programs that help students build strong skills before they fall behind.
✅ Empower Teachers with Resources and Training – Teachers know what their students need, but they need ongoing professional development, up-to-date curriculum materials, and the flexibility to tailor instruction to meet diverse learning needs. We must ensure they have the support to do what they do best—teach.
✅ Expand Hands-On, Real-World Learning – As an advocate for project-based, experiential learning, I have seen how engaging, hands-on education—like school garden programs—helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical math skills. We need to make learning relevant and engaging for all students.
✅ Address Disparities Across Schools – The gap in proficiency rates between schools shows that some students have access to better resources and opportunities than others. We must ensure equitable funding and support so that every school has the tools it needs to help students succeed.
A Commitment to Meaningful Learning
Improving our students’ reading and math scores must be a priority—but we cannot rely on quick fixes or teaching to the test. Instead, we need long-term, sustainable solutions that focus on effective teaching, student engagement, and equity across all schools. As a member of the Medford School Board, I will work tirelessly to ensure that every child in our district has access to a strong, well-rounded education that prepares them for success in school and beyond.
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✅ The Need for Clear, Transparent Communication
Recent events within the Medford School Board have included heated testimonies from parents, internal disputes, and the resignation of Superintendent Bret Champion. These issues have eroded trust and distracted from what truly matters: supporting students, teachers, and families. At the same time, the district has faced a $15 million budget shortfall, driven by inadequate state funding, declining enrollment, and rising costs. Adding to this challenge is the uncertainty surrounding federal education funding, with proposed budget cuts and potential changes to the U.S. Department of Education that could further impact local school resources. Now, more than ever, transparent, responsible leadership is essential.
Restoring Trust and Navigating Budget Challenges
✅ Commit to Transparency – The community deserves clear, honest updates on school board decisions, including how budget challenges and federal funding uncertainties are being addressed. Open communication fosters trust and collaboration.
✅ Encourage Civil Discourse – Disagreements will happen, but they must be handled professionally and respectfully. A school board that listens to all voices—without hostility or political distractions—can make better decisions for students.
✅ Collaborate with Educators and Families – Teachers, staff, and parents must have a seat at the table in financial and policy decisions. Budget solutions should reflect the needs of those most affected—our students.
✅ Prioritize Student Learning and Well-Being – Budget cuts may be unavoidable, but we must protect core educational programs, student support services, and school safety while planning for long-term financial stability.
Leadership That Puts Education First
Budgets and policies should reflect the values of our community. As a Medford School Board member, I will work to ensure open communication, responsible decision-making, and a focus on student success. In times of uncertainty, our schools need collaboration, not division—solutions, not distractions—and leadership that puts education over politics.
