Vote Medford 2007

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

I do believe that the differences exist but that is common nature. Our teachers, administrators, parents and students are also human beings therefore, the difference do exist. As far as the academic component that is the same because it is mandated by Department of Education. As far as style again, the differences and experiences are brought to the for-front by the particular individuals. Now with all that said I believe having and being part of our Citywide PTO is very important. It is a PTO set up by parents, and teachers from all of the individual schools where they put their ideas together of what they feel is working or not working in their school and expand on those ideas. I do not want to clone our schools in being exactly the same because that is what makes this city so special which is the diversity you find everywhere, but I do believe that are schools should be welcoming to everyone. Three ideas that come to mind are; 1) The importance of participating in the Citywide PTO; 2) Expand the welcoming play date for the kindergarteners, from one to two days. The first day to get the parents, teachers, and students together for their particular school and the second day to incorporate the parents and students of all the schools to feel more welcomed throughout our school system; and 3) Incorporate the middle schools in an after school program to involve the vocational high school. Giving the middle school students the opportunity to take vocational courses such as culinary, or carpentry once a week for a certain amount of weeks at the vocational school. Exposing the middle school students to a different avenue of education, having them interact with their future classmates at the high school level and making their transition to the high school smoother. Also, allowing the gap of the high school and vocational school to become closer.

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

I believe that Medford’s hiring process is on the right track. The changes that have been made in the last few years are for the better. Certain things I would continue to reinforce and not necessarily change would be to continue the forming of sub-committees set up for positions such as the department heads. Hosting more job fairs to attract a wider range of diversified as well as qualified candidates similar to the one we hosted. To establish a better mentoring program for teachers in our system that could be trained properly to take certain positions as they open.

Cugno: (Q13) Recognizing Religious Holidays Fairly

One of the factors which determine the decision making of whether or not to hold school for a particular holiday such as Good Friday is based on the population of our students. We need to recognize certain days of what our attendance will be and how poorly it will be attended. With that said however, teachers in all schools have been informed not to cover important material such as tests or projects on religious holidays that are not observed by the closing of school. I believe that we can and have recognized religious holidays that reflect the diversity of students in our schools without favoring any religion. Educating our students in different religions is part of our culture and history and is not taught in anyway as a belief.

Cugno: (Q14) Strategies Against Classroom Overcrowding

In all, our classroom sizes are not overly crowded. Unfortunately, because of budget restrains classes cannot be kept as small as we would like. This year alone with all the cuts in surrounding cities and towns we have been lucky enough to hire and not fire teachers. One of the strategies that I would like to use in the future to ensure that it does not become a problem is to keep a better track of the incoming student population. We need to make sure that we have enough teacher ratios for our students. If we cannot afford to pay for that service we should advocate in different ways. An example of this would be to assist our teachers by implementing more student teachers in partnership with our surrounding universities.

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

Most importantly is the fact that the Director of Pupil Services, teachers, parents, and students are all on the same page. To make sure the proper information is provided each and every year and allowing the newly hired Director of Pupil Services to meet with liaisons, teams, and parents to set up meetings throughout the year. An important component is to set up individual meetings at the end of the academic year to make sure the parent and student is aware of what will be covered in the following academic year. What I would and have been doing to reduce the need for parents elevating disputes to the Department of Education is working on the individual circumstance. First, is listening and learning from parents and administrators of all the different rules and laws that pertain to the special educational services that by the way seem to change every minute. Secondly, is meeting with the parent and then the particular administrator about the situation but keeping in mind of what I can or cannot know because of confidentiality. Again, I believe the lines of communication are very important and I will keep on participating in open forums such as the SEPAC (Special Education Parent’s Advisory Council) meetings and educate myself as best as possible on the procedures which encompass the special educational system. I know for some this road has been a very difficult one, but something to keep in mind is that I cannot go back and change what has happened in the past. There are new faces and we can agree to disagree but let’s not go back in time but forward in a new beginning.