Election Profile: Paulette Van der Kloot For School Committee

MEDFORD, MA — Medford's municipal election Nov. 5 will send six people to the School Committee out of a pool of 10 candidates. Paulette Van der Kloot, 63, is one of five current committee members running for re-election.

Van der Kloot recently retired from her longtime role as supervisor of Junior Volunteers at Winchester Hospital and continues to work part-time with high school students. She lives in Medford with her husband, Bob, and has three daughters and three grandchildren.

Van der Kloot has a bachelor's degree from Hamilton College and a master's degree in counseling from Cambridge College.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The focus of my work on the School Committee is and will be on the Whole Child. It is the totality of our work that supports our students. In order to learn students need to be nourished and healthy. They need to have the tools they need to learn. They need to have activities that engage and motivate them. They need to have music, art and athletic programs that help them grow into well rounded individuals. We need to continue to provide a broad range of academic and technical opportunities. We have a diverse community and we need to respect individual differences so we can better provide for and support every child. Our challenge is to prepare our students for the future as articulate, knowledgeable and resilitent adults. It is to this end that I work with persistence, care and passion.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The hard earned experience and knowledge that I have gained from 30 years on the school committee is second to none. GIven the newness of our Superintendent and Asst. Superintendent and the fact that the next most experienced school committee members have only served for four years, the history and knowledge I bring is vital as we continue to grow in the next two years. I bring common sense, leadership and vision to the school committee.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I will continue to work for a safe and secure school environment. I will make sure we fund and implement commonsense security measures that increase safety. I also will ensure effective communication and protocols for emergencies.

I will continue to work to address the physical and emotional health of every student. This means emphasis on programs addressing anxiety and depression as well as increased vaping awareness education. Additionally, I will work to ensure the success of the new middle school athletic program.

I will work for schools that work for students and families. This means supporting small class sizes and fully staffed after school programs. Additionally, we must continue our emphasis on early childhood education by supporting the work of the Medford Family Network.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have years of experience combined with common sense and a deep commitment to the citizens of Medford.
I am dedicated to the continued improvement of the Medford Public Schools. I am actively engaged in our community and I work hard to become more educated on issues that affect our students.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

My mom always said: actions speak louder than words. I've tried to live a life of good actions not just good intentions.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

With your vote, I will continue to work hard for you and your family. Please "GIve a Hoot" and vote on November 5 for me, Paulette Van der Kloot. Thank You!