Milford Candidate Profile: Michael Aghajanian For School Board

MILFORD, MA — Four candidates are running for Milford School Committee in the spring 2020 town election. One of those candidates is town meeting member Michael Aghajanian, 42.

Two School Committee seats are up for election in 2020. Member Joseph Callery is not running to keep his seat on the board, but Committee Chair Jennifer Parson is. Challengers Brendan Rickert and Frederick Steinmann are also running for seats.

Patch sent candidates running for the School Committee and Board of Selectmen candidate questionnaires to find out more about why they're running. Here's what Aghajanian told us about why he's seeking a seat on the School Committee.

Position Sought: School Committee
Party Affiliation: None
Family: Kristen Aghajanian my wife, Shea Aghajanian my 3-year-old Daughter.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? My wife has been a teacher at Milford High School for over 12 years teaching English.
Education: UMass Amherst and United States Marine Corps
Occupation: Former business executive, current business owner for over 12 years
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Town Meeting Member
Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/elect...

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am highly invested in the success of Milford Public Schools. For over 12 years my wife has proudly taught at Milford High School, and in 2021, my daughter will enter kindergarten at Memorial Elementary. I have the passion to ensure that all Milford children get the education they deserve and that our teachers are supported to carry out this mission.

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

I will lead and drive the Superintendent to develop an actionable and measurable plan to address the increasing number of disadvantaged students throughout the entire district.

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

I have the financial discipline and years of leadership experience running large organizations over 500 employees.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I will demand responsible management of the $60 - 70 Million entrusted to the Superintendent by advocating priorities raised by the local community while working closely with the Financial Committee and other key departments in the town to ensure financial stability.

I will provide strong leadership and accountability to make Milford Schools the number one choice for our local and surrounding communities, reducing the over 2.5 million dollars annually reallocated by school choice.

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

My leadership experience includes:

• Serving in the United States Marine Corps for 8 years.
• Non-Profit Board experience as an Officer for 6 years.
• Division President responsible for 15 locations with over 500 employees.