Newton Public Schools Digital Budget Book FY2025
School Committee ABp purdogveet d Fiscal Year 2025 May 20 , 2024 NNeewwttoonn, PMuabslsi ca cShcuhsoeot ltss
2023 - 24 Annual Report
Leadership
District Leadership
School Committee
Chris Brezski , Chair - Ward2 Emily Prenner , Vice - Chair - Ward5
Tamika Olszewski - Ward4 Paul Levy - Ward6 Amy Davenport - Ward7 Barry Greenstein - Ward8 Mayor Ruthanne Fuller
Rajeev Parlikar - Ward 1 Anping Shen - Ward3
District Leadership
Dr . Anna Nolin , Superintendent Dr . Ayesha Farag , Assistant Superintendent , Elementary Education Dr . Katy Hogue , Chief of Data and Research Liam Hurley , Assistant Superintendent / Chief Financial Officer Kathy Lopes , Director , Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion Julie McDonough , Director , Communications Jill Murray Grady , General Counsel Casey Ngo - Miller , Assistant Superintendent , Student Services
Dr . Renee McCall , Assistant Superintendent , Teaching and Learning Steven Rattendi , Director , Information Technology and Library Services TobyRomer , Assistant Superintendent , Secondary Education and Special Programs Dr . Joany Santa , Director , Human Resources
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Leadership
School Leadership
Preschool and Elementary Principals
Kathleen Browning Orla Higgins Averill Diana Guzzi Mindy Johal Eric Sprung Elizabeth Herlihy Mark Chitty
Newton Early Childhood Program Angier Elementary Bowen Elementary Burr Elementary Cabot Elementary Countryside Elementary Franklin Elementary Horace Mann Elementary Lincoln - Eliot Elementary Mason Rice Elementary Memorial Spaulding Elementary Peirce Elementary Underwood Elementary Ward Elementary
617 - 559 - 6050 617 - 559 - 9300 617 - 559 - 9330 617 - 559 - 9360 617 - 559 - 9400 617 - 559 - 9450 617 - 559 - 9500 617 - 559 - 9510 617 - 559 - 9540 617 - 559 - 9570 617 - 559 - 9600 617 - 559 - 9630 617 - 559 - 9660 617 - 559 - 6450 617 - 559 - 6480 617 - 559 - 6750
Mark Nardelli Maura Morse Jacob Bultema Tom Morris
Andrea Vargas Suzie Talukdar Rebecca Brogadir Anthony Byers Diana Beck
Williams Elementary Zervas Elementary
Middle and High School Principals
Bigelow Middle School Brown Middle School F . A . Day Middle School Oak Hill Middle School Newton North High School Newton South High School
Chassity Coston Kimberly Lysaght Jacqueline Mann John Harutunian
617 - 559 - 6800 617 - 559 - 6900 617 - 559 - 9100 617 - 559 - 9200 617 - 559 - 6400
Henry Turner Tamara Stras
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 - 4 1 4 2 - 4 3
2023-24 Annual Report
Budget Message from the Superintendent
Introduction and Overview:
4 5 -49 5 0 - 68 69- 75
Executive Summary Overview by Major Program Area Factors of the FY25 Budget by Program
FY25 Budget Summaries:
Budget by Type of Spending Pie Chart Budget by Type of Spending Budget by Account
77 78 79-82
FY25 Budget Detail:
Budget Summary by Responsibility Center Budget Detail by Responsibility Center
84
85-109
FY25 Budget by Location:
Budget Summary by Location (Schools) Budget Detail by Location (Schools)
111
112-190
1 91-196
FY25 Multi-Year Budget Staffing FTE Data:
FTE History FY20 – FY25 FTE Detail
1 98
1 99-20 3
Expense Trend Details:
FY24 / FY25 Per Pupil Expenditures FY24 Per Pupil Allocation Budget by School Use of Per Pupil Allocations (FY23 – FY25) FY25 Health Insurance Budget Detail Out-of-District Tuition Summary (FY21 – FY25) Building Energy and Utilities Forecast (FY21 – FY25)
20 5 -20 7 20 8 20 9 210 211 21 2 -21 4
Sources of Support Details:
Sources of City Funding for the Newton Public Schools (FY23 Actual) 216 2 1 7 218 All Funds Revenue Summary (FY22 – FY24) Summary of Grant Revenue (FY21 – FY24) Grant Revenue Expenditure Detail (FY21 – FY24)
219 - 221 222-223 224-229 230 231
FY24 Allocation and Competitive Grants FY2 3 Use of Revolving Account Revenue FY24 Athletics Revolving Account Budget Circuit Breaker Reimbursement (FY20 – FY24)
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
www . newton . k12 . ma . us
100 Walnut St . Newton , MA02460
617 - 559 - 6000
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Newton by the Numbers
Newton - at - a - Glance By the Numbers
OUR DISTRICT
3200 Staff Members
11 , 800 Students
42buses 82 daily routes
300 teams and clubs
OUR SCHOOLS
4 Middle Schools
2 High Schools
1 Preschool
15 Elementary Schools
1 Post - Secondary
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Newton by the Numbers
Newton - at - a - Glance By the Numbers
DISTRICT ENROLLMENT
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Newton by the Numbers
Newton - at - a - Glance By the Numbers
DISTRICT ENROLLMENT BY RACE / ETHNICITY
DISTRICT ENROLLMENT BY IEP / ELL / FRPL
89 languages spoken by students
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 1
The Newton Public Schools is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued , connected , nourished , and prepared to learn . During the 2023 - 24 school year , the district approached this goal through professional development , pilot programs , and community engagement . We also launched new tools and hosted community events to improve connection and partnership between the school district and families .
