Arts is an important element in the drive for further education. As a school committee person, I would support community initiatives and work with the school district to explore opportunies by thinking outside the box. I would propose researching what other communities are doing in this venue. Many members in this community have proposed solid ideas that should be reviewed and evaluated. I will do whatever it takes to see every child develops to their fullest potential. To determine if art education is properly funded, it would be important to interact with those that believe it is not and find how they can begin to expand those options and identify what programs are available both locally, statewide, and federally. Diversity is an ongoing topic and various programs have been presented to the schools and community that have been both rewarding and positive. With diversity: awareness, education, and communication must continue with appropriate speakers both from Medford and outside Medford to cultivate the expression of these issues. There is so much happening in Medford schools. As a School Committee member, we need to explore ways to centralize and maximize the messages to the public at large. Various organizations from churches, clubs, civic groups, parent volunteers, and schools provide an abundance of activities. The Medford Family Network is growing and has proven to be an excellent source and model for other communities. We need to continue to build on what is working with short term and long term goals for various areas both in school and outside school while canning the message cost effectively so that all can view and have the opportunity to be engaged.
