Category Archives: Schools

Town “Flips the Switch” On Memorial Solar Array

Posted on May 13, 2026 | Leave a comment

This past Monday the Medfield Energy Committee and the Schools flipped the switch to officially make the solar array at the Memorial School operational. Thank you to both for making it a reality.

The Medfield Energy Committee plans more solar arrays for more school roofs as new roofs are installed and to follow up on a canopy solar array in the Medfield High School parking lot.

Chris Gordon of the Medfield Energy Committee

Town official jointly flip the switch.

FROM THE PATCH

This project represents a significant step forward in the Town’s commitment to renewable energy and long-term fiscal responsibility.

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Colleen M. Sullivan,Community ContributorVerified User Badge

Posted Tue, May 12, 2026 at 10:04 pm ET

https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/321386/20260512/100420/styles/patch_image/public/medfield-school-kids-3___12220301409.jpgMemorial School Students at “Flip the Switch” Solar Installation (Courtesy Image)

Ribbon Cutting at "Flip the Switch" Solar Installation
Memorial School Students at "Flip the Switch" Solar Installation

Town of Medfield “Flips the Switch” on New Solar Installation at Memorial Elementary School

374 kW project marks a major milestone in Town’s Net Zero 2050 Climate Action Plan

Medfield, MA – On May 11, the Town of Medfield hosted a “Flip the Switch” ceremony at the Memorial Elementary School to celebrate the completion of a new 374.40 kW solar array. This project represents a significant step forward in the Town’s commitment to renewable energy and long-term fiscal responsibility.

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The celebration brought together town leadership, project partners, educators, students, and community members on a beautiful sunny morning to mark the milestone. Speakers included Dr. Jeffrey J. Marsden, Ed.D., Superintendent of Medfield Public Schools; Eileen Murphy of the Board of Selectmen; Christopher Gordon of the Medfield Energy Committee; Penni Conner of Eversource; and Byron Woodman of Solect Energy. The event featured a ceremonial ribbon cutting, followed by a special “Flip the Switch” to commemorate the recent activation of the project. Residents, parents, and attendees joined the celebration, along with two first-grade classes from Memorial Elementary School.

Students created handmade posters for the event; one class designed colorful “Flip the Switch” signs, while another learned about renewable energy and created step-by-step posters explaining how solar power works. Adding to the excitement, the new solar array generated enough electricity this past April to fully power Memorial Elementary School for the month, with excess energy benefiting the town through carbon credit savings on municipal energy bills.

“The solar canopy is a great accomplishment for the town that will help secure our environmental and fiscal health for long after these children at Memorial walk through the halls of Medfield High School for graduation,” said Christopher Gordon, Member of the Medfield Energy Committee.

The Memorial Elementary installation is the latest and largest addition to Medfield’s solar portfolio, joining two existing operational sites: the Department of Public Works (DPW) building (216.50 kW) and the Thomas Blake Middle School (122.88 kW). Together, these projects demonstrate Medfield’s proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint and energy costs through strategic infrastructure investments.

“We are implementing solar to help save the town money, reduce energy usage, and lower our carbon footprint, so this is truly a win-win-win all the way around,” said Penni Conner of Eversource. “This particular installation alone will save the town over half a million dollars over 25 years.”

The project was developed and installed by Solect Energy through the PowerOptions Solar & Storage Program. By leveraging this partnership, the Town was able to utilize pre-negotiated contracts and a power purchase agreement (PPA), ensuring a seamless development process without the burden of upfront capital costs.

“PowerOptions exists to make clean energy projects affordable and achievable – and Medfield’s new solar canopy is exactly what that looks like in practice,” said Walter Gray, Program Director at PowerOptions. “Our group procurement program opened the door with competitive pricing and a streamlined process, but it was Medfield’s determined leadership that carried this across the finish line. This solar canopy is more than an energy asset; it’s a lasting symbol of what a committed community can accomplish – and an inspiration to students and residents for decades to come. PowerOptions is proud to have helped make this happen.”

The expansion of on-site solar generation aligns directly with the Town of Medfield Climate Action Plan (TOMCAP). Following the 2021 resident vote to support a Net Zero 2050 goal, the Town has prioritized strategies identified in its Townwide Masterplan and Municipal Vulnerability Plan to transition toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

“The installation of solar canopies requires a strong collaboration between multiple parties, and we’re incredibly grateful for the teamwork and partnership of the Town of Medfield, the School District, Eversource and Solect to successfully complete the solar canopy,” said Byron Woodman, Senior Business Development Manager at Solect Energy. “We look forward to continuing to support Medfield as they expand their sustainability and solar initiatives and deliver long-term savings to the community.”

With the Memorial Elementary system now fully operational, the Town of Medfield continues to set a regional standard for municipal sustainability, turning climate goals into tangible results for the community and its students.

About the Town of Medfield

The Town of Medfield is committed to a sustainable future, guided by its Net Zero 2050 climate goal and the Town of Medfield Climate Action Plan (TOMCAP). Through the leadership of the Energy Committee and collaboration across town departments, Medfield continues to implement green initiatives, including large-scale solar and energy efficiency upgrades, to protect the environment and enhance the quality of life for all residents.

About Solect Energy

Solect Energy is a leading provider of solar and energy storage solutions for businesses, schools, cities, towns, and nonprofits in the Northeast, with 900+ installed projects totaling 185+ MW. Headquartered in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, Solect is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pattern Energy Group. Visit us at: solect.com.

Media Contact: Elaine Vescio, Senior Marketing Manager at Solect Energy, evescio@solect.com or 508-612-3000

About PowerOptions

PowerOptions is New England’s largest energy-buying consortium for nonprofits and the public sector, with more than 800 members across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine and Rhode Island. A nonprofit serving other nonprofits since 1998, PowerOptions’ solar program has completed over 300 projects totaling 120+ megawatts. Learn more at poweroptions.org.

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Posted in Climate, Energy Committee, Green, Schools

“Flip the Switch” Monday at 10AM on the Memorial School Solar Canopy

Posted on May 7, 2026 | Leave a comment

Chris Gordon and Penni Conner of the Medfield Energy Committee have orchestrated this achievement –

Community Corner

Community Welcome To Attend Flip the Switch Event, Celebrate New Solar Canopy At Memorial School

The town is holding a Flip the Switch event on May 11th at 10am at the north parking lot of Memorial School.

Colleen M. Sullivan's profile picture
Colleen M. Sullivan,Community ContributorVerified User Badge

Posted Wed, May 6, 2026 at 6:25 pm ET

Overhead image of the Solar Canopy at Memorial School
Overhead image of the Solar Canopy at Memorial School (Courtesy image )

Flip the Switch Event To Celebrate New Solar Canopy At Memorial School

The Town of Medfield will hold a “Flip the Switch” celebration on Monday, May 11, at 10 a.m. in the north parking lot of Memorial School to mark the official launch of the new solar canopy installation.

Medfield School Superintendent Jeff Marsden, Director of Finance and Operations Michael LaFrancesca and Memorial Principal Missy Bilsborough will be attending the event and brief remarks will be made from several speakers. Other Town Administration officials and members of the Select Board have also been invited. Memorial School students will also participate in the ceremony. Members of the Medfield community are also invited to attend as the Town celebrates a major step toward clean, cost-saving renewable energy.

The Medfield Memorial Elementary School solar canopy system has a capacity of 374.4 kW DC.

The project was completed in partnership with Solect Energy, a nonresidential solar and energy storage developer and integrator serving the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Hopkinton, the company provides services including design, development, installation, financing, and ongoing operations and maintenance.

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Posted in Climate, Energy Committee, Green, Schools

Joint Commitment by SB, SC & WC ahead of Monday Town Meeting

Posted on April 29, 2026 | Comments Off on Joint Commitment by SB, SC & WC ahead of Monday Town Meeting

Attend the Annual Town Meeting (ATM) Monday, May 4 at 7PM at the Medfield High School.

Coordinated Commitments for the Proposed Operating Budget Override
Joint Release by the Select Board, School Committee, and Warrant Committee

