This week’s TAB article, User fees generate $2.4M, ended with a sentence that causes concern:
High school student activities are expected to generate $40,000, or 42 percent more than last year. School officials had expected to generate twice as much for student activities, but some clubs have opted not to meet because of the new fees.
Does this mean that half of the high-school students who were involved in these activities before the new fees were imposed are now no longer active in them? (Families pay one fee per student per year, not per activity.) If so, that would be a chilling decline in high school activities for a gain of $40,000 in fee revenue.
Yes, there are waivers available in the case of financial hardship, but to qualify for one, a family needs to know about it and needs to turn over its Federal tax return to the Ed Center. In any case, it seems that a 50% drop extends well beyond the number of families that may qualify for waivers.
Under the new fee structure, student-government representatives are asked to pay to represent their peers. Students in charitable organizations pay the city before raising funds for good causes. Science and robotics teams pay these fees in addition to the substantial amounts they pay for equipment, materials, and tournament registrations.
I can understand the arguments that say these fees are good because they raise needed revenue and they place the cost burden of student activities on the families that derive the benefit. But I hope we can review these fees in light of their overall impact. Are they really cutting participation in half? Here are the current lists of activities at North and South. Which clubs and activities are now “opting not to meet”? Which others have lower enrollment? Which ones have dropped off the list? (In 2011, South listed 71 clubs; it now lists 43.)
I was at the School Committee meeting on November 26, 2012, and I was so impressed with the diplomacy and eloquence of the Newton North students who spoke about clubs and fees. One young man spoke about the Gay Straight Alliance, a club which works together to provide hope and build a positive culture. Many GSA students encounter depression, suicide ideation, eating disorders. He said it doesn’t make sense to “buy in” to a club like that. There was also a nutrition club that helps students eat healthier, and a club team that raises money for kids with cancer. Students didn’t feel that those type of clubs should have a “cost”, because they and their parents would rather just give the money directly to the cause. We heard from a student who spoke about Jennifer Price’s words to incoming freshman to join clubs as a way to make new friends and expand learning beyond the academic school day. He spoke about Newton Public School’s dedication to narrowing the achievement gap between income levels. He said that applying for a financial waiver is a logistical barrier and can be a major setback for low income families. Another student is the Improv Club leader who told us that 35 students initially signed up, and after the announcement of fees, 10 students remained. At the Asian American Club, 20 signed up, and 4 students remained. The last comments were from a Newton faculty member, who has advised Orange Shield, a community service club, and Tiger Friends, a group of North students who hangout with special needs kids one block after school on a weekly basis. The Italian and French clubs have been disbanded. There is a club of high school students that works with 5th graders at Cabot elementary school. Should that be a fee for participating? I think that NPS needs to look at the numbers of clubs that have gone out of business, and the numbers of students enrolled in the club.
Fees assessed upon our students are despicable, including bus fees. They run contrary to the mission of public schools. Perhaps this calls for a ballot initiative banning these types of fees.
The only thing that the SC and NPS are looking at is the 2.4 MILLION DOLLARS that they made on the backs of Hard working Families.
I am VOTING NO NO NO on Tuesday because I have already give the NPS and City 670.00 in Fees for clubs/transportation this year.
My middle school child who stayed afterschool with his friends to play flag football was MORTIFIED when we got a 60.00 bill for about 5 or 6 times he played flag football. He did not know it was a club or that there was a fee involved.
I had to pay 300.00 for a sport my HS son played and 310 for the bus ( which he only takes 2 afternoons a week).
The way I look at it the City of Newton has already gotten more money than they should from our family this year . Enough is Enough.
So what have they gained – teachers disbanding clubs and children not trying out new activities or clubs. It is as Mike says – Despicable.
(1) Someone needs to give us facts. How much are the fees that “not a fan” says the students can’t pay? If it’s not a lot, then not joining simply says that these students aren’t interested enough. The pot we just legalized is not cheap, but it seems that a large number of students can find the money for that. Same for alcohol, cigarettes, designer clothes and gasoline that allows them to jaunt around with their friends, sometimes in parents’ cars and sometimes in cars their parents buy or hand down to them.
