After reviewing 29 preliminary options, the Medford Comprehensive High School Building Committee voted on March 23 to cut the field to six finalist designs. The next big milestone — the Preferred Schematic Report — is due June 25. What gets built will serve students for generations.
This is the largest capital investment Medford has considered in decades. The six remaining designs span very different approaches to site layout, community amenities (including a potential pool), and how the building serves the neighborhood beyond school hours. Community Forum #3 was held last night — if you missed it, recordings are posted on the MPS YouTube channel and Medford Community Media (Comcast Ch. 9, Verizon Ch. 43).
The City of Medford has opened a 30-day public comment period on its draft CDBG Annual Action Plan for 2026, covering roughly $1,466,160 in new HUD grant funding. The window runs April 13 – May 13.
The money is allocated across affordable housing, economic development, public facilities and infrastructure, public services, and planning. These funds directly support nonprofits serving low- and moderate-income Medford residents — programs like homelessness prevention, after-school programming, food security, and transportation for elderly and disabled residents.
The Medford DPW Spring Big Sweep kicks off Tuesday, April 21 — the day after Patriots' Day. All 14 zones run over several weeks, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM. Cars left on target streets will be ticketed and towed. No exceptions.
The City of Medford is hosting a YouthWorks Information Session today from 5:00–5:30 PM for teens interested in paid summer employment. YouthWorks is Massachusetts's state-funded summer jobs program, placing young people ages 14–21 in subsidised positions with local employers. Spots are limited and competitive — if you have a teenager at home, this half-hour session is worth attending. The program builds résumés, work habits, and real-world experience. Location: check medfordma.org for the room or virtual link.
SOURCE: CITY OF MEDFORD · MEDFORDMA.ORG — CONFIRM LOCATION AT MEDFORDMA.ORG/EVENTS
Medford Public Schools is making moves on two fronts this spring: an energy efficiency initiative aimed at reducing emissions and improving building performance across the district, and a search for a new Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services.
The district recently confirmed that energy-saving upgrades will reduce both operational costs and the carbon footprint of school buildings — a win for taxpayers and the environment. Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Galusi has noted that the savings free up resources for classrooms rather than utility bills.
Meanwhile, the search committee for the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services has been finalised. This administrator oversees services for some of the district's most vulnerable students. The search is active — expect an announcement before the end of the school year.
The building committee has narrowed preliminary designs from 29 to 6. Priorities include site safety, counseling and health support, and whether a pool gets included. The Preferred Schematic Report is targeted for submission June 25.
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Next week is April vacation. Schools are closed Mon–Fri. The Good Friday make-up day is scheduled for the last week of June. The city has planned activities for kids during vacation week — check medfordma.org for the Recreation Department schedule.
Between the statue dedication, April vacation, street sweeping launch, and the long weekend, the next five days are among the busiest on Medford's community calendar. Here's your full rundown.