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Politics & Government

Meet School Committee Member Kristan Bagley-Jones

Inside Town Hall, the series that spotlights members of the town's committees and boards continues this week featuring Kristan Bagley-Jones of the School Committee.

With the last signs of summer in sight, Inside Town Hall features Kristan Bagley-Jones of the Milton School Committee to look ahead to the fast approaching school year. With an extensive background in education, Jones remarks on the quality of Milton schools and offers quick tips to Milton’s parents for back to school season.

How long have you been on the School Committee?

I started my fourth year this past May when I was re-elected to another 3-year term. I am thankful to the voters for electing me again. Working with committee members and with the school administration has been an incredible experience. I have tremendous respect for all of the staff I have met and worked with over these last few years as a committee member.

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 What in your past has led you to this position?

I have been involved with schools both personally and professionally for a number of years. I have spent my career supporting students, teachers and parents. In my experience, it is crucial for schools to incorporate a social, emotional and mental health perspective into every child's educational experience and being a school social worker allows me to support that work.

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I began my career as a school social worker in the Boston Public Schools, where I worked for 13 years. I then became a Program Director for a school-based counseling program for the North River Collaboration. I am currently the Program Director for a school-based program for Franciscan Hospital for Children. I also teach in the social work program at Boston College and work with student social workers who want to work in schools.

In addition to my work in schools, I have been a parent who is passionate about quality education for all children. I moved to Milton when my children were young because of the great reputation the Milton schools had, and continues to have. I have been very impressed with the education my two children have received, and as a result, I have been very active in the schools since arriving in Milton. Being on the School Committee as a parent gives me a unique view as to how the School Committee actively supports the school department, which results in the high-quality schools we have in Milton.

How do you think Milton's school system compares to other neighboring towns?

I believe that Milton is one of - if not the best - educational systems on the South Shore. The system has maintained a great high school graduation rate, has build six new schools that are envied by all surrounding communities and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to keeping high-quality teachers and staff in the system.

What is one goal the committee hopes to reach this school year?

The committee always has many goals; however, an important goal is to continue educating the public about the budget process. While I think the school department and the school committee have made tremendous strides in our attempts to share the impact of funding issues on the schools, there are still some folks out there who don't understand the financial pressure the schools and the town face every year. I think that the practice of having the administrators and committee members visit each school during the budget season is a great practice that I hope will continue.

What is one tip you can give to Milton parents who are preparing their children for school?

Be involved! Get to know your child's teachers and find out how you can be involved. The school system is one of the best due the hard work of both teachers and staff, and parental support is crucial in supporting the schools.

For more information on Milton's School Committee, visit http://www.miltonps.org/committee.php.

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