There are always lessons to be learned from people who are in situations that are not like yours! We should seek out and listen to why people choose not to send their child to Medford Public Schools. In some cases it is for religious reasons. Others may not be able to reconcile some of the diversity issues mentioned in Question 7 with their religious beliefs, and feel they must send their child to a private school. Others simply feel that the quality of education is better at a private school or in another community. Those are the people we must reach to determine what we are doing that has scared them away. We will not always be able to address their concerns, but in many cases we can.
We need to explore what are we measuring? Test scores are not enough alone.We need anecdotal information. We have succeeded when almost all say "Why wouldn't I send my kids to Medford Public Schools" rather than "Should I send them". This commitment to Educational Excellence must start with the school committee, and be transmitted down to administration and staff. The culture must be changed from "good enough" to "excellent". We need school committee members who will do that.
We also must be willing to recognize where we fall short. Currently the Medford school committee and administration take a defensive stand toward criticism of the school. Instead of constantly presenting everything in the best light possible, we must recognize when we are not doing the best we can, and set aggressive goals toward betterment.
