by Frank Schroth

Matthew Malone, Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, paid a visit to Milton High School yesterday morning. In his remarks to the admistration, staff, and students while on his tour he touched on all aspect of education from elementary through high school and all dimensions of the learning environment.

In walking through classrooms and speaking with teachers and students, the combat veteran and one time superintendent of the Brockton Schools, was direct and passionate about public education in the commonwealth. He especially encouraged junior and seniors to seriously look at attending a public post secondary school (Roxbury Community College, Bridgewater State, UMAss etc). Noting that post secondary education was critical to prospects for future success, he said, “We have something for everybody.” He referred to art programs in North Adams, engineering in Lowell, and culinary arts in Roxbury.

He asked after students future plans and promoted a new state initiative “Go Public” that promotes the value and benefits of Massachusetts post secondary education system.

He rhetorically asked, “Why do I visit schools? “Because that is where the students are.” In addressing the faculty he continued, “[We do this] because of the interaction, because of the mission, and because of the values   .  .  . all of us have to be at the top of our game. It’s what we owe them (the students.)”