McGlynn Gun Magazine: What's Next For Medford Schools?

MEDFORD, MA – The Medford School Committee this week held a special meeting to approve a number of actions following the McGlynn gun magazine incident. Most notably, the committee voted 5-2 to accept Superintendent Roy Belson's early retirement on April 30. Belson will remain under contract in a support capacity for up to 25 hours per week at his current hourly rate, according to a Medford Public Schools press release.

Per the agreement, Belson will coordinate all security issues with the chief of police or a department designee and he will not make administrative or principal personnel appointments or non-contractual salary adjustments without the approval of the school committee.

The school committee agreed on the following actions moving forward:

• Include the Medford City Council in the process of hiring a Director of Security who will oversee both the academic buildings as well as municipal buildings
• Develop enhanced communication protocols
• Proceed with ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training
• Establish a school safety advisory committee
• Publicize the TIP line that is currently in place for the Police Department
• Pursue a security audit of the schools in conjunction with the City Council

"As the Chair of the Medford School Committee and Mayor of our City I look forward to an orderly transition to a new superintendent, enhanced safety measures and greater communication and collaboration between our schools, public safety officials and the entire community," Mayor Stephanie M. Burke said in a statement. "I am proud of the strong foundation we have that is comprised of educators and school staff who stand tall to protect, nurture and care for our children every day."

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