(2) Joanne, $300 for a sport? That’s excessive?? A lot of kids in Newton, I’m not saying yours, are going skiing, maybe in NH or Vermont, maybe in Colorado. What does a lift ticket cost, to come down a hill a few times in a day, in addition to all the other costs? Do you take your kids to a Red Sox game, a Patriots game, a Celtics game, etc., or do they take themselves? What does one ticket cost? Do you like your kids to go to the theater downtown, or symphony? What do those tickets cost? I don’t mean just you. I mean all the people who want others to pay these not-so-high fees so that their kids can have special activities that are not the responsibility of the schools to provide if they don’t have the money.
@Barry
We don’t ski. My kids have been to ONE Red Sox game as family – ever. WE have NEVER gone to the Patriots. I just took my six year old to the Nutcracker for the first time this year. Our BIG holiday present this year – tickets to Blue Man Group. That was the “big” gift, which in Newton isn’t big, but to us it is.
We don’t live high. But yet $600 for the bus, $200 for All City Chorus and $200 for All City Band/School band. I know that not only are these fees here, they will ONLY go UP.
We live in a house less than 1,000 square feet. We don’t live large.
But to join a club in high school/middle school teaches children skills that they don’t learn in the classroom. And frankly, to pay a fee for a community service group? WHAT? Just do the service solo, and then you don’t have the benefit of learning from others. But at least the child does the community service.
When I was in high school (in the stone ages) football was the BIG thing. I don’t like football. . . . never went to a game. But, I had to sit through the PEP rallies in high school, and at least I wasn’t charged for it! The boosters supported the football team and their equipment. The newspaper club did not charge a fee, and if they had, I know I would not have joined. I learned so much from newspaper, but not at $300/year.
Newton Mom,
I’m sympathetic to what you say. But, Newton as a whole, even though it’s somewhat heterogeneous, is an upscale suburb. Most people here fall more into the category I described and don’t need the help. So, why should I pay for it?
I suggest that the PTO develop a fund to help those who can’t afford the fees. Then those who think it’s important for everyone to do these things can help others. We don’t need to pay this money for every kid in the city.
As I said in another post, I’m more ambivalent about bus fees, since it’s necessary to go long distances to get to school for some kids. But, again, when I was in school in Boston (also in the Stone Age), I traveled on the “MTA”, forerunner of the “T”, and paid for it, admittedly at student commuter rates.
Barry – There are more people in Newton than you think who can’t afford those fees, some of whom might not meet arbitrary guidelines for help for a variety of reasons (high medical bills or other costs that render an income over the limit less than adequate).
It’s certainly outrageous that kids should have to pay to be in service clubs or ones whose goals are to help the school community. Giving up free time to help others should be enough payment.
mgwa
I wouldn’t use a word like “outrageous”. Beyond that, I think we need to distinguish between extra activities, which apparently the city hasn’t done. I’m more concerned about the expensive sports teams, etc., that cost us a lot of money, per student. We’d need to look at each activity to assess whether or not it should be part of the school’s activity, at no charge. We can go back and forth arguing minutiae if we don’t.
Second, if there are so many people in Newton who have the kind of difficulty you discuss, how can the city assess more taxes without looking at the sources of spending and trying to reign them in? Those people you mention probably will have trouble paying for these overrides, and for the ones to follow as other schools will need repair or replacement.
My major concern in this whole thing is the civil service unions who have put so many government bodies in this situation, and the sleaziness of the elected officials. I referenced Bell, CA, in another blog, as well as the $336K paid to the city manager of Cambridge plus the $250K per year he’s going to get for the rest of his life after retirement. This is rife throughout government.
Civil service unions never should have existed. There’s no natural adversary relationship which requires it, but their influence over voters makes the elected officials do what they want in order to garner votes. It’s incestuous.
I have to agree with Newton Mom. My child tells me that if he does his homework by himself in the library after school he is told that he must sign in to Homework Club. However, he can read a library book without signing in to the Club. That is ridiculous. I, too, will likely vote no on the operating override because there is no provision for using that money to reduce fees.
Many people who cant afford the fees would prefer to opt out than to request financial help. There was a period of time when I did not send my older child on some expensive field trips rather than ask for help. I am sure there are parents who are currently doing the same.
@Barry. I think much of what you say is off the mark. I readily admit that the $350.00 average increase per household if all three items pass may be a burden for many homeowners in Newton, but doesn’t it also follow that a $300.00 plus activity fee may also be beyond the reach of many parents with kids in our schools. Cutting arts and so many other academic, athletic and artistic after school programs is the ultimate example of a penny wise, pound foolish set of priorities.
I’m too old to have kids in our schools, but I know several families in my area whose kids have benefited greatly from various athletic, cultural and artistic extra curricula activities in the Newton schools. They are going to be far better students and ultimately far better citizens as a result of this. The arts are so important to building confidence and even career trajectories. They are also critical to what we term a healthy civilization and vital civil society. I would sacrifice other things to make certain that every kid has an opportunity to freely participate in at least one or two activities. The benefits far outweigh any costs.
One neighbor’s son, who was active in theater and drama at Newton North is now building a successful acting career in the Boston area. I’ve seen another kid on our street blossom and gain confidence in himself as a member of both the Newton South football and wrestling teams. Another neighbor’s daughter is turning into a first rate journalist and newspaper producer through her work on “The Lion’s Roar” newspaper at Newton South. Another is becoming a talented concert pianist and still another has made his mark as a member of Newton South’s debating team.
None of these students came from wealthy homes or privileged backgrounds and all of their parents have told me that shelling out money for activity fees is a burden; but they know the intrinsic value of these activities for their kids and the community. They also know parents who can’t afford these extra costs. Finally, your statement that a lot of kids would use any saved money to buy pot, booze or an expensive ski trip is a bit of an insult. I’m certain that these activities are the center of many student’s life precisely because they don’t have the family resources to go on long trips or expensive holidays. They must build their social life right here.
@Barry Cohen – The only skiing my son ever did was a Field trip in 7th grade – First and Last Time he ever skied. Our family has NEVER been to a Red Sox game – they did go to Fenway Park for a 2nd grade field trip. Never to a Patriots Game. They have gone to Celtics Game – we got tickets from a friend who has season tickets. They have been to the Nutcracker once – their aunt bought them tickets and never to the symphony.
Does that make you feel better.
There are people that live in Newton that cannot afford these things. As I said my younger son will never go to another club – knowing that playing flag football for a handful of times cost us $60. Even he knows that this is not right. And the teachers know this is not right – that is why they disbanded many clubs.
The question everyone should be asking what is the CITY doing with the 2.4 million dollars it collected on the backs of hardworking parents??
BOB BURKE and Day Mom,
From the Rolling Stones:
“No, you can’t always get what you want
No, you can’t always get what you want
No, you can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometime, you just might find You get what you need”
We can go on all day about the benefits of this or that activity to this or that student. It’s not wrong. It just isn’t the city’s responsibility to pay for every option that you want. There are things the kids need. We should supply at least that. The rest is based upon available funds. My taxes are quite high enough right now, thank you.
@Barry Cohen,
Here are two key differences between these activity fees and overrides that increase local taxes:
– Compared with local taxes (which are scaled by property value), activity fees are inherently regressive, falling harder on those with less (fewer?) means.
– Compared with local taxes (which are deductible from Federal taxes), activity fees are 15% to 40% more expensive for the payer, for the same dollar benefit to Newton, at least for those who itemize deductions.
Not to mention that these activity fees exist because our operating budget is tight enough that these activities, or something else, would have to go otherwise.
Ironically, these overrides not passing will only exacerbate that problem, not cure it.
Hey Barry, you missed some swings that you could cut down over at Newton Center Park.
I applaud Bob Burke’s comment. While kids go through NPS, they aren’t just getting an education. These are critical development years. As a community, it is in our interest to give kids a chance to develop themselves, their character, and to foster the investment that we make in their education. I don’t see what anyone gains by making it more difficult (through fees) to participate in the most basic things that are offered at most high schools anywhere. It’s wrong-headed.
Bill,
You aren’t reading my posts fairly. I’m not saying not to have some tax-paid activities in school. I’m saying that it’s a matter of available money, and each activity needs to be evaluated as to its cost and benefit to the most students. We can always make a case for why a student should get some fun or enriching activity (I hate having to keep saying this but you keep distorting what I’m saying), but we can’t afford them all, nor does everyone in Newton want to pay for everyone else’s personal enrichment.
And, you still haven’t explained the statements you made on another blog about the bang-up jog Setti has done after I questioned you. Just political talking points.
And Bruce, yeah, the activity fees are “regressive”. You pay for what you get. What a new concept! Should we charge a rich person more for a quart of milk than a poorer person, so that the poorer person is subsidized?
Well right now we as a family decided it is better for the kids to take the bus and “conserve” fuel. As a neighborhood that is 1.25 miles from the elementary school and more than that to middle and high school, we think it is better to take the bus that add to the traffic mess near all the schools.
Last year my husband lost his job, and when I called to get my bus bill readjusted (we had not paid the second half of the bill yet for both kids) I was told over the phone that there is no form, and I needed to pay for it.
This year I talked to Sandy about it, and she had no idea what had happened, and was happy to adjust the invoice. I told her that I think a good idea is to train the phone person on what to say when a parent calls to tell them about a change in finances.
I called that department first since it was the largest bill, and if they didn’t want to adjust that one, I would not want to call anywhere else to get a reduction. I felt awful after that call, and wondered why offer financial help and then have someone ask for it only to be turned down.
My husband is now employed again, but I am sure I am not the only household to experience a change in financial situation.
I graduated in 2005, and we never had to worry about fees for the clubs we wanted to join — and believe it, it would have made a difference.
I think people take it for granted that Newton is a ‘wealthy’ suburb. Perhaps there are more upper-middle class people than in most towns, but nickel-and-dime policies can still weigh down anyone’s ledger.
Here’s a snapshot of the Newton North I remember: after school, scores of students would excitedly be running off to their athletic fields, auditoriums (in my case), or regular classrooms that had been converted for the use of the club. The beauty of these different, sometimes quirky clubs is that people could come and go as they please, for the most part, but people often found communities to connect with. Students with families from foreign countries could come together to share their experiences; politically active students could gather to sharpen their debate skills and find common ground, and more students could feel welcome and comfortable in their school environment.
Charging fees for club participation, especially some of the clubs mentioned in earlier posts, changes that dynamic. Less students will naturally decline to participate, maybe because of financial hardship, or the reluctance to feel ‘locked in’ to a sort-of contract with a club they may have wanted to check out first. I don’t know the exact policy on clubs, but would students be charged even if they went to an introductory meeting, and then decided the club wasn’t for them and never went back? I can understand not wanting to take a risk if that is the case.
It’s too bad, because I think that can only lead to more isolated, less engaged students in the high schools. Less students will find a reason to join a community or reach out to make friends with students they may not have met through their normal classes, students that they are more likely to share at least one common interest with.
I would be interested to see how the PTO could approach creating a fund for people who have financial hardships; I’d also be interested to learn more about how people are charged, and when. The original poster mentioned students are not charged per activity, but then another poster implied her student was actually charged per game in an activity. If the latter is correct, can grace periods be given to clubs to raise membership fee-quotas?
I think there should be more discussion about this topic beyond “well, Newtonites can afford it”. That is cynical and shouldn’t fly.
Paul – the way it works is you are charged 60.00 for one or many activities unless it is Drama and then you are charged 100. So I guess the Max at Middle school is 160.00 In my sons case he did not know he would be charged to play flag football with his friends afterschool. So when we got a bill he was very upset. In essence he could now go to other clubs till the end of the school year as we have paid our quota so to speak for this year. The problem is that even the homework club charges a fee, Morning Basketball etc. And in my sons case he will NEVER go to another after school activity. He is that upset about the fees. And it is too bad as he could have hopefully found other activities that would have been fun or interesting. And in many ways I cannot blame him for not going.
Many kids if they know their parents need to file a financial hardship form wont sign up. That is the bottom line.
Unfortunately now that the fees they have collected is in the tune of 2.4 MILLION dollars- The SC will only think about increasing the fees. They only see Dollar signs. DO they really care that teachers are disbanding clubs and students are not participating?? Has even one SC member commented about this. Actually they are too busy pushing for the override vote so that they will have more money to spend.
“Affordability” is the wrong concept. This is public policy, and it should be a question of what level of service the public is willing to support (we will learn more about that, tomorrow). As an individual, I don’t have a right to expect that NPS will provide my kids a specific service any more than does another resident demanding that their taxes not be increased. It doesn’t work that way. There are community objectives that are given voice through City leadership.
That said, the fees are a problem, which undermine the public school compact. People enjoy the benefits of a strong school system whether their kids are in it or not. Focusing the cost of that public school education on those going through it is not equitable. Having one service be free while providing another at a cost destabilizes the compact. The discussion should be about what can NPS afford to offer as part of the public school package to all who seek a an education.
Barry: per the comment on the other thread. There is ample evidence that is publicly available to support my contention regarding the Mayor’s performance and achievements in reforming City operations and financial management. Please do your own homework.
Oh, and to clarify, when I refer to “services,” I mean programs offered through the school; not those mandated by statute. Apologies for the double-post.
Bill,
I asked for a simple clarification of comments that were highly biased in support of Setti without explanation. I don’t want to do “homework” for that. I disagree with the notion of holding down the “trajectory”. The past increases to civil service workers were too high because David Cohen didn’t care, or needed the political support of the unions, and now we should back up, not keep increasing upon compensation that’s killing us and so many other government bodies.
I’m glad to see above that you at least accept that the schools have no obligation to provide all the services and activities demanded by a lot of people. It’s a matter of available dollars. And I won’t back off on my contention that the kids (not every one) spend a lot more than a couple of hundred dollars a year on drugs, alcohol, video games, trendy clothes, gasoline for their social lives, etc. It’s a matter of priorities. They want those fun things. A math club or something like that must just not be so important to them, or their parents. There are exceptions, but Newton is just not Brockton or East Boston.
There is a mentality that is fostered by today’s Democrats, especially at the national level, that people are entitled. If they can’t afford something they want, even luxuries, then it’s incumbent upon others to provide it. It’s a Robin Hood mentality, and it was expressed strongly in the Occupy movement that blossomed, and reflected the notion that we 99% must take from that evil 1% that owes us. Sorry, no-one owes you anything, but it’s charitable to help you in a time of need. Religions do that very well, and most wealthy people are pretty charitable. Government does it inefficiently with a lot of parasites gleaning the most, either government workers in the programs or freeloaders who really don’t need it but can scam the system.
@Barry. Your statement comparing the role and efficiency of public and private charities is not only unfair and a bit cruel, but it runs counter to what I’ve heard from some of the most respected figures associated with religious charities. For several years, the Rev. Bryan Hehir directed Catholic Charities of Massachusetts. On several occasions he took issue with assertions by Governors Weld, Celucci and Romney that private and religious charities could supplant government in providing this assistance. Hehir provided documentation to show that private and religious charities simply are not equipped to do so and he also pointed out the many good and necessary things that government does and is equipped to do.
Father Hehir provided evidence and documentation for his assertions and I’m pretty certain the directors of other faith based charities could come to the same conclusion. I just happened to be present when Hehir was saying all of this.
Are you saying that recipients of government social services and the public service workers who provide that assistance are, in fact, “parasites.” Are kids parasites who are being helped, even saved by DYS?? That’s quite an assertion. I haven’t seen the term “parasite” used so loosely since Stalin and Mao used it with great effectiveness against their enemies. Rigid ideologies and false assertions produce terrible results and much unnecessary suffering.
BOB BURKE,
No, I’m saying that the way governments, especially at the national level, leads to a lot of people, not everyone, and probably not the majority, consuming the money in ways not intended. There’s a lot of bureaucracy in these programs with a lot of people doing very little. In fact, the kinds of people who often administer these programs at the lower levels often are the people who believe in what I called the “Robin Hood” mentality and will give tax money way too freely. And, we all know for a fact that all government hand-out programs are rife with recipients who have figured out how to scam the systems, including welfare, unemployment, food stamps, etc.
All of this is unfortunate for the people who actually need the help and for whom these programs were intended.
However, this is a general observation about Occupy mentalities, and is only partly relevant to this override debate.
No, I’m saying that the way governments, especially at the national level, administer these programs
sorry
It’s not just clubs and sports on which there is a fee. Families must pay a fee for group instrumental music instruction in elementary school that happens during the school day and is part of the assigned teaching load of the elementary school music teacher. This is public school and fees should not be charged for a teacher’s services during the school day.
@Barry, 11% of students in Newton are on federally subsidized school lunch – meaning on average their family makes less than $40,000 per year. At Newton North it is 15% of students. At Day it is 14% and at Bigelow 16%.
It does impact kids to know that their parents will receive a bill even if they go to a club two or three times. The kids who need these activities the most are often the least likely to be able to pay or their parents the least likely to ask for help. And yes, kids feel like they are locked into a contract of sorts and therefore are reluctant to try something because it costs money.
