Medfield Candidates: Robert Worth for School Committee

"Meet the Candidates" Robert Worth for School Committee

The three School Committee candidates agreed to tell a bit about themselves, submit a headshot and answer a few questions for the voters of Medfield on the Medfield PATCH.

The candidates were asked to keep their written responses brief and to the point. One candidate is the incumbent running for re-election and the other two candidates are running for the open seat on the School Committee.

Town Elections will be held on Monday, March, 29, 2021.

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1. Tell us a bit about yourself. a. How long have you resided in Medfield? b. Do you currently have children in the Medfield Public School system? c. What is your current occupation? d. Anything else?

My wife and I were very excited to move to Medfield in 2019. We were very familiar with the community because we have many family members who have been longtime residents. We have a daughter who will be entering school in a couple of years, and we are expecting our second daughter in just a few weeks!

I grew up in Westwood and began my career in education in the Westwood Public Schools. I taught art for several years before deciding to earn my administrative degree. As a passionate believer in public education, I see administration as an important vehicle for improving education. In 2018 I accepted the role of Assistant Principal in Wrentham.

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2. Why are you running for the Board of Education?

I’m running for an elected seat on the Medfield School Committee because I believe in the power and value of public education. I've attended and worked in public schools my entire life. I'm proud of everything I've learned from my time in public schools. I am energized by the prospect of offering the Medfield School Community my expertise as an educational leader and being an active participant in our community.

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2a. If elected, what will be your priorities?

My priorities for our schools is to continue our record of excellence and to expand the learning opportunities for all students. I honor a commitment to social justice, and I am dedicated to providing the conditions and resources necessary for educational equity. I have a strong personal and professional commitment to supporting and advocating for arts education. I understand how the arts provide opportunities for students to connect, excel, explore their passion, express their feelings, and bring groups of people together. In the field of education there are many new and innovative learning experiences. I believe that strong educational systems, such as Medfield, must continue to explore, develop and expand. As a father, I hold a vested interest in expanding upon a tradition of excellence and learning in our district.

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3. What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a Medfield School Committee member?

Every community deserves to have a School Committee member who is both an expert in education, and who has their feet on the ground working with children and teachers understanding the current challenges. I have a deep understanding of schools that serve students well: creating and maintaining equity, providing engaging and rigorous curriculum, hiring and retaining exceptional staff, working with unions in the best interest of students, managing a budget and setting priorities, engaging the community, preparing all students to be informed and thoughtful members of society.

As we emerge from the confines placed upon schools by the pandemic, we face the residual effects of the limits to teaching and learning over the past year. I am prepared to confront these challenges, to advocate strongly, and create solutions to ensure all of our students successfully move forward. Most importantly, my continued experience and knowledge of what needs to be done right now to mitigate the educational effects of the pandemic is what I can bring to the Medfield School Committee.

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4. Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the Medfield School Committee?

Currently, the successful return to school for all students is an important focus for everyone who works in schools. Although it will be very exciting, we will need to carefully plan in consideration of some key issues. We will need to consider the mental and social emotional health of our students and their families, as well as our teachers and all school staff. Mental health support has never been more important and will continue to be a priority moving forward. Just as we have done throughout the pandemic, we will rely on collaboration and communication in schools and within the community. This will be essential in keeping us connected and working together, always in the best interest of our students. We must maintain an equity lens as we consider every aspect of the process of returning to school. Creating equity in schools helps to narrow and close achievement gaps, and it is what is best for all students. We will need to get creative about how we support the academic needs and deficits of our students. These are the priorities that the School Committee will face as we return to full in-person learning.

More broadly, I have a commitment to social justice and educational equity. To truly honor this in schools, we must view all aspects of school through an equity lens by considering the impact of each decision we make. Professional development for teachers and staff is important to achieving social justice for everyone. I believe we need to prioritize social justice in our missions and goals.

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5. Do you have specific suggestions for improvement?

Collaboration and communication is a vital aspect of successful public education. School Committees cannot serve students well if they do not encourage and model effective collaboration and communication with all their stakeholders: students, staff, families, town boards, community members who don't have children in schools... School Committee members make many important decisions. I am prepared to work respectfully in advocating for our schools and standing strong for public education!