Medford Parents Mobilize for School Funding
Local Group Meets with Mayor
Decreases in local aid, rising fuel and healthcare costs, and now, a sinking economy, have made it increasingly difficult for Medford and other communities to cover the costs of the public school system. This summer, several parents banded together to form the group Advocating 4 Medford Public Schools with the goal of ensuring adequate funding and continuous improvement of the citywide school system. In addition, the group voted in October to form a Medford chapter of “Stand for Children,†a group dedicated to promoting children’s needs among policymakers. Representatives from the group recently met with Mayor Michael McGlynn, above, to discuss how to obtain more money for Medford’s schools, which the mayor says have lost nearly $40 million in state aid since the funding formula was changed in 2003. The group said it will work with the mayor, School Superintendent Roy Belson and the School Committee to stay informed on city funding issues that impact the schools, and that it will help communicate these issues to Medford parents. Above, from left to right: Matt Haberstroh, Geeta Jain, Ren Johns, Mayor Michael McGlynn, Ann Marie Cugno, and Karen Heinze. Photo courtesy Karen Heinze.
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