
Greene
Jonathan Greene, Newton parent and finance executive, is running for a seat on the Newton School Committee representing Ward 6. Courtesy photo
Newton parent Jonathan Greene is stepping up to run for the Ward 6 School Committee, with current member Paul Levy not seeking reelection.
Greene was raised in Newton and attended Newton public schools—Cabot Elementary, Day and Bigelow middle schools and Newton North High School before studying economics at Colby College and the London School of Economics—and he credits the district with helping him thrive despite being diagnosed with a learning disability.
“After I was diagnosed with dyslexia, NPS provided me with the special education support necessary for me to learn to read,” Greene said. “I also benefited from engaged parents who made sure standards were never lowered for me, but rather, I was held to the same high bar as all of my peers.”
He lived away for a while and he and his wife, Janna, moved back to Newton in 2017 to raise a family. They now have a son, Adam, in third grade at Bowen Elementary School, and Greene is hoping to build on Newton’s successes and help students thrive like he did.
“It is vitally important that all children are made to feel, from every professional in our school system, that they matter and that they can succeed,” he continued. “That mix of challenge and support, and belief in each child’s ability to advance, in a school system where parents are engaged and part of the learning journey is critical to making public school work. It was critical in my success in NPS and beyond—at college and in my professional career. All students must be able to excel and receive an excellent education in a system that aspires to be among the best school systems in the country.”
Greene has worked for Bain Capital and Wayfair, and he is currently chief digital and technology officer at US LBM.
“I’ve spent my career helping companies build a vision for the future and chart a course to get there,” he said. “I’m experienced at navigating the big and small, easy and hard decisions needed to achieve a vision. I believe these skills will be helpful for NPS as we transition to a new school committee, a new mayor and a future in which we are driven to improve all aspects of the Newton Public Schools.”
Greene decided to run because NPS has faced such unprecedented challenges—a pandemic with remote learning, a teachers’ strike last year and a budget crisis this year—and he wants to help the schools stay on a path toward success.
“We have a unique moment-in-time opportunity for the city to put the conflicts and disagreements of COVID and the emotions and frustrations of the strike behind us while setting a course for the exceptional school system we want for our families,” Greene said.
“I’m excited to partner with Dr. Nolin, our Superintendent, and a new mayor to do just that.”
Greene will face Mali Brodt in the election, who recently announced her run for the Ward 6 School Committee seat.