I, like Newton Mom, grew up where sports were very important (basketball not football though) and sports were paid for by sports booster organizations not fees on families.
Raising money to greatly reduce or eliminate fees sounds like a wonderful project for the Newton Schools Foundation. Why not raise money to fund afterschool arts, robotics team, sports teams, newspaper, homework club, etc. It makes far more sense than buying smart boards or selling naming rights.
Speaking of fundraising for student activities: Here’s information from NewtonSTEM.org on how you can support two Newton science teams that are seeking funding right now:
– The award-winning NNHS/NSHS Science Teams need to raise $1700 for bus transportation to competitions.
– The NNHS InvenTeam seeks funds so it can build the Pedestrian Alert System it has designed as one of 16 teams selected in a nationwide competition.
Margaret,
I’m going to say this again. I don’t want to debate the minutiae of each activity. What needs to be done is to evaluate the cost of each versus the benefit to the most students. Some should be part of the schools’ offerings. But, like the Rolling Stones said, which I quoted before: “You can’t always get what you want, …. you get what you need.”
A blanket removal of all free activities is a way for Setti to inflict pain on voters so that they’ll get out and vote, like Obama eliminating White House tours because of the sequester. It’s very visible and hurts. That’s what many parents on these blogs feel. It’s a sick use of political power.
To quote the Stones: Barry, Barry, you’re out of time.
It is clear that you do not know many school-aged kids here in Newton. What they spend is their time, and that’s largely on homework. Extra bandwidth (for most, not all) gets applied to those activities that we spend fees on. And state law is such that there are serious consequences for high school athletes for even being at an event where drugs or alcohol are beating consumed. So, let’s lose this business about drugs and booze.
As for Setti: Your issue is that he has brought spending line with the 2.5% levy growth rate?
Bill, you’ve been reading these blogs. You know my issues with Setti. It’s not just one issue. But, I wouldn’t give him a penny more that isn’t overseen by a neutral outside agency, like the MSBA. The BOA clearly can’t handle it.
@Barry, I lay this one at the school committees feet. They are the ones who decided to assess fees on after school activities and on music instruction that happens during the school day. The fees do not financially support the student activities. They accrue to the bottom line of the school budget to make up shortfalls. In other words there is no relationship between the fees collected and the quantity or quality of the clubs and after school activities.
Research also tells us that students who participate in after school activities do better in school. It is a complete disconnect to put a barrier to entry in front of something that we should be encouraging because it is good for students and will improve their academic performance.
I don’t know why the BOA did it. And I agree it should at least be connected to the real cost of the activity. That’s a point I’ve been trying to make. So, an inexpensive activity should cost a student little or nothing. An expensive activity should not be covered. I agree that activities are good. It’s just a dollars and cents thing, as you can see, but some parents here appear to think that the schools must provide everything of any value to the students’ enrichment.
@margaret albright,
You are totally correct. My son last year in fourth grade took an instrument. And yes, the teacher was getting paid to teach during the school day. That leaves a bigger red mark on my face! I am totally getting nickled and dimed in the system. As I have stated before I am being asked to buy Kleenex and paper towels for my kids classrooms, which I thought would be provided by the city.
I have been here since 1998, and paid my fair share of taxes that went for lots of things, including children participating in music lessons – fee free!
I am happy to put into the general pot through my real estate taxes, since it is based on my home’s value. I have a tiny home, and the rate is a percentage. But when I pay $600 for bus fees and $200 for instruments and $200 for chorus, I realize that hit is a bigger percentage of my household income.
I don’t send my kid to the Russian School of math, because I expect that NPS can teach my kid math! I don’t send my kid to Red Sox baseball camp. I sign up for the little league which is affordable. I am able to pick and choose what I sign up for, except at the school. If my child wants to do band, how can I say no? Not like I can establish a band of fifth graders and run it myself (or outsource it).
I don’t like the idea that my fees are going into the general fund. I am happy to pay the real estate taxes that I pay, and if the override passes, I am happy to pay the increase based on my house value. I don’t like the idea that next year if the school committee deems the bus fee as $400/kid because they can. Not every house hold in Newton makes over $200,000 a year. There are plenty of us that blend into the background of middle class cititzens that just want a safe place to raise the kids and in a good community with good schools.
