Newton will hold a city-wide Special Election on March 18 to fill the Ward 7 School Committee seat that became vacant when Amy Davenport moved from Newton last year. Alicia Piedalue is the sole candidate with sufficient certified nominating signatures to be on the ballot.
Having moved to Newton two years ago, Piedalue and her family sought out the city for its schools’ reputation for academic excellence and strong inclusive practices within a vibrant community. She describes her four children, as “very diverse learners,” including a son with multiple disabilities.
Piedalue is on the Governing Board of the Eliot K-8 Innovation School in Boston, which she said is “an innovation school, and part of the Boston school system.” The Governing Board, which includes parents, teachers and administrative staff, acts like a school committee and hires and fires employees, and sets curriculum, among other responsibilities.
In preparation for her candidacy, Piedalue spoke with all Newton School Committee members and had discussions with Superintendent Anna Nolin. She described her conversations with Dr. Nolin as very refreshing. She believes that the Superintendent is focused on “getting the right things done in the right order,” and is excited that Nolin has signed a new contract.
Piedalue said that Newton‘s declining school enrollment is an important issue for the City, in part because the numbers affect Newton’s ability to offer neighborhood schools. She thinks there are ways to reverse the downward trend, and that Newton can do a better job marketing the school system to parents. As an example, she suggested that adding universal pre-K could significantly reduce the number of parents who choose private schools instead of public.
Asked about the sparsity of candidates for the School Committee in Newton, she acknowledged that the job is challenging, with many contentious issues that matter deeply to parents, who want assurance that the children get the education they need. Piedalue says she is not afraid of contentious issues and that even among people who disagree there is consensus on many of the important matters.
Where and When to Vote
Early voting will take place at City Hall (Clerk’s Office):
- Friday March 7 — 8:30AM-5PM
- Saturday March 8 — 11AM-5PM
Voting by mail is underway for those who have requested mail-in ballots. Completed ballots may be mailed or dropped off at the City Clerk’s office in City Hall or the drop-box located in front front of City Hall. Here are the deadlines:
- Ballots that are mailed must be postmarked by March 18 and received at the City Clerk’s office by 8PM on that date. Due to possible postal delays, officials recommend mailing ballots a week before Election Day.
- Ballots dropped off at the City Clerk’s office or in the drop-box must be must be received by 8PM on March 18.
Election Day voting in-person is on March 18 (7AM-8PM).
- Map of all polling locations
- Finding where you vote
- NOTE: The polling location for Ward 3 Precinct 2 (formerly at Temple Shalom) is now at the Warren House (1600 Washington Street).