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Goal 1
On October 17 , 2023 , Newton Public Schools hosted its first ever Mental Health Summit . Over 100 mental health and social emotional learning professionals across the district representing all schools from NECP to post - secondary programs to METCO attended this momentous event . Our partners from Newton ’ s Health and Human Services also attended in support and partnership . The aim of our first Summit was to come together as a group , build community , and celebrate each other while learning alongside each other . NPS Mental Health Summit
The program included remarks from Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Casey Ngo - Miller , Director of DEI Kathy Lopes and Newton Public Schools Superintendent Anna Nolin . Guest speakers included Acting Commissioner of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education ( DESE ) Russell Johnston ; Professor of Practice at the School of Social Work at Simmons University , and Founder / Principal of Northshore Recovery High School Michelle Muffett - Lupinski .
Sown to Grow : A Social - Emotional Learning ( SEL ) Tool
Sown to Grow provides a quick check in with students each day and allows teachers and staff to more quickly recognize when a student may need additional support . Below is a snapshot of data from the Newton Public Schools ’ district dashboard .
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Goal 1
Panorama Survey on Student Social Emotional Health
In order to learn more about student experiences at school , and measure students ’ feelings of connectedness to school ; their core social and emotional learning ( SEL ) skills , aswell as mindsets , students in grades 3 - 5 completed an online survey . The survey , administered by Panorma , asked students to reflect on their responses to challenging feelings , emotional regulation , growth mindset , positive feelings , supportive relationships , learning strategies , and engagement ( connectedness ). Their feedback provided invaluable insights into their experiences and how we can improve and adapt our district to their needs . Staff reviewed this data , alongside other information , toplan interventions for students with identified needs . Survey data will also be used to plan programming for the district , schools , grade levels , classrooms , and individual students .
Some key takeaways from this survey include :
Our students scored in the 40th - 59th percentile nationally for emotion regulation , deliberate use of learning strategies to manage their own learning processes , and feelings of supportive relationships , indicating areas for growth for the district as whole .
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Goal 1
Survey on School Connectedness During the 2015 - 2016 school year , the district developed a School Connectedness survey to measure student connection to school based on data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey , which indicated that African American / Black students were more likely to report lower levels of school connection than their White peers . A cross - functional district team spent a year defining School Connectedness in Newton , identifying existing surveys that measured our defined constructs , writing items where we could not find existing , validated instruments , and field testing our survey . This survey has been administered to students in grades 3 - 8 and grade 10 since 2016 - 2017 and measures academic engagement , academic supports , behavioral support , comfort at school , emotional engagement , positive relationships , supportive of others , and connection to sports / extracurriculars ( middle and high school only ). The high school survey also measures adult and teacher supports and asks students about incidents of discrimination . This year , the school connectedness survey was administered to middle and high school students only because elementary school students participated in the Panorama survey . However , we included our items for comfort at school and behavioral support on the Panorama survey so we can continue to measure these constructs districtwide and over time . Consistent with prior years , students identifying as Black / African American or multi - racewere more likely to respond with lower levels of comfort at school and behavioral support than their White , Asian , or Hispanic / Latinx peers across all grade levels who responded to these surveys , indicating the need to continue to provide support for students in these areas .
