Vote Medford 2007

Brady: (Q11) Three Ideas to Enhance Community & Parental Involvement

Parents are very important to the success of children in school. We need to encourage parents to help their children get a night’s sleep; eat healthy; and come to school prepared to learn. There are many ways for parents to participate in their schools. It is important that parents do not distract teachers and other students in their enthusiasm to help. Each school and principal has their own style. However, each school must allow parents to be active and helpful. Different parents may have perceptions on what makes for a welcoming environment. As a member of the School Committee I will initiate a forum to discuss this concern and set some guidance for our administrators.

Brady: (Q12) Three Changes To Improve District's Hiring Practices

Medford has hired many qualified educators to serve the needs of our students. Medford offers many wonderful advantages to teacher applicants including a support system for them. Medford has a competitive pay scale and quality fringe benefits. We need to attract more educators representing diversity to serve as role model for our growing diverse population. I believe that our hiring process has worked well and that many have participated in that process in most instances before it gets to the Superintendent. We value input but must rely on our hired professionals to make the best choices.

Brady: (Q13) Recognizing Religious Holidays Fairly

Religion is to be respected, but no one group has the right to establish a preference over another. All students who need to observe a religious holiday are excused from their obligations on that day. Reasonable work needs to be made Up/ School is scheduled based upon the projected enrollment. If many students and faculty will be out on a particular holiday then school should be cancelled. It is a very practical decision rather than a religious one. Religion is an important topic in our world, but no religion should be established by the public schools as having a preference.

Brady: (Q14) Strategies Against Classroom Overcrowding

Overall, Class size in Medford has been very good. This has been a priority of the School Committee and the Administration. The average elementary class size is around 20 which is among the best in the state. There may be a popular class that gets a little heavier than the norm, but this not a frequent occurence. We also preserve many smaller classes for special subjects.

Brady: (Q15) Special Education: Strengthening IEP Teams & Improving Dispute Resolution

Special Education is a very complex area. We have over 1000 students who receive services from this department. We have just hired a new Director and I would like to give her an opportunity to make some recommendations regarding our processes before I make a judgment. Certainly our goal is to make sure that all parents and students get treated fairly and receive effective services to address their specific needs.