THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021 Page 17 OBITUARIES John Robert Mitchell Loving and Devoted Father, Supporter of Many Charities Age 71, of Lynnfield, formerly of Chelsea, died Saturday, October 2 at his residence. Born in Chelsea on July 6, 1950 he was the son of the late James Donald and Marion Viola (Spracklin) Mitchell. John was raised in Chelsea and was a graduate of Chelsea High School. He went on to graduate from the former Grahm Junior College of Boston ASKS | FROM PAGE 13 sports. These activities are well documented to help student achievement. These actions will assist addressing the reading negative ratings and increase overall student achievement that were identified in the DESE report. School Committee Member Arthur Grabowski: While the new Superintendent works to implement new standards, teaching techniques and evaluation methods it becomes imperative to have the bodies necessary to implement them. Currently there are many teaching positions open. Recently I received a note from an 8th grade parent who related that their student recently had 5 classes and four were being taught by a substitute and when substitutes were not available a para was called upon to sit in. This student will soon be leaving the district because of not having a highly qualified teacher for every class. Our clerical staff at the schools are wholly inadequate to meet the needs of students and staff. We need to make sure that we have enough staff to meet the needs of the students....all the great planning in the world is no good without the staff necessary to make it happen. School Committee Member John S. Hatch: There are several challenges facing the Saugus Public Schools, I feel the most urgent is student achieveand to attend Boston University. John had worked in media, first with NBC in New York City, then he spent time with WEEI and WXKS-AM of Boston until 1994 when he went out on his own and build the now CAM Media, which continues to this day. In his younger years, John was an avid skier and played softball and hockey – most recently he had gotten into cycling. John was a very philanthropic man and was dedicated to several causes, most importantly, the Pan-Mass Challenge, Bike MS (National MS Society,) Best Buddies, Salvation Army, ALS ONE and Communitas of Wakefield (formerly EMARC). He was the beloved husband of Lauren (Cantalupa) Mitchell. He was the loving father of Cara A. Mitchell of Merrimac and Megan E. Mitchell and her partner Chris Eriksen of Eagle Bridge, NY. He was the brother of James D. Mitchell and his wife Ethelyn, Nancy Belanger and her husband Daniel of Charlton and the late Jean V. Montesano and her surviving husband Vincent of Revere and the late Joan Mitchell. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as his beloved dogs Gavin and Maggie. His Funeral Service will be held in the Centre Congregational Church, 5 Summer St., Lynnfield on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 10am. Visitation for relatives and friends at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday, Oct. 8 from 4-7pm. In keeping with John’s philanthropic spirt, the family asks for contributions to be made to the charity of one’s choice. ment, and where our district sits statewide among our peers. Just as important going hand and hand, and one of the biggest reasons that got me to run last term was for a district wide culture change. This change must start from within the classroom moving out. Our educators must feel supported, encouraged, and given the tools they need to achieve the district wide goals set before them. We took a major step by bringing on our new superintendent, with a 5-year contract giving her the time to make change, and develop our educators, with coaching, and listening to their ideas of change and improvement for a positive outcome district wide. At the same time not be beholden to a new school committee for a contract renewal in the middle of an election year. School Committee Chair Thomas R. Whittredge: The obvious answer is student achievement. The underlying issue is culture change. We have educators and staff throughout the district that have not felt heard or supported for their entire careers. We now have the physical tools in place to support 21st century learning. We went all in with Ms. McMahon to lead the district. One of the first things she has done is connect with each and every staff member and educator in the district to listen to their thoughts and observe their role in the district. This is a great way to begin the culture change process. Communication and collaboration will go a long way in our efforts to raise student achievement. As I said, we are committed to the process and need to be sure that the next committee is as well. The challengers Leigh Gerow: The current ranking on the MCAS scores is our most urgent challenge, though it’s important to keep in mind that this is not a satisfactory measurement tool for all students, especially those from diverse backgrounds. I would address it by supporting the Superintendent’s plan to have kids reading by age 8 and to see one year of growth in math and reading for every student by 2022. I would also continue to support her in her 5 year plan to get us to the top 10% of the state high schools, as measured by improved math and reading scores for students in the 10th grade. Former School Committee Member Vincent Serino: I think one of the challenges facing our schools is student achievement. The district’s test scores have been down and we need to address this head-on. With covid and students not in the classroom, a lot of them have fallen behind. The parents and teachers will need more help from us to get them caught up. We need to be funding after-school learning activities that will help students who want and need the extra time. We need to look at more teach~ POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~ Harold Young announces candidacy for Board of Selectmen A fter much thought and discussion with my family, I have decided to run for office in town. Although I grew up in Everett where my father was the Captain in the Everett Fire Department and acting Fire Chief serving the city of Everett. I have made Saugus my home for the past 42 years. My wife Lana and I have been married for 43 years and have raised our daughters Ashley and Gabrielle in Saugus where they both attended the Saugus Public School system. After my graduation from Everett High School in 1971 I entered into the work force immediately working in the airlines industry. I spent 22 years working my way up from ground services to leading the crews. I was also a supervisor and shop steward, which gives me some unique insight into the workings and issues in town with our union employees and what they sometimes go through in trying to resolve employment issues. After my service with the airlines ended, I moved into the position of Saugus Canine Officer and Animal Inspector for which I am certified by the state. I held this position with the town for almost 27 years prior to my retirement in 2019. My time serving the town allowed me to not only get to know the citizens but also know the inner workings because as the canine control officer I was responsible for budgets, purchasing, scheduling and all other aspects of running the department. During a portion ers and paraprofessionals for smaller classroom sizes. This will allow teachers more time with advanced students as well as students falling behind. “A rising tide lifts all ships”. A late response Editor’s Note: Board of Selectmen candidate Domenic Montano submitted an answer to last week’s question after the deadline for The Saugus Advocate. As a courtesy to our readers, here is the question and Montano’s response. Q: In 100 words or less, how would you grade the way the Town of Saugus is being managed? Please pick one of the following: Excellent. Good. Fair. Poor. As an elected ofRETIRED SAUGONIAN: Harold Young spent 27 years as Saugus Canine Officer and Animal Inspector before retiring in 2019. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) of this time I also served as a parking control officer. This again gave me some insight into other town laws and bylaws beyond animal laws. I feel that my knowledge of the town and the inner workings of the town with budgets, deadlines and employee issues, along with my law and union experience put me into a position where I can readily understand many of the issues the town faces. Although these things are not necessarily under the board’s jurisdiction, it does put me into a position where I can help citizens and employees by directing them to the proper places for help they may need. I am also excited to possibly be given the opportunity to work with the Board of Selectmen to move Saugus forward in new and exciting directions. I would be honored if you would consider me for one of your 5 votes. ficial, what would you do to help improve the level of service to town residents? A: Good. As an elected official, I would ensure better communication happens amongst all entities and departments in town. It is crucial to have open lines of communication to help “get the job done” as they say. I think it is also very important that we adhere to the Capital Improvement Plan and stick with it. I think that with our new beautiful school, sidewalks and crosswalks should be paramount to keep our children safe while walking to and from school. I would lastly like to see vacant jobs in town be filled.
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