Letter to the Editor: School funding advocacy is not 'performative'

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Murphy is a candidate for the Ward 8 School Committee seat in this year’s local election.

Regarding the debate over the NPS budget:

I applaud the School Committee vote to support Superintendent Nolin’s “Level Service+” budget.  It took weeks of constituent outcry, but most committee members have moved from what seemed like sullen complacency to a more vocal defense of what is still a bare-bones request.  I have two caveats, though: “Level Service+” leaves longstanding, structural budgetary issues for next year; and not funding the kindergarten aides the School Committee is contractually obligated to provide is a mistake. In addition to its disservice to students, legal appeals intended to back out of this agreement will almost certainly fail, while undermining good faith contract negotiations.  Nevertheless, it was heartening to see the majority of the committee finally find its voice.

Additionally, I take issue with the characterization of Monday’s vote as merely “performative.”   The advocacy it represents is hardly play-acting.  It is civic duty; it is responsiveness to voters; it is democracy in action.

Now, it is time for the School Committee to follow-up by demanding that the City Council and Mayor be equally responsive.   Newton’s children deserve a budget that meets–not defers–their needs, and the committee members should demand no less on their behalf.

Jim Murphy
Newton Highlands