Candidate Profile: Mea Quinn Mustone, Medford School Committee

MEDFORD, MA — Mea Quinn Mustone 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.

Mustone is a School Committee member and parent of six children, five of whom are current students in the Medford Public Schools. She works as a ninth-grade formation coordinator at Malden Catholic High School.

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)

46

Position Sought

Medford School Committee

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband Tim, Children: Quinn 18, Teagan 16, Cullen 15, Nevin 13, Rowan 12, Declan 9

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Boston College BA 97
Boston College MED 2006

Occupation

Malden Catholic 9th Grade Formation Coordinator

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Medford School Committee

Campaign website

https://www.mea4medford.com/

Why are you seeking elective office?

To be a voice for MPS parents

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

The physical plant of the high school needs to be addressed. A high school vision committee will be created in the near future. I look forward to working with and learning from the community about their vision for the future of Medford High School.

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

With my children enrolled at the elementary level, middle school level and high school level of MPS, I see and hear firsthand the experiences of our students, teachers and parents across the district.

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

This term, I have helped guide our school district through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the most challenging time I've seen as a school committee member. Our innovative testing program allowed us to bring students back, and we are ready to adjust and address needs this upcoming year to make sure students are getting the education they deserve.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I will be working to implement a new English Language Arts (ELA) and social studies curriculum for our K-5 students, increasing and improving food menu options at every school, and increasing the number of guidance counselors at the middle schools.

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

During my past three terms, we have hired a new superintendent, implemented a new science curriculum, and I have continued to respond to the many calls and emails I get from families and residents about the issues we need to address in our schools.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My entire life my dad, Peter, has told me that when I am struggling I should "sleep on it and the answer will find you tomorrow." This advice has served me well!

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

I'm a diehard "Walking Dead" fan and I love Diet Dr. Pepper! :)