Our teachers work tirelessly for our students day in and day out.  Unfortunately, they have done so this year- which we are nearly halfway through –  without a contract.  They are working under the terms of the previous contract, which was ratified pre-covid, during a very different world.  The system of government in Newton effectively puts the mayor in charge of all funding decisions, including funding for the schools, and for the teacher contract.  To continue our advocacy, we would like to get a group of Lincoln-Eliot parents together to meet with the mayor in person.  If you are interested, please contact ronda.billings@gmail.com and theresa.proia@gmail.com.

To learn more about these advocacy efforts, please visit https://www.pecnewton.com/.  You can learn about different ways to get involved (joining meetings, contacting elected officials, putting up a blue lawn sign…etc)

You can find the slide presentation from the recent PEC meeting and the video on the PEC website.  The slides should have all the information you need to start taking meaningful actions.  

 The consensus among teachers and involved parents is that the best way to support proper funding of the school system – including a fair contract for educators, getting the schools fully staffed, and necessary upkeep of the facilities – is to show the mayor, through our physical presence, that this is what we, the people of Newton want. 

Please join us and other parents and guardians at the BE THE CHANGE Rally:  Wednesday, January 17th outside of City Hall from 9-9:30am.  We are inviting all NPS schools and the community to attend so please reach out to your friends and neighbors and encourage them to come also.  We need many people to attend to send a clear message of support for our teachers.  Bring signs.  Wear blue.  Carpool with friends.  City Hall is located at 1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton. Across the street from the Library.
Sign up here

You can also help recruit new people to “Line the Halls” at 100 Walnut Street from 6:15-6:30pm on the Monday nights when School Committee meetings are held and consider making Public Comment, either in person or via Zoom. January 22 is the next meeting (also Feb. 5 & March 4).  Commenting takes no more than 3 minutes in the range of 6:30-7:00pm, and signing up is easy.

Encourage neighbors to visit https://www.pecnewton.com/ and sign up for PEC’s communications.