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Medford superintendent outlines 'belonging' priority, new hires and building security upgrades
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Galusi opened the 2025–26 year with student showcases and a district update announcing about 40 new teachers and major facilities and security upgrades — including plans for 400 new cameras and keyless entry — while emphasizing an instructional vision framed around 'belonging.'
Medford — Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Galusi presented the district’s opening‑of‑schools report and student showcases at the Medford School Committee meeting, telling members the 2025–26 year will emphasize a district instructional vision grounded in ‘belonging.’ "Belonging as a foundation," Galusi said, adding that without belonging “access alone is not enough.”
Galusi reported staffing hires and role changes across the district: "we welcomed about 40 new teachers, 2 nurses, 12 paraprofessionals, 3 members of food service, 2 custodians, 7 athletic coaches, 3 administrative assistants, and 8 administrators district wide." She named new administrators present at the meeting, including Kim Talbot (assistant superintendent for academics and instruction) and Ken Lord (chief operating officer), and listed other new school leaders and coordinators.
Students opened the meeting with presentations from the arts and music programs. Art students described summer workshops supported by the Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility and the Cummings Foundation and explained the design process for a new mural; student presenters said the group chose the phrase “dare to begin” as the mural’s theme. Marching band and color guard leaders outlined a season of competitions and a home show fundraiser at Hormel Stadium.
On instruction, Galusi said the district has branded its instructional vision with icons and a 'STRIVE' portrait of a graduate that prioritizes collaboration, adaptability, critical thinking and civic responsibility — competencies intended to complement academic measures. She said staff used summer retreats and induction weeks to align on expectations and to provide targeted professional development, including safe‑schools training and UnboundEd planning support.
Galusi also reviewed facilities work completed over the summer and near‑term projects. Phase 1 repairs at McGlynn and the Andrews complexes focused on HVAC modifications and ADA improvements; phase 2 structural and HVAC replacements are planned for next summer. On security and IT, she listed specific upgrades the district is installing: 400 additional exterior cameras, 40 keyless door access systems tied to staff ID badges, 19 new video intercoms and 46 vape detectors at secondary schools. Galusi said keyless entry and camera upgrades are intended to streamline access and improve building safety.
She closed by highlighting the return of City Year in Medford and urging families to attend upcoming back‑to‑school nights. The presentation prompted no formal votes; members thanked students and staff and moved on to other agenda items.