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Goal 1
Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism ( missing 10 percent or more of the school year ) appears in every type of district – urban , suburban , rural , regional , traditional public schools , career technical schools , charter schools , elementary schools , middle schools , and high schools . We know that there are often valid reasons for students to be absent , but , to a troubling extent , students are missing more school now than they did prior to the pandemic . Before the pandemic , 13 percent of students statewide were chronically absent . Last year , 22 percent of students – close to 1 in 4 statewide – were chronically absent . Newton Public Schools is not immune to this trend . In all but two of our 22 schools , the chronic absenteeism rate in FY23 increased from FY19 . In many cases , it is double or triple what it was in FY19 . Asof 4 / 2 / 2024 , the district ’ s chronic absenteeism rate K - 12 is 14 . 8 %, which means that close to 15 % of the district ’ s students ( over 1 , 700 students ) have missed 10 % ormore of the school year so far . Districtwide , Fridays have the lowest attendance rate ( 92 . 7 % asof 4 / 2 / 2024 ), while Mondays have the highest attendance rate ( 94 . 7 %). Students in grade 12 have the highest rate of chronic absenteeism : 27 . 8 % of seniors this year are chronically absent ( as of 4 / 3 / 2024 ). We have asked families to commit to making daily school attendance part of the family routine again . When families make a point of getting students to school every day , they will understand that it is important for their success . NPS is committed to partnering with families to find ways to remove any barriers that may be hindering any child from coming to school every day . Our goal is to reduce the absenteeism rates moving forward and we will share more data in future years .
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Goal 1
Yondr ( Cell Phone Parking Lot ) Pilot at Day Middle School
As part of the NPS initiative to meet the social emotional needs of its middle school students , the district applied for and was awarded a Cell Phone Use Pilot grant from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education . As part of the pilot , the Day Middle School Administrative Team partnered with Yondr , a company that provides pouches for students to secure their cell phones during the school day . Beginning in September , they conducted student , faculty and parent orientations and engaged in community messaging and meetings to support a shift in culture around cell phone access and usage . Below are some ways in which this pilot program has positively shifted the culture of our school : There have been only 14 incidents of negative interactions around cell phones from September 2023 - March2024 . By comparison , from November 2022 - May 2023 there were over 400 negative interactions around cell phones . There has been a significant decrease in the frequency of students signing out of class and a decrease in vandalism of shared spaces such as hallways and bathrooms . There has been a decrease in social media related bullying instances this school year . There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from the parent community and from the Day faculty and staff . Cell phones have been replaced with more in - person opportunities to interact through an increase in outdoor time and opportunities to play interactive games in shared spaces like the cafeteria and in the enrichment block . Although the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is not renewing this specific grant , we will be collaborating with our central administrative team and our PTO to identify a less expensive and more sustainable resource to support the continuation of this positive shift to our school culture and climate at Day .
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Goal 1
Community Partnerships and Engagement
To improve communication and partnership with families , Newton Public Schools hosted community events , developed new webpages to share information , and launched new communication tools . We look forward to continued collaboration with the community to ensure transparency in learning , programming , and operations . Below are a few of the efforts undertaken this year .
Family Conferences
The Department of Elementary Education tracks yearly family participation in conferences . Strong parent / family and caregiver engagement has a strong correlation with successful student academic and social - emotional outcomes . This year , fall conference data indicated extremely high family participation in these conferences in Newton .
Community Meetings and Forums
This year , NPS held two community forums to educate families on programming and operations in the district . The first forum on safety in our public schools was hosted in November . The second forum on the METCO program was hosted in December . The METCO program was designed to share the rich history of the program in the Newton Public Schools . Superintendent Anna Nolin welcomed community members and METCO Director Lisa Gilbert - Smith , shared an overview of the program . Following the presentations , a panel discussion with current Newton METCO students provided useful insight into the program . The forum was recorded and can be found on our website .
In addition , the School Committee and Superintendent Nolin hosted additional forums to share entry plan findings , answer questions about the budget , and understand the conditions before , during , and after the recent teacher strike . Superintendent Nolin has also led building and classroom walkthroughs at all schools with elected School Committee members to help them understand the needs of the district . In March 2024 , 14 City Councilors participated in a multi - school tour to gain insight into the complexity of our schools ’ needs and what classroom teaching and life is like in 2024 post - pandemic conditions .
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 1
ParentSquare
After two years of surveying staff and families , and conducting a thorough review of different communication tools on the market , Newton Public Schools began a pilot of ParentSquare . A full roll out is expected in Fall 2024 . What is ParentSquare ? ParentSquare is a one - stop shop for communications and engagement with NPS families and the community . From a single dashboard on a desktop or mobile app , families can access all school and district information for their students .
One of the most amazing features of ParentSquare is that families will receive communications in the language they choose . Information is automatically translated and transmitted . Families can write back in their home language and teachers / staff will receive it in English . We believe that the adoption of ParentSquare will lead to increased engagement from families and will ensure more families receive and understand communications from the school and district . Wewill be tracking usage and engagement over the next year , as well as soliciting feedback , to ensure that ParentSquare implementation is successful .
