Anna Nolin News Today

The move could make financial conditions in districts losing students worse because the state aid would come from their coffers.

Matter Of Trust: Sparring Continues In Newton Teacher Strike Aftermath - Newton, MA - Multiple teachers voiced frustration at Tuesday's School Committee after a school public forum with the superintendent and Committee chair.

Nearly 40 percent of Newton students skipped school Friday — almost 10 times the typical absence rate.

More than one third of Newton students were absent on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the first two scheduled make-up days.

The district’s School Committee canceled the break to make up for school days lost to the recent teachers strike, but district leaders said students would not be penalized for missing school.

Some activists complain that DEI programs in schools are antisemitic, leaving superintendents in Brookline, Newton and Needham to reckon with hotbutton issues around how to teach students about antiracism, antisemitism and Islamophobia.

District leaders have made it clear that even though schools will be in session, students won’t be penalized for absences.

Newton's City Council and School Committee discussed budgeting and a new communication platform for parents in a joint meeting Monday night.

The committee had voted to approve the agreement during an emergency meeting on Feb. 3, just hours after the two sides reached a tentative agreement. School Committee Chair Chris Brezski explained Thursday night’s vote was held during a regularly scheduled public meeting.

Newton has a strong mayor system of government, so Mayor Ruthanne Fuller directs the city’s budget, including how much the school district gets.