Milford School Committee: Joseph Morais

Editor's Note: Although the School Committee has no race this year, Milford Patch asked the two candidates for the two open seats to respond to a series of questions. The response of Joseph Morais follows. He is a financial planner conducting his first campaign for office. His response is edited only for grammar, punctuation and AP style.

Q: Why are you seeking this position?

A: I am running for the school committee position to serve a community that has done so much for me and my family over the years. I have a daughter in the second grade and many family and friends with children in the Milford schools so I have a vested interest and believe that I can be a positive influence on the direction of our schools.

Q: What is your educational background?

A: I graduated from Milford High School in 1991 and received my bachelor’s degree in business administration from Worcester State College.

Q: What is your age and profession?

A: I am 40 and have worked at Putnam Investments for 17 years.

Q: Describe your family.

A: I am married to Allison Crowley and we have one daughter, Amelia, who attends Memorial Elementary School.

Q: What are the three top issues facing the Milford Public Schools? Please identify the issue and explain what you think school officials should do to address it.

A: 1. Lack of funding – public schools are asked to do more and more each year with less funding. Budget cuts have created huge problems for most public schools. Less funding means smaller staffs, fewer resources and a lower number of services for students. At the local level we have to build strong partnerships with the community, other boards and town departments. Having that collaboration and cooperation is critical to meeting the needs of our students in a fiscally responsible way. At the state level the School Committee should work closely with our legislators and advocate for the fiscal and regulatory reforms that will move districts forward and ensure long-term sustainability.

2. Technology – more than ever technology plays a vital role in educating and connecting students to learning opportunities. If we want to prepare our students with the skills for the 21st Century it is important that we embrace technology initiatives and work closely with other town departments.

3. The Woodland School project is one of the district’s top priorities. We are very fortunate to be in a position to either renovate the existing structure or build a new school. Taxpayers have the right to expect that every dollar is spent wisely and stretched to its fullest return on their investment.

Q: Have you ever held public office before? If so, what was the position and the years served.

A: I also serve as a town meeting member for Precinct 3.

Q: What is the most important thing people should know about you?

A: They should know that I am open minded, work well within a team and have the diplomacy, leadership, communication skills, and the tenacity to be effective. It would be an honor to serve the community of Milford, and I promise to do everything I can to provide our children with a quality education in a fiscally responsible way so Milford may continue to be a great place to raise a family.