Tuesday March 28th: Public Hearing - Should a Small Group Inform Education in Newton?
Although Newton Public Schools boasts impressive college acceptance rates, we know there are many ways to measure academic excellence, and one metric can’t do it all. Despite significant evidence to the contrary, Newton’s mission and values of academic excellence for all is being questioned by a group of Newton residents. These residents submitted a petition to the Newton School Committee requesting the creation of an Academic Principles Advisory Committee.
If created, the Academic Principles Advisory Committee will be comprised of a small group of unelected residents who seek to influence the Newton Public School's core principles, mission, educational goals, curriculum, classroom instruction, and teacher professional development. The idea that academic excellence is no longer a priority for Newton Public Schools is categorically wrong and deeply insulting to the dedicated Newton educators and elected officials who strive for excellence for all students.
At 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 28, in the Newton North High School cafeteria, the Newton School Committee will hold a public hearing to explore this proposal. The hearing will be broadcast on NewTV as well.
If your child’s experience in the Newton Public Schools is positive and if they are challenged to achieve by teachers and receive the necessary support to strive for their personal academic best, please consider attending this hearing to learn more about this proposed committee and consider speaking out in support of Newton Public Schools. If you are interested in speaking at the hearing, in person or zoom, you can sign up in advance here. If you are unable to attend the hearing, we encourage you to email the Newton School Committee at schoolcommittee@newton.k12.ma.us with your thoughts about this proposed, unelected advisory committee.
