Cugno Represents School Committee at National Conference
School Committee Secretary Ann Marie Cugno recently represented the Medford School Committee at the National School Board Association Conference in Washington, DC.
Cugno wrote a report for the School Committee about her trip. Below are some excerpts:
“I would like to thank my colleagues for their support for me to attend the NSBA Conference. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with more than 900 other School Committee Members from all over the country. Not only did I attend as a MASC Div. II Chair but also had the pleasure of representing the City of Medford as a School Committee Member along with the rest of the nation,” said Cugno in her report.
“In conclusion, I know that sitting at the table per say makes me look at my city in a different perspective. As I listened and observed other states fighting for all day kindergarten I sat there and said ‘we already offer this program.’ When other states are just beginning to consider there is an obesity problem and trying to remove vending machines that sell ‘junk food’ and ‘tonic’ I sat there and said ‘we have been promoting this issue.’ When other states are advocating for teacher professional days to help educate their staff, again I sat there saying ‘we have been working on this.’ I can go on and give you more examples. However, please do not misunderstand. If you are asking yourselves is she saying we do not have any problems and everything is wonderful? No, what I am saying is, are we perfect? No way. Do we need to work harder to raise the bar higher each and everyday? Absolutely, but it makes me feel as a member of this committee we are on the right track.”
“When all is said and done, it also opens up our eyes and ears even wider reconfirming the fact that when we discuss our Massachusetts issues they are not only our issues. These concerns and pressures are a NATIONAL situation and Washington seems as if they are finally paying attention. I am not stating things are going to pass ASAP, but it is truly imperative for us as towns, cities, districts, and states to come together and let our voices be heard. I believe it is vital when we have the opportunity to take part and give the City of Medford their say with the rest of the nation. To show our support and we are in this together. There is too much at stake and we need to keep on fighting.”
Click here to read Cugno’s entire 5-page report about the conference.
Pictured above, from left to right: Patrick Francomano (King Philip Reg.); Debra Bibeau, Immediate Past President (Amesbury); Kathleen Robey, President 2010 (Marlboro); Mary Jo Rossetti, Secretary-Treasurer (Somerville); Michael Gilbert (Whittier Voc. Tech.); Dorothy Presser, President-Elect (Lynnfield); Lisa Berry (Plainville); Penny Blackwell, Vice President (Upper Cape Cod Voc. Tech.); Ann Marie Cugno, Division II Chair (Medford). Courtesy photo.