The Medford School Committee conducts all its business at public meetings. Community members are always welcome to address the Committee in open session and in most instances on cable television. Individuals are always free to call members with their concerns on any issue. I get back to everyone who calls me and I refer issues to the appropriate administrators for resolution. The Educational Reform Act of 1993 determined that most hiring is the responsibility of the principals, department heads and the superintendent. The School Committee votes for a few positions upon the recommendation of the Superintendent. The School Committee does work with the Superintendent to conduct open public interviews for major administrative positions. This past year, for example, public interviews were conducted for the Principalship of the Andrews Middle School and the Directorship of the Pupil Services Department. Prior to School Committee involvement there were broadly represented advisory committees that screened and prioritized the candidates. The School Committee holds the Superintendent and his staff accountable for the hiring process. We want them to find high quality people that meet state standards. The School Committee is like a Board of Directors of a large corporation. We delegate administrative tasks and evaluate the outcomes. We encourage our administration to be inclusive and to seek participation. However, we do not micromanage. This year the school system hired over seventy people. We received information on them and expect that the administration will supervise and evaluate them consistent with best practices.
There has only been one redistricting decision made by the Administration and the School Committee since the advent of the new schools. The decision was made in public and was done to alleviate projected overcrowding at one school and under-enrollment at another. Individuals already attending a school were grandfathered into the school and sibling preference was maintained. Change is not easy for everybody and some people felt that the decision was unfair. School Committee members must be prepared to make unpopular decisions from time to time for the best interests of the entire community. We strive to listen to all points of view, but ultimately must make a decision.
When the new schools were being built we listened very closely to people all over the city and held many forums. Eventually, district lines had to be drawn and they have worked out well for most people. All our decisions were made after listening and in public.
