Letter to the Editor....

Letters to the editor are solely the opinions of the writers.

Letter to the Editor...

"I encourage Medfield residents and the public to watch the recording of the March 5 School Committee meeting, available on Medfield TV and YouTube.

Relevant timestamp: 3:35–7:35

While this is a public meeting, some viewers may find the interaction during public comment uncomfortable to watch.

Public comment exists so residents can share perspectives on matters within the School Committee’s authority—such as policies, budgets, curriculum, and superintendent performance. It should be a place where residents can participate without fear of personal confrontation.

My comments during that meeting related to the cancellation of Medfield’s long-standing third-grade local history tours. For many years, students visited several historic sites in town as part of their education. According to information shared publicly, the tours were cancelled without the knowledge of several stakeholders, including the district curriculum director, the Wheelock Site Council, parents, and local historical organizations that had helped organize the program.

When questions about the cancellation were raised publicly, photographs taken in public locations became part of the conversation that included a letter sent by the spouse of School Committee Vice Chair Diana Frascella to Medfield residents.

During my public comment referencing that letter, an exchange occurred between myself and the Vice Chair that viewers can see for themselves on the public recording. This included later in the meeting an obscene hand gesture by the vice chair.

The public can review the video and draw their own conclusions about whether the interaction reflected the level of civility and professionalism the community expects from its elected officials. Clip showing later moment referenced: Relevant timestamp: 26:21 https://tinyurl.com/SCGesture "

Dick Judge, Medfield Resident