Medford board approves $291,081 for MASH equipment, $477,850 math adoption and 3% food service renewal

The Medford Area Public School District Board of Education approved several finance and curriculum measures at its April 27 meeting, including additional equipment funding for MASH classrooms and the purchase of a new math curriculum.

District Administrator Laura Lundy presented a construction update and detailed equipment needs for the MASH classrooms. Finance moved to approve an additional $291,081 to purchase equipment and furniture for MASH, to be paid from referendum funds; the motion carried.

Audra Brooks presented the proposed food service contract for 2026–27 and recommended a renewal with a 3% increase; the board approved the contract. Brooks also presented a first-quarter health insurance update noting the district’s plan is “trending very well to start,” and that consultant M3 had provided a recap at the finance meeting.

As part of the budget study for 2026–27, Brooks presented instructional budgets. Elizabeth Rachu presented the recommended math curriculum adoption and explained the costs. The finance committee moved to approve the math curriculum purchase totaling $477,850, to be funded across the 2025–26 and 2026–27 budgets; the motion carried.

Ryan Pilgrim and Laura Lundy presented a new co‑curricular and athletic wage schedule intended to improve consistency and longevity by establishing base pay, compensating previously unpaid roles and adding longevity bonuses. The board approved the wage schedule for the 2026–27 school year.

The measures together represent a notable investment in instructional materials, student services and staff compensation for the coming year.