Parent and Caregiver Curriculum Page
To better share information about instructional practices in the Newton Public Schools , we developed a curriculum resource page for parents and caregivers . The curriculum for literacy , math , science , social studies , social - emotional learning , the arts , physical education and health and wellness , and library are posted . The page is meant to share curriculum in an easy - to - locate and understandable format .
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Goal 2
The Newton Public Schools is committed to ensuring all students engage in grade - level work that is culturally relevant , real - world connected , interactive , and guided by high expectations . In the 2023 - 24 school year , NPS moved progress on this goal forward by introducing a new elementary literacy curriculum , continuing to support ST math , an adaptive math program designed to build understanding of number sense and math applications , providing professional development and training to staff , conducting instructional and curricular audits , and beginning development of a student and district performance data dashboard .
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Goal 2
Student Achievement and Growth
The Newton Public School district looks at many different indicators for student achievement and growth across the district , within school buildings , and within individual classrooms . A selected snapshot of data collected districtwide is presented below , but is not a comprehensive analysis of data utilized to monitor progress .
MCASData
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Goal 2
iReady Data
Students in grades 1 - 8 are assessed three times a year using the iReady reading diagnostic , which provides detail on a variety of reading indicators , while also providing an overall placement score relative to student grade level . This graph displays the percentage of students scoring below grade level ( red ), on grade level ( green ), and above grade level ( blue ) on their overall placement in the fall and winter .
For students tested in both the fall and the winter on iReady , at least half of the students scoring at least 1 grade level below in the fall improved their overall placement score by the winter assessment . A smaller percentage of students who scored mid or above grade level in the fall improved their overall placement score by the winter assessment ; however , these students were already scoring at or above their grade level in the fall .
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Goal 2
AP Classes - Advanced Coursework - Graduation Rates
The Newton Public Schools offers a significant number of AP classes and advanced coursework to prepare students for education and work opportunities after high school . AP test scores can sometimes be used to gain college credit , which may reduce college costs . This year : 24 AP courses were offered at North and South 73 % of seniors this year are enrolled in at least one AP course ; 53 % of 11th graders are enrolled in at least one AP course Four - year graduation rates in Newton over the past 10 years have remained between 95 - 96 %, while the dropout rate has remained between 0 . 1 - 0 . 3 % over the same period ( less than 13 students each year ). The majority of students graduating last year ( 89 %) reported planning to attend some form of postsecondary education , with2 % reporting planning to work , 0 . 6 % reporting joining the military , and an additional 8 % reporting other plans , including a gap year .
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Goal 2
Routine and Accountable Work of the Data and Research Office
This year , the district has done an extensive review of the ways in which we track our student achievement , social - emotional needs , and our schools ’ performance on key state , national , and local metrics , as well as how we implement initiatives in the district and their impact on students . The following has been achieved : Development of agreed upon metrics for tracking student achievement trends and student progress in social emotional learning and mental health Creation of data dashboards for use by school staff and leadership to drive improvement inclusive of but not limited to the agreed upon metrics noted above Work towards the selection of math , literacy and social emotional learning benchmark assessments and screeners to help us track the needs of all of our students
In the near future , the district will publish a data dashboard that will draw a connection between the investments made in district initiatives with the outcomes achieved .
In2022 - 23 , an important district improvement strategy centered upon strengthening collaboration among district leaders across departments : elementary principals , curriculum coordinators , and student services administrators to improve instruction , programming and supports , as well as academic & SEL outcomes for students . To build upon this work in 2023 - 24 , NPS partnered with the Center for Educational Leadership to provide an Instructional Leadership Academy focused on strengthening leaders ’ skills and knowledge by focusing on : Aligned observation and analysis of teaching methods and student experiences Enhancing the capability to identify and respond to disparities in student learning Calibrating expectations for teaching and learning practices through discussions focused on evidence gathered during classroom observations Strategies to support teacher practice through strengths - based , actionable feedback driven by evidence Methods for collecting , analyzing , and using data to understand students ’ experiences in the classroom Instructional leadership is an important area of sustained focus , especially in light of our efforts to implement our new literacy curriculum , as well as our work to ensure strong multi - tiered systems of support ( MTSS ) in all schools . Our goal is to ensure that all district leaders share common language and expectations for instructional practice and are routinely sharing their expertise and experience across departments to analyze instruction , identify areas of strength and challenge , and develop coordinated plans to support educator growth .
