Cugno Seeks Re-Election to School Committee

My name is Ann Marie Cugno and I’m officially announcing my candidacy for my 6th term on the Medford School Committee!

I have been a life long resident and a graduate of the Medford Public School system. I graduated from the University of Lowell earning my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Foreign Languages and Criminal Justice.

My husband, Michael Cugno and I have been married for 28 years and have four boys that range from the ages of twenty-seven years old to seventeen years old. All of which, have graduated or are attending Medford High School.

Our eldest son, Michael received his Master’s degree and is a Social Worker continuing his certification and licensures to pursue his career as a child psychologist.
Our middle son, Marcello, has recently graduated from St. Anselm’s College continuing his graduate degree at Boston College in mental health studies.

Our youngest sons, a set of twins, Massimo and Matteo are currently in their senior year at Medford High School.

I would like to take this opportunity to share some of the work I have been part of over the past few years.

– Founder of the Summer Fun Program

– Co-Chair, Energy Smackdown Program

– Vice Chair, Shore Collaborative, Finance Sub-Committee & Board of Directors

– Chair, renovation, Marsha Caron Theater

– Chair, Buildings and Grounds Sub-Committee

– School Wide Recycle Committee

– Medford High School Pool Committee

– MHS Site Counsel

– MHS Band Parent Group

– Co-Chair, Anti-Bullying Educational Forums

– Appointed Member by Governor Patrick & Governor Baker on the Local Government Advisory Committee, LGAC.

– Member of the Board of Directors, Malden YMCA

– Member of the State PARCC Advisory Board

– Member of the State Budget Foundation Committee

– Member, National School Board Association Nominating Committee

I’m proud and excited to say in the last two years along with my colleagues we have approved a $3 million plus implementation of a city wide technology system, a $2.5 million renovation of the Medford High Pool and our latest project of a $16 million reconstruction state a of the art science facility.

Over these past 10 years I believe I have brought changes, fresh ideas and integrity to the Medford School Committee. I have not only represented the City of Medford as a Medford School Committee member, but also in the different positions on a state level. I have been honored to serve in various positions with the purpose not only to educate myself, but to bring back and share what I’ve learned with my colleagues and constituents. By being elected as President in 2014 and serve as Immediate Past President on the Massachusetts Association of School Committees I’m not only advocating for the State of Massachusetts. I am able to also showcase the City of Medford at a local, state and national level!

By doing so, I give Medford a seat at the table to discuss important issues. A position from what I understand has never been held by any other Medford School Committee Member.

Personally the bottom line is this year because of all the changes I feel it’s even more important for me to seek re-election on the Medford School Committee. We have two open seats on our committee and it’s important to continue to work together as a committee to continue to bring new and fresh ideas to the forefront. As a committee we have come far and brought more changes collectively than any other committee in the past. We have all put in time, personally I have put in tens years and my fear is it takes forever to build but one day to destroy. I want to make sure we continue to build.

This particular year with many seats opened in different areas I’ve been asked why I didn’t seek election for a different position other than school committee.

Personally the bottom line is this year because of all the changes I feel it’s even more important for me to seek re-election on the Medford School Committee. We have two open seats on our committee and it’s important to continue to work together as a committee to continue to bring new and fresh ideas to the forefront. As a committee we have come far and brought more changes collectively than any other committee in the past. We have all put in time, personally I have put in tens years and my fear is it takes forever to build but one day to destroy. I want to make sure we continue to build.

I have never been a candidate to promise anything for a vote, I am a candidate who will continue working hard, continue making changes, and continue not only advocating on a local level but also on a state and national level. I have and will continue to advocate raising the bar for our students. We need to work together to have our children graduate and be ready for the real world.

I will sum it up by stating a quote from Benjamin Franklin one of our learned scholars and founding fathers. A quote I fell in love with before I was elected. A quote I believe sums up my past ten years on the Medford School Committee.

“Tell me and I will forget, teach me and I may remember, show me and I will learn.”

I ask for your continued support and vote on Nov 3rd.

Thank You!

– Submitted by Ann Marie Cugno