Questions for school committee candidates
Starting tomorrow, the Milford public schools (along with other districts across the commonwealth) will launch a remote learning program. Until schools reopen, students will be expected to go online to receive instruction and complete assignments.
I was relieved to read, in Principal Otlin's letter to MHS families, that there are accommodations available for those students who will not have reliable internet or computer access during this time. But it prompted a couple questions for my friends running for school committee (and/or those already on it):
1. Given that almost half our students are classified as "economically disadvantaged," how many students do not have a reliable way to access the internet?
2. Given the importance of the internet to a modern education, has the district explored any longer-term programs to provide internet and computer access to disadvantaged families? What would you propose, if elected?
Since the school district is such an important part of any town (if for no other reason that a high-performing school district boosts property values), I'd also be interested to hear the thoughts of any current or prospective selectmen on this issue.