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Goal 2
Elementary Multi - Tiered Systems of Support ( MTSS )
Multi - tiered systems of support is “ a comprehensive continuum of evidence - based , systemic practices to support a rapid response to students ’ needs , with regular observation to facilitate data - based instructional decision making ” ( DESE , 2018 ). Ensuring every school has effective systems and supports in place to provide consistent , high - quality tiered instruction , intervention , and enrichment opportunities to meet all students ’ needs is at the core of our MTSS work . Building on foundational work begun in 2022 - 23 , the Elementary MTSS Steering Committee conducted a district wide assessment of our elementary MTSS systems , structures , and practices in August 2023 and identified three key priorities that guided the team ’ s work during 2023 - 24 school year . These areas are summarized below : Clearly defined vision : The Elementary MTSS Steering Committee has developed a cohesive vision for MTSS implementation at the elementary level through defining instructional practices , structures and systems , and aspects of culture and climate . Although all elementary schools are engaged in strengthening multi - tiered systems of support , eight elementary schools received coaching during the FY24 school year to facilitate this focus with an MTSS or Instructional Leadership Team ( ILT ) meeting structure . Expanding coaching to all fifteen elementary schools is a goal for the future . Clarity and consistency of available intervention tools : Collaborative working groups have identified consistent intervention tools and curricula across literacy , math , and social - emotional learning departments at the elementary level . Literacy specialists , math coaches , and mental health teams will build their fluency and understanding in implementing their content - specific intervention tools and curricula by the end of June 2024 , ensuring consistent elementary student access for the 2024 - 2025 school year . Additionally , NPS has explored MTSS management platforms to assist in monitoring student progress and facilitating data - based decision - making for all stakeholders . Revised elementary scheduling guidance and support : Cross - departmental working groups have worked to provide revised scheduling direction and support in response to needs identified at the elementary level . Elementary schedules for the 2023 - 2024 school year will prioritize the blocking of content blocks to allow for flexible student groupings across grade level classrooms , established intervention / enrichment blocks at every grade level , and increased common planning time to support educator collaboration in support of student needs . Continued work to examine the strengths and challenges of the elementary schedule as outlined in the new Unit A contract is slated to begin this spring and continue next year .
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Goal 2
Anti - Ableism Curriculum
Since the summer , the anti - ableist curriculum working group has been meeting to move the development of a curriculum for elementary schools . The anti - ableist curriculum , tentatively titled " Getting to Know Me and You ", currently consists of eight lessons per grade level that will be taught within general education classrooms .
The working group also developed a tentative thematic sequence of lessons for students in kindergarten through fifth grade . The content will be drafted with universal design in mind , ensuring that alternative means of taking in , processing , and showing information are facilitated through the materials provided . Extension activities and monthly visuals carry the exploring of the topic across the month . Professional learning will be provided by the DEI and SEL departments prior to the lessons being delivered . To complement the development of the anti - ableism curriculum , the Office of Student Services formed a Disability Advisory Group ( DAG ). Comprising dedicated individuals from various professional backgrounds and lived experiences , this group embodies our commitment to fostering a meaningfully inclusive education for all students . DAG ’ s major responsibilities are to advise the Office of Student Services on :
programming and services for students with disabilities the district ’ s work on anti - ableism supporting the conditions for learning for all students with disabilities
The advisory group works to ensure that the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities within our school community are recognized , respected , and addressed in all aspects of education and school life . Disability Advisory Group members are :
Norah Ferry Tracey Hatch Caroline Laband Steiner Jessi Champion Ashia Ray Jack Lovett Rachel Falkenstein David Clark
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 2
The science of reading - backed EL Education Literacy Curriculum was launched across all kindergarten , first , and second grade classrooms throughout the district , plus a few third through fifth grade early adopter classes . Educators participated in a two - day professional learning experience to gain a deeper understanding of the structure of the knowledge - building curriculum , its connection to student achievement as well as managing teacher and student resources . Ongoing professional development was provided throughout the year to discuss impact on student learning and reflect on best practices and lessons learned . In preparation for this rollout , the Teaching and Learning department developed a teacher - facing website with an aim of streamlining access to key curriculum information and digital resources .
In addition , literacy specialists have provided crucial curricular and instructional support to educators by :
supporting building educator knowledge with content modules and planning lessons through lesson internalization studies , materials management , and feedback creating digital module guides and other resources to facilitate access to electronic materials including slide decks and printable handouts ; and developing a system to organize books and materials with support from community volunteers and administrative assistants EL ’ s culturally - affirming and engaging curriculum modules combine high - quality literacy work in domains required by the state of MA ( reading , writing , speaking and listening ); habitsof character ( perseverance , collaboration ; ethical behavior ); and mastery of knowledge and skills ( standards ). Todate , teachers have delivered more than 25 - 50 % of the content modules at each grade level . Students have the opportunity to grapple with complex texts , concepts , and vocabulary on a daily basis . In spring of 2024 , the staff in grades 3 - 5 will receive the training for their first implementation of the curriculum beginning in fall of 2024 .
