We’re excited to launch our new short series featuring independent candidates. Tonight, we spoke with Nate Merritt, who joined John for a thoughtful discussion on zoning and the proposal for a new high school. Nate emphasized the importance of reexamining the zoning issue and encouraging greater resident involvement. To clarify, he is not opposed to zoning itself—his concern lies with the rapid pace at which it’s being implemented. He warned that the council’s rush to push these changes through could have serious and potentially devastating consequences, particularly for senior homeowners and other residents who may struggle to absorb the resulting increase in property taxes.

The Medford Public School system in Massachusetts is facing significant academic challenges. Recent data shows that only 37% of students are proficient in math and 42% in reading, placing the district in the bottom 50% of public schools statewide. These figures highlight a pressing need for strategic improvements in curriculum, teaching support, and community engagement. In a recent conversation, independent candidate Nate Merritt emphasized the importance of addressing these educational deficits before committing to major capital projects. He advocates for a more measured approach to the proposed $260 million new high school, questioning whether such a substantial investment is justified without a clear plan to improve student outcomes. Merritt is not opposed to development, but he urges the city to prioritize educational reform and resident involvement to ensure long-term success.

Source: https://www.niche.com/k12/d/medford-public-schools-ma/

Nate’s facebook account can be found here – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577914151614

Please consider helping his election campaign by donating today: Donations to help pay for signs:
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