Superintendent's Weekly Memo - January 17, 2025

Dear Mustang Families,

Today’s memo will look a little different than what you may expect from me on a Friday afternoon, as today was my final day as Superintendent of Medford Public Schools. I am so thankful and appreciative to have served in this role these past 7 years. 

As I have been reflecting on this experience these past few weeks, ultimately, what I keep coming back to is the strength and the people of this district. The Medford Public Schools are in a better position - academically, operationally, social-emotionally, and financially - than they were when I joined in 2018. As a person who was born and raised in this community, I will forever be grateful for the privilege of leading Mustang Nation forward.   

When reflecting on the most unforeseen challenge any of us will ever experience, the COVID 19 pandemic, my mind races back to one of the most famous quotes and messages from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  To me, his quote “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,” speaks on how we approached the pandemic as a district. 

We strived to not just meet the needs of all students, but specifically championed to have our special education and English language students back in the classroom first. I am immensely proud of the progress made in our schools, in collaboration with so many others, to champion the civil rights and freedoms of all our students. I know that this work, along with the other wonderful events and goals happening in this district, will continue and grow under the leadership of Interim Superintendent Dr. Suzanne B. Galusi. 

Medford is a beautiful place to send your students to school. The work towards building a new Medford High School for the students, and city, of Medford has only just begun. On Monday, the School Committee passed the district’s proposal for how to use the budget override money, including but not limited to expanded vocational programming, an inclusion specialist for our special education students, funding for a Best Buddies Program and more. The educators and staff in our school community are all deeply passionate about enhancing the lives of our students, and I know their commitment will not waver during this transition period.  

Throughout these final few days, I have visited all our schools and seen our staff members in action. I am happy to report they are of course doing a terrific job. While paying a final visit to the schools though, I realized I am going to miss the little things such as seeing pencils drop on the ground or the artwork that decorates classrooms and hallways. 

This afternoon, as I visited our Carpentry students finishing up a gracious plaque dedicated to me, it brought a smile to my face. Knowing the engraving was also done by our Robotics and Engineering students showed me for one last time that students are gaining real-life skills and a wonderful education here in Medford. That won’t change after I step away. 

As I write to you one last time, and on the heels of Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, I hope I have championed the rights and educational opportunities in a way Dr. King would be proud of. I believe all students have the right to an equal education across all our schools. Through achievement, collaboration, equity, and support, I am honored to have worked in a community that strives and works together toward those values. (If you are able to, please consider attending the West Medford Community Center’s Celebration of Dr. King held on Monday at St. Raphael Church Parish beginning at 11 a.m.)

Medford is a tremendous place to work. It’s an amazing place to live. Most importantly, it is an even better place for students to earn an education. 

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have served this city. I, too, am Medford. 

Yours in Partnership for Children, 

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent