Milford 2014 Candidate Profile: Joseph Callery, Milford School Committee

Editor's Note: The following profile is part of a series highlighting the candidates running for seats in contested races as part of this year's town election, which takes place on Tuesday, April 1. Milford Patch has reached out to all candidates in the contested races to showcase why they're running and what they hope to bring to the table. Check back leading up to the election for more profiles on the candidates.

Joseph E. Callery is running for the Milford School Committee along with David Levine, John W. Erickson and Jennifer Parson. For the full preliminary ballot for this year's election, click here.

Why are you running for the Milford School Committee?

As a lifelong resident, I feel a personal responsibility to serve the town. I strongly believe that the backbone to any community is their school system and this is why I am running for a seat on the Milford School Committee.

I am a homeowner, taxpayer and a fourth generation Milfordian. My family and I have a personal connection to the town of Milford.

I have two children, one currently enrolled at Brookside Elementary and another who will be attending school in Milford in just a few years. I will have a child in the school system for the next fifteen years.

I am a proud employee of Milton CAT where I have worked for the last seven years. My current title is Special Projects Supervisor. In this roll I need to balance the needs of the client and meet budget restrictions on a daily basis. I work with multimillion dollar contracts so I am used to the volume the school committee is entrusted with. I have full support from my employer and direct supervisors for this endeavor.

What do you hope to accomplish on the committee? 

I am looking forward to seeing the Woodland School project thru to completion. I have backed this project from the start and I am thankful for the town meeting members who voted to continue on with this project. 

I am committed to seeing Milford continue to lead area towns in Special Education, Physical Education and the Arts. I am also hoping to bring awareness and support to the Farm to Table lunch program, the PBIS and assist with securing funds for the much needed technology for the PARCC’s successful implementation over the next few years.

What do you see is the most pressing issue facing Milford right now in relation to the seat for which you're running?  

The pressing issues change month to month. It is important to elect an individual that you feel will make informed decisions that benefit our children and support our teachers. At this moment the pressing issue is the Lice Policy that is currently under review. The committee is in the process of gathering all of the information they can to make the right decision for our students. 

There are some ongoing issues; the budget for example is a living breathing document that is changing all of the time. Woodland School, housing the children we have now and creating the best possible environment is an ongoing effort by administration and staff.  We need to continue to support the faculty at Woodland throughout the upcoming transitions. Keeping up with current technology is also an ongoing challenge. Funding new technology is priority at this time as we are introducing the new PARCC test.

What do you think you could do to help resolve this issue?   

I feel the school committee’s roll is to gather the thoughts and recommendations of the faculty, the parents and as much information as we can to make decisions that will best suit the needs of our children as well as the taxpayers. Maintaining open communication with those parties, as well as with the finance committee will help resolve many ongoing issues. My personal background combined with my professional experience will help ensure that I will be a successful addition to the school committee. I am kindly asking for your consideration today and one of your two votes on Tuesday.

Name one unique idea you would like to bring to the table if elected in April. 

I would love bring a focus to the Farm to Table program and possibly work with a team of local mothers who are striving to get a local garden program going to inspire our children to eat local, grow their own produce and even try new vegetables. Studies show children are more likely to eat healthy foods if they have a hand in growing them.

Do you have any upcoming election-related events residents should know about?

The committee to elect Joe Callery for School Committee is holding a Wrap-Up Bash at Scioli’s Pizza Bar on Saturday, March 29 at 6 p.m. For more information on how to obtain tickets, visit www.facebook/voteforjoe.com.

What is one thing voters might not know about you?

In 1998 I purchased my first new car and I’m still driving it today. I still love it and it runs great! I can also recite every word in the movie Jaws and I love to drop random movie quotes about ten times a day in daily conversations.