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 2
Seal of Biliteracy
The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy , established in 2018 , is an award that recognizes seniors who have achieved a high level of proficiency in English as well as at least one additional “ partner ” language . With the Seal of Biliteracy , our high schools honor the linguistic diversity of our community and underscore our commitment to global education , linguistic proficiency , and intercultural competency . Students are encouraged to share this information with universities and future employers as a statement of accomplishment . Most students demonstrate their proficiency through MCAS for English and through a four skill assessment called the STAMP for the partner language ( s ). Students are invited to demonstrate their proficiency not only in languages they study at school , but also in languages they ’ ve learned at home or within their community . The data for this year is : 218 Newton seniors have earned a Seal ( reading , writing , speaking and listening skills have all been evaluated at a minimum level of Intermediate High proficiency ) or a Seal with Distinction ( a student ’ s proficiency has been assessed as Advanced in all four skills ). 35 students have earned more than one Seal , and Seals have been awarded in 21 partner languages . Since the Seal became a DESE sanctioned State award , some 900 Newton seniors have earned a Seal . This is nearly 10 % of all Seals awarded in Massachusetts over the same time period . ( Newton has 1 . 5 % of the seniors in the state ). Such an achievement is a testament to how we value excellence and equity in our schools .
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 3
The Newton Public Schools seeks to develop and maintain a diverse , culturally responsive , well - prepared educator workforce committed to continuous improvement . To make progress on this goal during the 2023 - 24 school year , the district reviewed human resource policies and procedures to attract and retain highly - qualified candidates of color . The district revised its outreach strategies to better reach diverse candidates and to increase the number of applications to the district . The district also increased and improved its strategies to retain staff of color and to provide unique professional development opportunities .
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 3
Ensure Equitable Access to Effective Educators
Our Department of Human Resources and our Office of Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion have been working this year to attract , retain , and strengthen a diverse workforce in the Newton Public Schools .
Initiatives to Attract and Retain Staff of Color
To attract staff of color , the district has : Participated in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education ’ s teacher diversity professional learning community ( PLC ) to expand the district ' s knowledge and capacity to reach recruitment and retention goals . In concert with this PLC , the district developed a process for better targeting demographic groups that mirror the student demographic .
Continued partnership with Lasell University to support the Masters of Education program for NPS employees of color in specific employee groups .
Provided training on hiring with a DEI lens and expanded recruitment strategies to target diverse candidates .
To retain staff of color , the district has : Maintained and expanded staff affinity spaces . Feedback from events has been positive with requests for additional events in the future . The district is also working with BIPOC ( Black , Indigenous , People of Color ). Coordinators to create a systematic plan for grade level educators , i . e ., elementary , middle and high school cohorts .
Developed a professional learning community ( PLC ) for Induction Mentors to support BIPOC mentees and active allies for non - BIPOC mentees .
Coached supervisors and administrators through the Team Dynamics Workshop in culturally responsive supervision practices to support and develop staff of color for leadership positions . Facilitated participation in the 6th Annual Black Male Educator Convening ( BMEC ) in Philadelphia . With collaboration from the Grant , Human Resources , and DEI Dept . NPS was able to support all six Black male administrators to attend the three - day gathering of 1 , 000 Black male educators across the country . The conference was focused on informing , inspiring , and energizing our commitment to increase and retain Black educators and improve outcomes for our students .
Provided programmatic and financial support to assist employees in seeking and securing licensure .
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 3
COSEBOC Vanguard District
In addition to utilizing strategies to attract and retain staff of color , the Newton Public Schools was selected as a Vanguard District by The Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color ( COSEBOC .) NPS was chosen due to “ our full commitment to high quality , equity - centered and culturally responsive education for all students - in particular boys and young men of color - as well as the determination and dedication demonstrated as leaders of the Newton Public Schools .” As a vanguard district , COSEBOC will provide a broad range of support and services to build capacity and strengthen relationships among district leaders , educators , families , students , and community members . Their team includes educational leaders with tremendous experience in K - 12 settings across the country , with particular expertise in promoting equity and closing opportunity and achievement gaps . Our partnership will include a needs assessment , ongoing learning from community - grounded data sources , professional development , coaching , community outreach , program evaluation , and other customized strategies . In October 2023 , a group of 20 NPS staff from across the district , and in varying roles , began the Standards Course . Throughout this course , participants reflected on identity , the state of affairs for boys of color in the education system and the work needed to create a larger impact for belonging , equity and excellence for students in NPS . We will continue to partner with COSEBOC to roll out new programming , with additional opportunities for NPS staff to engage in training .
