Candidate Profile: Kathy Kreatz, Medford School Committee

MEDFORD, MA — Kathy Kreatz is one of 14 candidates running for School Committee in the Sept. 14 preliminary election, which will whittle down the field of candidates ahead of the municipal election in November. There will also be a preliminary election for the mayor's race.

Medford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

Kreatz is a current School Committee member. She lives on Fulton Street with her husband Patrick, son Noah and their pets. Kreatz ran her own business as a licensed family daycare provider and is currently in her 15th year at the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System.

Are you running for office in Medford? Contact Alex Newman at alex.newman@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Medford Patch.

Age (as of Election Day)

53

Position Sought

School Committee

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

My name is Kathleen (Kathy) Miles Kreatz. I am running for re-election to the Medford School Committee for my fourth term. I would first like to begin by sharing a little bit about myself and my family. I reside with my husband Patrick, son Noah and adorable pets on Fulton Street. Combined, both families have lived in Medford for well over a half-century. I have seven siblings; four sisters and three brothers. My husband has ten siblings; seven brothers, and four sisters. The Miles and Kreatz families attended Medford Public Schools: Miles’ going to the Wait Elementary School, Hobbs Jr. High, and graduating from Medford High School. The Kreatz’s went to the Davenport School, Roberts Jr. High, and graduating from both Medford High School and Medford Vocational High School. My son Noah graduated from Medford Vocational Technical High School. The Kreatz family has been serving the City of Medford Fire Department for over a half-century. My Father-in-Law John J. Kreatz Jr. retired from the Medford Fire Department after 38 years of service and passed away in 1998. Also, three of my brothers-in-law have retired from the Medford Fire Department. Currently serving on the Medford Fire Department are two nephews.

After I graduated from high school, I studied business administration at Suffolk University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree. My husband graduated from MVTHS and served in the US Marine Corps. My son Noah is currently attending Northeastern University. We are a proud Mustang family.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

After I graduated from Medford High School, I studied business administration at Suffolk University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree.

Occupation

I have been employed and have over 35 years of working experience in many facets of organizations. I have also been an entrepreneur having started my own business as a licensed family daycare provider to provide quality affordable childcare. In 2006, I accepted a position with the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS). This year I celebrated my 15th anniversary at the MTRS. Please message me directly for a copy of my resume.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Medford School Committee

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/kreat...

Why are you seeking elective office?

Education has been a large component of my life. When re-elected, I will continue to support the whole child and ensure all students have a strong foundation to support them in life and an opportunity to reach their potential.

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

I think social and emotional needs are paramount. I will collaborate with parents and administrators to ensure all learners have a successful transition from Hybrid/Remote to In-person learning.

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

I have been described by many I am a voice of reason.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

N/A

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I think we did a great job. Some of the remarkable accomplishments the school committee achieved during the pandemic were: We went from in-person school to a fully remote distance learning plan. The Superintendent sent out weekly translated communications to the community and families. We used COVID-19 funding to upgrade teacher technology and provide each student with a Chromebook. We were one of the first districts to open schools for in-person learning for the most vulnerable students. We approved a staggered hybrid plan with a gradual transition to return to school safely. We offered weekly COVID-19 testing for both students and staff. Thanks to the city’s partnership with Tufts University.

In the upcoming school years improving communication, engaging more families and community members would ensure everyone's voices are heard.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am a strong advocate for the Medford Vocational Technical Highschool. We have fifteen incredible career technical education programs. Our students can graduate with their degree and have a choice of continuing their education or going into their careers.

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

I decided to run for the school committee in 2015 when my son was in middle school. I worked with the School Committee and Assistant Principal to resolve some of these issues including bus overcrowding and educating students on finding their designated buses. This helped to improve the students’ experience.

Currently, I’m a member of many subcommittees and I Chair the Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee. Also, I am the Chairperson of the Engineering Advisory Committee at Medford Vocational Technical High School. In my earlier terms, I served as Vice-Chairperson and Secretary of the School Committee.