TOWN OF MEDFIELD Coordinated Commitments for the Proposed Operating Budget Override Joint Release by the Select Board, School Committee, and Warrant Committee 1 Executive Summary This statement outlines the shared fiscal commitments of Medfield’s Select Board, School Committee, and Warrant Committee in support of a proposed operating budget override and stabilization fund. The override is designed to sustain essential Town and School services for two years through FY2028 under current projections and assumptions, while maintaining disciplined budget growth, protecting reserves, and mitigating taxpayer impact. These commitments establish clear guardrails to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds and transparent reporting to residents.. Shared Fiscal Commitments to Sustain Town and School Operations Through FY2028 Medfield faces a structural fiscal challenge: the Town’s primary revenue source is limited to 2.5% annual growth under Proposition 2½, while major cost drivers—such as contractual obligations, mandated services, health insurance, and inflation—typically grow at a higher rate. As a result, the override is necessary to protect current essential services, not expand them. The Select Board, School Committee, and Warrant Committee jointly affirm the need for an operating budget override and commit to the following high-level principles to ensure disciplined, transparent financial management.. 1. Duration of the Override The override is designed to sustain Town and School operations for two years through FY2028, based on current revenue projections, cost trends, and long-range financial modeling. This two-year horizon reflects conservative assumptions and incorporates known cost drivers. If conditions change materially, we will update the community promptly and transparently. 2. Annual Budget Growth Commitments To ensure the override lasts two years through FY2028, the Town and Schools commit to the following FY 2027 operating budget growth parameters: • Medfield Public Schools: Annual operating budget growth for FY 2027 not to exceed 3.64%. • Municipal (Town) Operations: Annual operating budget growth for FY 2027 not to exceed 3.33%. TOWN OF MEDFIELD Coordinated Commitments for the Proposed Operating Budget Override Joint Release by the Select Board, School Committee, and Warrant Committee 2 For FY2028, the Town and Schools acknowledge that the override structure includes a planned stabilization fund deposit based on the best available forecast today. Actual FY2028 budget development will occur next year based on updated revenues, federal and state aid, contractual obligations, and cost conditions. The Town and Schools remain committed to disciplined, sustainable, and balanced budgeting that preserves the long-standing proportionality between School and Town budgets as we support the two‑year override framework. 3. Fiscal Discipline and Efficiency Measures The Town and Schools will continue to pursue cost control and operational efficiency, including:  Continue reviewing programs, staffing, and service delivery models as part of regular budget planning  Reviewing health insurance plan design in collaboration with employee groups.  Explore shared services and collaborative procurement where appropriate.  Maintaining disciplined hiring practices.  Use benchmarking to inform decision-making, not as a prescriptive requirement.  Avoiding the use of one-time funds for recurring expenses. 4. Revenue Development and Grant Strategy To reduce long term reliance on overrides, the Town will:  Support responsible economic development, including the Trinity redevelopment at the Medfield State Hospital, as a long-term strategy to strengthen the tax base.  Periodically review fees and explore non-tax revenue opportunities.  Pursue aligned state and federal grants.  Regularly review fees and charges. While the Trinity project represents a significant future opportunity, its timing and revenue impact remain dependent on the pace of development. 5. Reserve and Long-Term Liability Management The Town commits to maintaining reserves at 8% of the operating budget (net of debt service) to protect financial stability, maintain the Town’s strong credit rating, and provide a buffer for emergencies. These reserves are not intended to fund recurring operating deficits.TOWN OF MEDFIELD Coordinated Commitments for the Proposed Operating Budget Override Joint Release by the Select Board, School Committee, and Warrant Committee 3 6. Commitment to Taxpayer Impact Mitigation The Town reaffirms its commitment to managing taxpayer impact through the Tax Impact Mitigation Stabilization Fund, with a goal of accumulating $5.0 million to reduce the initial tax impact of the Dale Street School replacement during the early years of borrowing. 7. Transparency and Public Reporting The Town and Schools will provide periodic updates through existing public budget processes.:  Progress toward these commitments.  Actual budget growth versus caps.  Reserve levels.  Efficiency initiatives.  Updated financial projections.  Use of the Tax Impact Mitigation Stabilization Fund. Unified Statement The Select Board, School Committee, and Warrant Committee present these principles as a unified framework to maintain Medfield’s financial stability, protect essential services, and ensure transparent, responsible stewardship of public resources. All three boards support the FY2027 override budget and the two‑year override structure, including the planned FY2028 stabilization fund deposit. Each board recognizes that FY2028 budget development will occur next year using updated information, while maintaining the shared goal of sustaining operations through FY2028 under the override framework.

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Posted in Budgets, Schools, Select Board matters, Warrant Committee

Warrant Committee’s slides on its override recommendation

Posted on March 27, 2026 | 1 comment

Stephen Callahan, Chair of the Warrant Committee, shared the following slides on how the Warrant Committee reached its decision of the override it is supporting. Steve and the Warrant Committee have been working diligently despite difficult parameters. –

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Posted in Financial, Schools, Select Board matters, Town Meeting, Warrant Committee

Reading for “Read Across America” at the Dale Street School this week

Posted on March 6, 2026 | 1 comment

Reading to Mrs. Gutierrez’ 4th graders this week, in the jester hat the students chose for me –

Email from Leah Beaudoin, Library Media Specialist, Dale Street School –

Thank you so much for volunteering to read at Dale Street School this week. You made Read Across America week incredibly special and memorable for our students.  Students in Mrs. G’s class loved getting to know you and appreciated your willingness to donate your time to them.  They also shared how much they enjoyed listening to the book you read, thank you for giving them time to just sit and listen to a good book.