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 4
The Newton Public Schools is committed to developing strategic , financial , operational , and data models that support the school district within the City of Newton ' s municipal processes and ecosystem . The district has worked this year on long - range planning for the district , including both our educational programs and our facilities . The district will continue work next year to define the strategic vision for the district and to continue our work in updating and maintaining our school buildings .
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 4
Portrait of a Graduate
Newton Public Schools is in the process of developing our Portrait of a Graduate - a collective vision that articulates our community ’ s aspirations for ALL of our students . Our Portrait of a Graduate will be a shared aspiration that all of our students have an educational experience that prepares them to be lifelong learners and contributors . In January 2024 , the district held two community sessions to introduce the Portrait of a Graduate process to the community and to begin the process of gathering feedback on what our community wants students to know and be able to do . In May 2024 , we will hold sessions for district leadership , staff , and students to continue the input process for the development of the portrait . In fall 2024 , the Portrait will be developed by the Newton community in the form of a “ Portrait Design Team .” The Design Team will include individuals across and throughout Newton , aswell as NPS families , staff , and students . We expect to have the Newton Portrait of a Graduate finalized by December 2024 . Following the creation of the Portrait of a Graduate , the district will engage in a strategic planning process to establish a strategic plan for the district .
Food Service - Chartwells - Our New Vendor After an extensive Request for Proposal ( RFP ) NPS will award the next contract to Chartwells . Chartwells understood Newton ’ sdesire to elevate our program to be an exemplar Food Services program in the state of Massachusetts and committed to improving the student experience by : A level of support that is necessary to adequately service 23 sites Reinforced a fundamental focus on quality with food cost proposal
Menu development coordinated by an Executive Chef and in - district Registered Dietician Focus on sustainability by staffing an in - district Sustainability and Engagement Manager Operational focus on being present in schools and staff training and development
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 4
Long Range Planning
There are several key components needed to inform discussions related to long - range facilities and enrollment planning . Results and analysis of these components will be used to update the long range facilities plan . The key components include :
NPS enrollment data and projections CropperGIS / McKibben Demographic Report School space utilization data Neighborhood schools and walkability / green travel option discussion Elementary school size discussion and guidance School choice discussion and vote Student assignment update for new building projects Special education distribution of programs and space needs
Perkins Eastman School Facilities and Enrollment Planning Study
Perkins Eastman , a planning and design consultant , was hired in the spring of 2023 to conduct a School Facilities and Enrollment Planning Study to help guide short - and long - term facility planning for NPS . The study initially focused on the Underwood and Ward Elementary Schools , but was then expanded to include Burr , Bowen , Mason Rice , Memorial Spaulding , Peirce , and Williams . These eight schools have not been renovated or replaced and are not currently in design or construction to be renovated or replaced . The study is designed to gather additional facilities and program information that is needed to inform districtwide long - range facilities and enrollment planning discussions . The study is looking at the number of seats currently available in each building and how current space use compares to Newton ’ s educational space program guidelines , which are based on the Massachusetts School Building Authority ( MSBA ) space standards . The study will also analyze building condition and age .
The full report will include space utilization and building condition data for all eight schools and will be shared in May 2024 .
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 4
CropperGIS / McKibben Demographic Report
This year , the district contracted with CropperGIS / McKibben Demographics to produce a demographic report for the City of Newton to better understand how any changes in city demographics might impact student enrollment . A similar report was produced in April 2019 ; an updated report was requested post - pandemic based on shifts in demographic trends and the availability of the 2020 U . S . census data . Overall , this demographic report forecasts : An enrollment decline of 442 students (- 3 . 8 %) over the next five years , which is similar to the district ’ s internal projections , which indicate a decline of 385 students (- 3 . 3 %). A moderate increase of 121 students ( + 1 . 1 %) from FY29 to FY34 The 10 - year forecast indicates a ten - year decline of 321 students (- 2 . 8 %). Key factors impacting this forecasted decline include : A resident total fertility rate below replacement level ( 1 . 63 compared to a replacement level of 2 . 1 ) Smaller cohorts projected to enter the district than the prior year ’ s graduating cohort A continuation of the aging population trend in Newton over the next 10 years ( from an average age of 41 . 7 in 2020 to 42 . 5 in2035 ).
Even with a forecasted overall district enrollment decline , the decline is not consistent across levels or schools , and is spread across all schools in districts .
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 4
Building Projects Update
This has been a period of significant progress on school building projects and facility improvements across the district . In addition to the city - funded NECP and Lincoln - Eliot School projects , passage of the March 14 , 2023 Special Election ballot questions # 2and # 3 allowed the Countryside and Franklin elementary school building projects to move forward . And in June 2023 , following the unsuccessful outcome of the operating override in March , the Newton Retirement Board voted to adjust their funding program to free up funds for the Horace Mann school renovation and addition project .