After the merger of Medford High School and Medford Vocational High School (MHS/MVTHS), I advocated for the vocational students to make sure students from both the MHS and MVTHS programs had a seat on the stage at graduation.

In the summer of 2018, I worked together with parents, students, principals, and the yearbook advisor to highlight coverage for the vocational students by getting additional pictures added and insert pages mailed to the homes of the senior class of 2018.

I met with parents and PTO members at each school to address some of their concerns with the property and grounds at each school. This included broken playground structures, the need for replacement playground mulch, landscaping updates, and repainting hopscotches. In collaboration with the Director of Building and Grounds, the issues were addressed before the start of school.

I motioned at the September 23rd School Committee Meeting to create a special committee called the Medford High School Long-term Vision/Renovation Committee. After the committee is formed the group will begin to renew the master blueprint to develop a long-term renovation plan at Medford High School Complex. The committee was formed by the Superintendent and the Mayor’s office. The volunteers are composed of community members, teachers, students, experts in the construction field, and more. Due to the pandemic, I'm not sure when the committee will begin the meetings.

In October 2019 I attended a Math Learning Walk at the McGlynn Elementary School and Andrews Middle School. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit classrooms, with math coaches and administrators. The walk was very informative and I have a better understanding of the math instruction and how it relates to the 5 core action review items. These walkthroughs are beneficial for the teachers and will help ensure student success in the classroom.

In Fall 2019, I motioned to add a seminar to educate high school seniors about banking skills. I continue to support the “Credit for Life Fair” for eleventh graders and add a final seminar to educate high school seniors about banking skills and life after high school. So, our students will have the necessary skills to succeed in college or career. I was delighted to attend a session the Middlesex Federal Bank provided to the Vocational High School students on October 8, 2019.

In December 2019 Hosted a Free Holiday Event for All Medford Families and their children at the West Medford Community Center. The Activity was creating a Sugar Cookie Shaped - Foam magnet. All the materials were provided: glitter, sequence, and more. It was an amazing experience.

In November and December 2019, I volunteered and hosted an activity at the afterschool program at Brooks Elementary. Also, I volunteered and hosted an activity at the afterschool program at Roberts Elementary.

On January 13, 2020, I motioned to ensure that the pre-budget meetings are recorded and televised so that families can watch at their convenience.

In January 2020, I visited Mr. Plati’s 5th-grade classroom for The American Revolution Readers Theatre. The students did a magnificent job reading the various parts of the script!
Also, visited Ms. Laskey's fourth-grade classroom at McGlynn Elementary. I spoke to the students about community engagement. I got to see all the great math projects they are working on. The students were working on a project creating math board games, establishing rules, and solving math problems. Also, I got to see hydroponics and the farm vegetables growing: basil, squash, cucumbers, sugar snap peas, carrots, and more. I enjoyed the visits and look forward to coming back again.

Additionally, I hosted a Pre-game Super Bowl Sugar Cookie Decorating Event for the seniors. I had a wonderful afternoon at the Medford Senior Center afternoon with the seniors.
I sponsored one of the students at the Roberts Elementary School Girls on the Run 5k, in December 2019.

I helped bag food with students, teachers, administrators, and volunteers at Brooks Elementary for their 100th-day food drive.

Every year I have been a Super scooper at the McGlynn for MFN Valentine's Day Ice Cream Social

I have read books to the kindergarten students at all the Elementary schools.

During all of my terms on the school committee, I had an opportunity to visit all of the Medford Public Schools. Additionally, I attended several citywide events and activities in support of all of our schools.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do the best you can.

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

It has been a truly special experience serving the Medford Community in improving our education system. Thank you for taking the time to read my survey.

Editor's Note: Ms. Kreatz was given the opportunity to expand upon her answers after publication. If you wish to add to your responses – but not remove previous statements – please email alex.newman@patch.com.