We strive to teach our students the importance of being a strong community member. In a short 20 minute block you showed our students what it means to be an active community member in Medfield.  This town is a special place because of you and the example you set for our students.

Happy Reading!

Leah Beaudoin

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Posted in Schools

MEDFIELD OUTREACH – Winter Newsletter

Posted on January 16, 2026 | Comments Off on MEDFIELD OUTREACH – Winter Newsletter

From Viktorria Glissendorf, MPH, Prevention Coordinator, Medfield Outreach –

SHARE: Join Our Email List Upcoming Events & Current Offerings Photovoice GalleryWalkthrough Join us for a gallery walkthrough of theMedfield Photovoice student art project on January 22 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. at the Medfield High School Library. Through avariety of expressive media includingphotography and digital art, Medfield HighSchool students explored the interpersonaland community environments shaping theirhealth and well-being. The reception willalso feature spoken reflections fromselected Medfield students, accompaniedby live music from the Medfield GuitarClub.
SHARE: Join Our Email List Upcoming Events & Current Offerings Photovoice Gallery Walkthrough Join us for a gallery walkthrough of the Medfield Photovoice student art project on January 22 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. at the Medfield High School Library. Through a variety of expressive media including photography and digital art, Medfield High School students explored the interpersonal and community environments shaping their health and well-being. The reception will also feature spoken reflections from selected Medfield students, accompanied by live music from the Medfield Guitar Club. Parent Coffee Hour Thursday, January 29 from 10:30-11:30 AM @ Medfield Public Library We are excited to offer a Coffee Talk for parents and guardians of tweens and adolescents! Have a cup of coffee with us as we share tips on talking with your kids about technology use and discuss successful strategies families have used to navigate digital safety in a changing world. No need to RSVP, just show up! SPACE Treatment Contact Medfield Outreach to schedule! We are pleased to announce that we are now offering SPACE treatment, which stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions. The SPACE treatment approach centers on empowering parents to make changes in their own behavior, rather than directly trying to change their child's behavior. Participants in the program will learn two primary strategies: how to respond more supportively to their anxious child and how to gradually reduce accommodations made for their child's symptoms. QPR Training Contact Medfield Outreach to schedule! Did you know that you don't have to be a professional to offer hope and help to those considering suicide? Medfield Outreach can provide a FREE 2-hour QPR: Suicide Prevention Training for Medfield residents, aged 18+. All you need is a group of 8-15 people willing to learn how to offer hope in a time of distress. Call your friends and schedule a training today! Medfield Mobile Task Force Presents: Screenagers January 26 | 7:00 PM | Medfield High School Auditorium To thoughtfully address the opportunities and concerns arising from technology and social media, Medfield Public Schools convened a Mobile Technology Task Force, a collaborative forum bringing together students, parents, educators, and members of the Medfield School Committee to examine the role of mobile technology in our schools and community. Medfield Outreach is proud to partner with Medfield Public Schools on this initiative. On January 26th at 7:00 PM in the Medfield High School auditorium, the Mobile Task Force will host a screening of the award-winning film Screenagers. Through insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions for empowering kids to navigate the digital world and find balance. For more information, please contact Jeff Marsden at jmarsden@email.medfield.net. Wait until 8th Pledge The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade. Let’s protect the elementary and middle school years from the distractions and the dangers of a smartphone in Medfield. Did you know that 12% of Medfield parents have already signed this pledge? We would love for you to join us. Click here for more information and to sign the pledge. 7th Grade Wellness Visits Recap Throughout November, nearly 200 7th graders in Mr. Woods’ Wellness classes took field trips to Medfield Outreach! Students learned about the social services available to Medfield residents, the many ways communities can work together to prevent substance misuse, the positive health impacts of gratitude, and opportunities to join MCAP-advised clubs like Medfield Youth Leadership Program and Medfield BREATHE. At the end of the visit, students were invited to post to our Gratitude Wall. These visits were a valuable way to familiarize students and their families with the resources Outreach offers, as well as an opportunity to learn how community substance use prevention works in Medfield. The Research Corner Learn what the research says about substance use, mental health, and wellness! This edition, we are highlighting the the health benefits of dry January and the positive trends in high school cannabis consumption trends in Medfield. Health Benefits of Dry January - What the Science Says Thinking about kickstarting your 2026 with Dry January? One study found that going 31 days without alcohol had noticeable health benefits for regular drinkers, even without changes in diet and exercise. By the end of the month, participants who abstained from alcohol showed improvements in: Insulin resistance Weight Blood pressure Liver function Cancer-related growth factors In the long term, cutting back on alcohol can improve mood, sleep, cancer risk, and immunity. Ready to hop on the “sober curious” trend this January? Click here for 40 fun mocktail recipes to enjoy all month long. Source article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29730627 Cannabis Positive Community Norms Did you know that on average, people tend to overestimate the prevalence of substance use in their communities? From college campuses to high schools, people consistently misperceive the likelihood that the people around them are using substances. In Medfield, the vast majority of middle and high school students do not use cannabis (marijuana), and that percentage has followed a downward trend over time. Through sustained education, public health awareness campaigns, and other multi-sector prevention initiatives aimed at creating healthy communities, Medfield has seen a significant decrease in the percentage of students who use cannabis. By continuing the conversation at home, you can reinforce these healthy decisions with the youth in your life. Click here to access our Adult Guide for Substance Use Prevention with tips for talking to youth about substances. iDECIDE: Evidence-Based Substance Use Education for Youth To support high school students who would like to learn more about substance use prevention, we are offering a voluntary psychoeducation program developed in partnership by Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Institute for Health and Recovery (IHR). iDECIDE is an educational program intended to inform students of brain development, neurobiology, risk and protective factors, industry tactics, and healthy alternatives to substance use. This program is intended to support students in making informed decisions about their substance use and health. Click here to complete the iDECIDE interest form, or email Krissy King at kking@medfield.net for more information. Ready to join get involved in this important work? Attend a meeting! Medfield Outreach Advisory Board - the 4th Monday of every month | 6:00-7:30 PM | Medfield Outreach office Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) - the 4th Wednesday of every month | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Zoom Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) - the last Wednesday of every month | 4:30 - 5:30 PM | Hybrid: In-person at the Medfield Outreach Office & via Zoom *Email medfieldoutreach@medfield.net for more information and Zoom links! Connect with us! Would you like to receive the next edition of our newsletter directly to your inbox? Subscribe today! Subscribe Medfield Outreach | 88R South St Door 12 | Medfield, MA 02052 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

