On April 2nd, the School Committee correctly approved Superintendent Nolin’s recommended Level Service Plus budget proposal – a compromise plan to maintain our schools’ quality amid rising costs. Mayor Fuller’s current allocation of $293 million, however, falls up to $4.5 million short of this bare minimum budget. It is imperative that the Mayor close this funding gap with support and encouragement from Newton stakeholders, including the City Council.
When we look at recent per pupil expenditures, Newton lags neighbors like Watertown, Wellesley, Dedham, and Brookline. Historically, Newton has refused to settle for mediocrity, and now is no time to start.
For the 2025-2026 school year, Newton must strategically leverage part of the Education Stabilization Fund and a portion of its Free Cash reserves to bridge the existing budget gap. These are not long-term solutions, but they are needed now. They would provide critical temporary breathing room for a new School Committee to rethink and address the structural budget challenges.
Longer term, Newton needs innovation and a new legislative and community engagement approach to fund our schools sustainably. Partnerships with Newton businesses might help generate supplemental revenue. Advocacy for Chapter 70 funding formula modifications to reflect NPS’s significant commitment to Special Education are warranted. Deep engagement with all Newton stakeholders – including seniors and families without children in NPS – will also be essential if a Proposition 2 ½ override becomes necessary.
Education is about investing in Newton’s future. Fully funding the 2025-2026 budget allows NPS to focus on progress – not just survival. Without it, we risk forcing our schools into a cycle of cuts that will weaken the system for years to come. Now is the time for leadership that will ensure our schools have the resources to preserve and protect NPS’s reputation as a premier district we all can be proud of.
Victor Lee
Candidate for School Committee, Ward 8
Newton Centre
