As we embark upon another election year, we have not had a chance to look at the school committee and its candidates. Those will be added in another post.

To Build New or Renovate?

The knee-jerk reaction from many candidates—both on the city council and the school committee—is to build a new school. But is that truly necessary? The current school structure has a solid foundation. Is it an eyesore? Absolutely. But in the grand scheme of things, shouldn’t the quality of education take precedence over aesthetics?

The city would do itself—and its residents—a favor by exploring all options, including renovation versus a full rebuild. Does it make sense to commit $280 million if there are no students attending that school? This isn’t a “if you build it, they will come” scenario.

It’s worth noting that many prominent city officials do not send their children to Medford public schools. As these officials and residents pay taxes to support the public school system, shouldn’t they take the time to fix what they’re actively funding?

School Budget

Last summer, the school committee suffered a self-inflicted public relations disaster. They initially announced a $2.5 million shortfall in the upcoming school budget—only to revise that figure three days later to just $200,000. That’s a staggering discrepancy.

As one city councilor remarked, a mistake of that magnitude would likely cost someone their job in a corporate setting. One would expect the outgoing superintendent to have demanded an immediate investigation into how such an error occurred. It’s clear the school committee is not maintaining accurate financial records.

As a result, the incoming superintendent should call for an independent audit, including a line-item review. This audit should be presented not only to the school committee but also explained publicly in full. The goal isn’t to shame anyone—it’s about maintaining transparency for the residents of Medford.

Poor School Ratings

Current school ratings in Medford are deeply concerning according to Public School Review. However, not all schools performed poorly. The vocational-technical school in Medford stands out as one of the city’s strongest educational offerings.

The Robotics team, for example, finished second in state competitions last year, and the lab remains one of the best in the region. Bistro 489—a student-run restaurant—is another highlight. If you haven’t eaten there yet, you’re missing out!

A Call to Action

The incoming superintendent of Medford schools faces a significant challenge: developing a clear plan to improve the school system. Yes, funding will be necessary—but that doesn’t mean the city should hand out blank checks. The new superintendent will be tasked with addressing the missteps of the previous administration, and while some decisions may be painful in the short term, they must be made with long-term improvement in mind.

This burden should not fall solely on the superintendent. School committee members must also share responsibility. Their role is critical, and the future of our children is at stake. If elected officials aren’t committed to meaningful change, it’s time to vote in those who are.