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Posted in Children, Events, health, Information, MCAP - Medfeild Cares About Prevention, MCSP - Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Medfield High School, Medfield Outreach, Schools, Teens

Republished on the day of John Harney’s funeral

Posted on December 30, 2025 | Comments Off on Republished on the day of John Harney’s funeral

The Medfield Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed on John Harney in 2012 is republished here on the day of John’s funeral.  Whereas that award was about John’s civic engagement in Medfield, his funeral was about the man and his family that fortunately shared our hometown since 1965.

John Harney – Lifetime Achievement Award — Medfield civic and community leadership

John Harney is a 47-year resident of Medfield, and was nominated for the Lifetime Achievement award by Medfield resident and retired Medfield High School teacher Richard DeSorgher, who described Harney as “a shining example of the role of a citizen in society. Democracy is not a spectator sport, and without the John Harneys of this world, our government could not exist.”

Harney’s role as a Medfield civic leader began in 1978 as an elected member of the School Committee. From there, Harney served as a Medfield Selectman, joined a number of committees and boards involved with the Medfield State Hospital site, was a 14-year member of the town’s Economic Development Committee, and involved in Collective Bargaining Teams and the Solid Waste Committee.

DeSorgher noted that as selectman, Harney led the drive to save the Dwight-Derby House, and he also fought for the preservation of open space in Medfield.

“John led the drive at Town Meeting to purchase several parcels of land here in Medfield, including the Wheelock property, the Plain Street/Community Gardens land, and the Cronin/Wight Street property. He also fought hard to obtain the Route 27/Plain Street open space that was defeated at Town Meeting,” said DeSorgher.

DeSorgher noted, “Whether in my classroom, the newspapers, in the community, or at public meetings,  John Harney can be seen making democracy work. John speaks out on issues, popular or not, because he believes his cause is right and just. The result of John’s volunteer and civic service is a better town of Medfield for all of our almost 13,000 residents.”

