by Neil W. McCabe

The incumbent school board member for Ward 5 announced May 3 her candidacy for re-election to the School Committee in November.

“I’m excited about our future,” said Megan Foster, who is finishing her first term. For this year’s session, Foster chairs the school board’s Rules Sub-Committee.

“I want to ensure that the Somerville public schools continue to progress while maintaining the unique educational choices offered for our students, Foster said.

Foster, who is a 2001 graduate of Somerville High School, is looking forward to continuing to serve her community, and to continue working towards improving the educational experience for all of Somerville’s students, she said.

Foster is a life-long resident of the city and lives on Lexington Avenue, she said. “I’m proud of where I come from, and have worked hard to ensure the right decisions are made on behalf of Somerville’s families and students.”

During the last two years, Foster said she has been very involved in curriculum and budget issues, and has just completed the most important responsibility of a school committee member can do: interview and hire a new superintendent of schools. 

Foster held several community meetings with her constituents, as well as other residents who were interested in the process.  Foster stated that she sought community involvement throughout the process because she felt as many residents as possible should have a voice in the selection, she said.

“Choosing a new superintendent of schools is the single most important responsibility the school Committee has,” she said. “Mr. Pierantozzi is the right fit for Somerville.”

“I believe his record demonstrates that he possesses the qualities that will make him the strong leader we need and want for our schools,” she said.

Among Foster’s priorities is the adoption of a bullying policy, she said.

“It’s something that many other school districts have and is important to ensure a safe and healthy atmosphere in which all students can learn,” she said. “I want to continue to better our school community through all means available.”

Foster said she is a strong advocate for retaining small class size, hiring a separate principal for the Brown and Cummings schools, restoring staff positions in the high school guidance department, and throughout the school system. 

In December, Foster said she graduated from Emerson College with a bachelor’s degree in political communications, and is now an investigator and advocate in the victims compensation division of the state attorney general’s office.