Newton Early Childhood Program ( NECP ) Project Construction of the Newton Early Childhood Program project at 687 Watertown Street ( the former Horace Mann School ) was completed in December 2022 , with students in the new location in January 2023 .
Lincoln - Eliot Elementary School Project
Countryside Elementary School Project The Countryside project recently completed project scope and budget and funding agreements with the Massachusetts School Building Authority . This important milestone documents the MSBA ’ s approval of the project to move forward and their agreement to provide more that $ 20 Million ( approximately 30 %) in state funding reimbursement for all eligible project costs . The project will build a new school on the field adjacent to the existing school building . The Design Development phase was completed in March and the project is now in the Construction Documents phase . Construction is anticipated to be completed by September of 2027 . Design of the Lincoln - Eliot School at 150 Jackson Road was completed and the project was put out to bid in the fall of 2023 . A groundbreaking ceremony was held in December 2023 and the project is currently in construction . Selective demolition is complete , foundations for the new addition are being poured , ductwork is being laid out and interior framing has begun . Construction is approximately 20 % complete , with completion expected for the start of school in September 2025 .
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 4
Franklin Elementary School Project
The Franklin School project will build a new school on the field adjacent to the existing school building . The project is currently in Schematic Design and the project team is working toward site plan approval this spring . The Franklin School project is anticipated to be completed by September of 2027 .
Horace Mann Elementary School Project
The Horace Mann renovation and addition project was restarted in July 2023 and is now in Design Development . The project will add a new cafetorium , music room and 6 classrooms , and will reconfigure existing space to create a new library / media center as well as other interior modifications . The project received site plan approval in March and is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2027 .
Maintenance and Other Capital Improvement Projects
In addition to the four major school building projects that are currently in design or construction , the mayor recently allocated an additional $ 5 . 3 Million for a number of smaller , but significant , capital improvement projects across the district . These projects include roof replacements , mechanical system improvements and restroom and other upgrades . The district also continues to meet the maintenance demands and address more than 4000 work orders annually .
Phase 3 Solar
Construction and interconnection are complete for 35 % of the Phase 3 Solar projects . The mayor recently signed Power Purchase Agreements ( PPAs ) for the rest of the Phase 3 projects and these projects are now in design . The projects include three rooftop solar installations and four parking lot solar canopy installations . A schedule for the work is being developed and will be shared .
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
Information Technology and Library Services
Securing our Data and Network Infrastructure
School systems process a good deal of personal data on students and staff . Our educational environment relies on a well - functioning network free of interruptions from outside forces , and in recent years educational institutions have increasingly become the target of cyber attacks . Two key initiatives furthered the district ' s efforts to keep the district cyber - secure . This year all staff in the Newton Public Schools received comprehensive training on cybersecurity and their responsibilities to keep our network environment secure . This program was offered as part of the Massachusetts Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Program . The interactive online modules covered topics ranging from identifying and avoiding phishing emails to best security practices for password and network access . Simulated phishing campaigns provided staff with real - life experiences in identifying suspect emails . Time provided during staff meetings ensured 76 % of all adults with NPS accounts ( including staff currently on leave ) completed all training modules and nearly 80 % fully completed or partially completed the training modules . Cybersecurity Training for Staff
IBM Cybersecurity Grant
Newton Public Schools received a grant from IBM to work alongside IBM cybersecurity professionals to better secure our environment . Through a self - assessment and analysis driven by IBM staff , key steps were identified and plans were developed to improve our cybersecurity posture . In addition , our IBM team assisted in furthering our work on cyber incident response creating run - books for responding to particular types of incidents . These living documents will become part of our arsenal to both mitigate and recover from cyber - attacks .
The human element still makes up the overwhelming majority of incidents, and is a factor in 74% of total breaches...*
*https://www.verizon.com/about/news/2023-data-breach-investigations-report
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
FY24 Operating Budget and Contracts
FY24 Operating Budget and Settled Contracts
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2023 - 24 Annual Report
FY24 Operating Budget and Contracts
FY24 Operating Budget
The FY24 budget was extraordinarily difficult given the challenges we faced as a district and the financial constraints of available funding . While the final budget required reducations to staffing and support , as well as increased fees , the district preserved smaller class sizes , fine arts programming , and disability inclusion programming . The FY25 budget outlook is much more positive as we have been able to add back much needed positions at the high school level to reduce class size and increase access to electives . We will also fund a competitive contract settled with our largest union , the Newton Teachers Association . In partnership with Mayor Fuller and the Newton City Council , we will also have access to an Education Stabilization Fund that will provide much needed funds , above and beyond our operating budget , over the next five years . Future annual reports will report on the expenditure of these funds and the progress made on important programming and initiatives .
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