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Posted in Medfield Foundation, People, Schools, Select Board matters, Volunteers

Black Out at Budget Workshop

Posted on December 3, 2025 | 2 comments

MEDFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT photo –

The Warrant Committee’s joint budget workshop with the Select Board and School Committee last night was ended by this tree on the wires along Main Street that turned off the electricity to the Medfield High School library, putting the meeting into darkness – the MHS’s emergency generator failed to come on. The meeting proceeded in the dimness for a short time illuminated only by the light from the computer screens and cell phones, and apparently was still being broadcast on backup power.

The workshop discussion will be re-scheduled and the discussions will continue.

Issue = only an additional 1.2% budget monies are available for spending increases for FY27, so even level funding is not possible. Plus large capital expenses required:

  1. $120 m. required to repair town buildings over the next 20 years.
  2. $100 m. required in next 5 years for priority building repairs – roofs and building envelopes.
  3. Dale Street School must be replaced.

Overrides seem needed, unless residents want fewer services.

Thank you to the Warrant Committee for starting the discussion!

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Posted in Budgets, Financial, Medfield High School, Police Department, Schools, Select Board matters, Warrant Committee

Superintendent Responds to Complaints about MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey

Posted on November 5, 2025 | Comments Off on Superintendent Responds to Complaints about MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey

In my experience the data gained from the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey is essential for the town to properly assist our kids.

This from the Superintendent,

===================================================

Hi Everyone.

I hope your Wednesday is going well!

Someone in Medfield has complained about the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey to a national media outlet and several other national media outlets have picked up the story. 

My statement is posted on our website and below:

Statement from Jeffrey J. Marsden, Ed.D.

Superintendent, Medfield Public Schools

November 5, 2025

Several out-of-state media outlets have reported recently on the Medfield Public Schools participation in the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey, administered by EDC, and some of the coverage contains misleading and/or inaccurate information. Superintendent Marsden issued the following statement to clarify the facts with the media outlets, as well as with Medfield families and staff.

The Medfield Public Schools has participated in the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey since 2006. This survey is administered every two years to more than 40,000 students in grades 6–12 across 25 school districts in the MetroWest region of Massachusetts. Parents are provided the opportunity to review the survey in advance and may opt their child out if they choose.

This tool provides districts with critical data about the needs, attitudes, and behaviors of our adolescent students, so that we can effectively plan programming, determine staffing needs, pursue grant funding, and ensure we are providing appropriate support for students.

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Posted in Schools

Anti-Idling Campaign’s 10th Anniversary

Posted on August 26, 2025 | Comments Off on Anti-Idling Campaign’s 10th Anniversary

From Fritz Fleischmann of the Green Sanctuary Committee at First Parish –

Dear Members of the Select Board,

This is Fritz Fleischmann, a resident of Medfield. I am writing to ask for the Select Board’s continuing support of an initiative the Board endorsed unanimously in 2015.

Ten years ago, the Green Sanctuary Committee at First Parish started a campaign to educate Medfield residents about the State’s anti-idling statute and to encourage them to stop unnecessary idling of their cars. This campaign was co-sponsored by the Medfield Police Department, the School Committee, the Board of Health, as well as civic organizations, and it was endorsed by the (then) Board of Selectmen, who authorized the installation of anti-idling signs in front of public buildings – you will have seen some of these around town.

Today, while the Commonwealth experiences an increase in childhood asthma and the climate crisis has worsened, there is ample evidence that most citizens are still unaware of the statute and the many reasons for it. However, environmental consciousness has also increased: the network of Sustainable Medfield currently includes over two dozen affiliated organizations and groups. And it is with the support of Sustainable Medfield that we are now resurrecting our original campaign, further supported by the Police Department and the Board of Health. Our shared goal is not to penalize but to educate the public.

Importantly, this time around we are working in partnership with the schools. Experience in other towns shows that young people can have significant influence over their parents – persuading them to stop idling, for instance, while waiting in line to pick them up. Our initiative can also provide learning opportunities for students, generate project ideas, and strengthen community. With the beginning of the new school year, Superintendent Dr. Marsden and the principals will inform parents about the Massachusetts statute and ask them not to idle their engines outside a school building. Sustainable Medfield has chosen this anti-idling initiative as the “Action of the Quarter” for the fall.

In 2015, we created a flyer for distribution around town (see attached), and we are currently updating it for today’s use. As part of this effort, we are asking everyone who endorsed us ten years ago to affirm their endorsement for this renewed initiative. With this letter we ask you, the members of the Select Board, to give us your formal endorsement again.

Thank for your attention, and for all your hard work in service to the residents of Medfield.

Fritz Fleischmann

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Posted in Climate, Green, health, Schools, Select Board matters, Uncategorized