What irks me is the bus fee is HIGHER than the parking fee at the high school. I thought the neighbors wanted kids to take the bus. If that is the case make the parking fee HIGHER. My kids will never get a car (I didn’t get a car until I paid for my own after college graduation), since we aren’t going to be able to afford it.
Ooops. The School Committee, not the BOA. I’m sure the mayor must have had something to do with it, however. The BOA is independent of the mayor, which is what seemed strange to me. The School Department, the ward of the School Committee, is beholden to the mayor. But I don’t want to accuse, where I don’t know the details.
Barry: I have been following your comments on this thread, and to be honest, I have some difficulty understanding your real issues. You seem to advocate fiscal management, and then proceed to bash the best example we’ve had of this practice since I’ve lived in this City. For years, people have bemoaned and come to accept a “structural deficit” as a fiscal reality. Mayor Warren has tamed it. That is a major accomplishment.
So now, there is this prattle about the City capping revenue, or going beneath 2.5%? What government does that? I challenge you: Find me one city in Massachusetts that does not raise its levy by 2.5% on an annual basis.
Bill, I’ve lived here for a while, and I think the best example was Ted Mann.
Setti has “tamed” the structural defit? What does that mean? Is it a wild animal? What it means is he has neglected the same things that David Cohen neglected in order to keep the budget in balance and to keep raising the wages and benefits of civil service employees and to pay excessive salaries to administrators. You still haven’t given me a concrete example of where he has helped Newton to live properly within its legally mandated means, and that’s why he needs these overrides.
I repeat that Proposition 2 1/2 existed to let cities and towns know, and plan for a limit of 2 1/2 % increase to their operations and maintenance budget. Some stayed within this and provided a decently kept up environment. Newton, under David Cohen and then under Setti Warren, did it by neglecting many things including maintenance. That’s why we are where we are.
Cohen is the principal culprit, but Warren knew, or should have known what he was getting into. He said he did and promised no overrides. In order to build new schools, it’s probably necessary to do a debt exclusion override, in order to pay of the new debt to be incurred. He should do that with Zervas and the fire station, if that’s what he’s going to do with the money.
But bottom line is he has accomplished nothing in terms of living within a budget and providing a decent city, and is simply coming to the taxpayers for money just as David Cohen did, and he was denied. We also should deny him the general override and insist instead on fiscal restraint.
Yeesh, Barry: That is just silly. Setti has been in office for three years, and you are laying the deferred maintenance of the last 20 years at his feet? Why do you think that these schools need to be rebuilt? Further, God bless Ted Mann, but his school closings are the reason that we have overcrowding today. The fact is that mayors have to deal with the situation that they are dealt.
And you still have not provided one example of a city that has not raised its levy to the 2.5% threshold.
Finally, simply because you refuse to believe the basic fact that Setti has installed analytics, a 311 line, won collective bargaining concessions, consolidated operations or downsized headcount does not mean it didn’t happen.
Bill, not reading carefully, are we?
“Cohen is the principal culprit, but Warren knew, or should have known what he was getting into. He said he did and promised no overrides.”
I’m not blaming Setti for 20 years of neglect. I’m just not impressed that he’s any different except in some artificial political doublespeak way.
Ted Mann’s school closings came at a time when some intellectuals told the city that a demographic study told them that there was declining enrollment, although it was clear to a lot of us that it was just a turnover time and young families were going to start moving into Newton. I was a victim with a small pre-schooler who was destined for the Memorial School, which was closed. And that, in spite of that fact that a nearly new school committee was elected which was committed to keeping schools open. Remember that? The schools immediately closed after they were elected. That’s when I learned about political commitment in Newton.
Getting rid of the outdated METCO would free up a lot of space, as well as not bringing in others from out of the city, and would free up some money.
And I don’t mind that the city uses the 2 1/2 %. I just think they should budget to run a good city and stay within it, including capital improvements, by being forceful with its employees on wages, benefits, and necessary positions, and of course not building monstrosities like NNHS, which the BOA allowed to happen.
My personal favorite was when we were assessed a fee for my daughter to participate in the a cappella group that she co-directed. There was NO faculty advisor. They did NOT rehearse on school property or during school time. She used her own money to purchase music. When I questioned why the city deserved to be compensated in any way, I could not get an answer. I did not pay. My child graduated with no repercussion.