Newton’s annual Harvest Fair returns to Newton Centre this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, as in past years, the place surly surely will be crawling with political candidates, providing a great opportunity to talk to both incumbents and challengers about their vision (apologies to Blueprint Bill) for Newton and our schools.
Oh and there will also be food, crafts, live performances pumpkins and the annual Green Expo.
Please use the comments section to share news of other upcoming debates and political happenings.
The chamber will host a debate between Ruthanne Fuller and Scott Lennon next Friday, Oct. 20 from 8-9 a.m. at Mount Ida College.
This debate will cover issues of general interest and also focus on matters related to business and economic development and also provide an opportunity to determine which of the candidates are morning people.
We ask that you RSVP here.
Oh and today (Friday) Today, (Friday Oct. 13 4:30-6:30 p.m.) Mayor Setti Warren and Newton Police Chief David MacDonald will be hosting the second Annual Badges and Ball event, a program designed to strengthening the community’s connection with the police officers who work hard to keep our neighborhoods safe. It takes place at Newton Centre Playground and will include basketball, food, live music, and additional games for all ages. All are encouraged to join…so that includes you too political candidates!
“the place surly will be crawling with political candidates”
Well, the place will surely be surly then.
haha. fixed!
… and don’t forget what could be the most interesting night of the whole campaign season – Nomad Story Slam – Election Edition on Friday Nov 3 at Gregorian Rugs. Twenty candidates will tell non-campaign personal stories.
It’s definitely going to be a sellout so get your tickets ($10) soon . All proceeds benefit the Newton Nomadic Theater.
The SEPAC (Special Education Parents Advisory Council) is holding a debate on Thursday night, October 19th, from 7pm to 9pm at The Barry Price Center, 27 Christina St, Newton Highlands. There are no spots left, but I am creating a waiting list for cancellations. Please send your request to join the waiting list to [email protected] The debate will be for the contested School Committee races. Confirmed attendees are: Ward 1; Bridget Ray-Canada and Kathy Marchi, Ward 2; Margaret Albright and Cyrus Vaghar, Ward 3; Eileen Sandberg and Anping Shen, Ward 7; Kathleen Burdette Shields, Ward 8; Matthew Miller and Gail Spector. Mayoral Candidates Ruthanne Fuller and Scott Lennon will be present for the meet and greet portion of the evening from 7-7:30 pm. A written questionnaire was completed by all 9 School Committee candidates and the 2 Mayoral candidates. Answers to these questions will be available in hard copy at the event on the 19th:
Question 1:
Parents have many concerns that reading services in the Newton Public Schools for students with dyslexia are not state of the art. What will you do to improve programs for dyslexia?
Question 2:
Please comment on whether you would support hiring a special education ombudsman for NPS. This position would offer families a way to resolve conflicts in a non-confrontational manner, and would create an equitable situation to families who cannot afford to hire advocates or attorneys. Please also comment on whether you support a member of the SEPAC having a seat at the table during School Committee meetings, similar to the Student Representatives.
Question 3:
Many candidates speak about transparency and clear communication. Please comment on whether you would consider any of the following: Holding monthly office hours where the community can bring you their concerns, allocating funds for a School Committee blog so that families know what is being worked on, what topics are coming up, how and when input would be accepted, and meeting with special education parents to hear feedback on what programs are working well and what still needs improvement.
Question 4:
The City of Newton is planning to increase the housing stock and is including several projects of high density units. The existing school buildings, including new schools, are designed to meet the current student growth trends, but do not address a large influx of students that will accompany the future high density buildings. Both high schools are at their largest student population ever, class sizes are increasing, and no new staff were added due to the budget shortage. There is no additional capacity at the middle schools. Do you have a plan on how to expand school capacity, and where will the funding come from? How will these huge expenses impact special education funding?
Question 5:
As a candidate, what do you believe about inclusion in the public schools? Do you think there may be a trade off from full inclusion? Do you support total inclusion, or do you believe there are some situations where segregated groupings of special education students with specialized instruction might be appropriate?