In response to the recent decision by Superintendent Belson to fill only one of two open teacher positions in the fourth grade at the Roberts Elementary School, the attached signatures support a position that requires the School Committee, the Mayor of Medford and the Superintendent of Medford Public schools to add the fourth classroom teacher. We feel it is imperative to maintain staffing levels so that all four elementary schools have an equivalent ratio, currently 20-21:1. The Roberts Elementary School with three full time fourth grade classroom teachers is currently at a 26:1 student to teacher ratio which does not account for additional students from the Newcomers/ESL program or students from other districts that may enroll during the 2012-13 school year. In addition to this specific budget item, we encourage the Mayor, the Superintendent of Medford Public Schools, the Medford School Committee and the City Council to prioritize responsible and adequate funding for the Medford Public Schools. The lack of financial commitment over the last six years has chipped away at the quality of education and tarnished the reputation of Medford Public Schools. Our children and our city deserve better.

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