Newton residents urge school funding support at public meeting

The Newton School Committee held a regular meeting on April 14, 2025, beginning with a Pledge of Allegiance led by fifth grader Nicholas Bernstein from Countryside School. The meeting featured public comments from three community members advocating for increased funding for Newton Public Schools (NPS).

Ally Franke, a resident of Mossman Street, emphasized the importance of prioritizing education funding, arguing that the community's future depends on investing in its children. She highlighted that many residents without children in the school system still support educational initiatives, noting the potential impact on property values and community well-being. Franke urged the committee to take responsibility for past funding decisions and to ensure that current students are not burdened by historical mismanagement.

Dan Evans, another local resident, echoed Franke's sentiments, stressing that the budget is not merely a financial document but a vital resource for the community's youth. He called for trust in educators to allocate funds effectively and urged the mayor to support the proposed budget, framing it as an investment in the future.

Lindsay Golden concluded the public comment period by reinforcing the need for fiscal responsibility in supporting the schools, stating that it is both an educational and moral obligation to fund the approved budget.

Following the public comments, the committee moved to the consent agenda, which included five items such as grant memos and donation acknowledgments. Member Tamika requested additional context on the grants memo, leading to a vote on the consent agenda, which passed unanimously with one member absent.

The meeting underscored the community's commitment to advocating for educational funding and the importance of addressing the needs of students in the face of historical challenges. The committee's next steps will involve further discussion on the grants memo and continued deliberation on the budgetary needs of the school district.