Arrianna Proia: Ward 1

Arrianna Proia is a candidate for the Newton school committee in Ward 1. Learn more about her views from her campaign website and her responses to the Beacon’s candidate survey:

Would you support a Proposition 2 1/2 operating override to fund schools and other city expenses?

No. In my view, it is fiscally irresponsible at this time to call for a blanket override to address school funding needs. As a School Committee, we must first work with city partners, the Council and the next administration, to comprehensively review finances and ensure every possible lever is used to increase school funding before asking residents to approve an override. If, after exhausting all options, an override is still required, it is our responsibility to build trust and provide full transparency, clearly showing residents why it is needed and how funds will be used. The last override failed in part because of a lack of trust and clarity. If we are asking residents to dig deeper into their pockets, we must demonstrate accountability with measurable goals. Newton’s residents have diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and an override may impact some more than others, making it vital that we prove we have acted responsibly before seeking additional taxpayer support.

Did you support the NTA going on strike last year?

No. I did not support the NTA strike. In Massachusetts, teacher strikes are illegal for a reason, and the consequences fall hardest on students and families. I saw firsthand how deeply our kids were affected, especially those in special education and students with disabilities. For them, it was not just a disruption in learning but a disruption of daily routines, setting them back weeks, even months. Families lost work, and our community was torn apart. During the strike, I worked with families to advocate for ending it and putting kids first. Teachers absolutely deserve fair pay, but the union should have followed the law and kept students in school while negotiating their contract. At the core of this crisis was a breakdown of trust between the union, school administration, and city leadership. Without open communication and collaboration, both sides dug in, leaving families and students to bear the cost. Moving forward, rebuilding that trust must be the priority.

Would you keep the district’s multilevel classroom learning?

No. Multilevel classes may have been designed with good intentions, but here in Newton the early data shows they are not working. The students they were meant to help are falling further behind, and advanced students are being limited instead of challenged. We cannot afford to cap the potential of students who are ready to excel. When we implement major policies like this, we must measure whether they are achieving their goals. Right now, the evidence is clear that they are not. Every child in Newton deserves to be supported at their level of excellence, whether that means catching up with strong interventions or accelerating into advanced opportunities. That requires targeted resources, not a one size fits all model. We must be honest about what is happening, listen to families, and adjust course so all students can grow and thrive without unnecessary limits and the proper support needed.

Would you support the district joining School Choice, which would permit parents to send their children to public school in communities other than that in which they reside?

No. While I support expanding educational opportunities for students, I do not believe Newton should participate in School Choice. Our district must first focus on ensuring that all students within Newton have equitable access to high-quality education, adequate resources, and well-maintained facilities. Opening our schools to out-of-district students without first addressing enrollment pressures, building needs, and funding challenges could stretch resources even thinner and create inequities for Newton families. I believe we need to continue strengthening our schools so that every child in Newton can thrive.

Would you support keeping the schools’ DEI initiatives even if it may mean losing millions of dollars in federal funding?

Yes. I support keeping Newton’s DEI initiatives even if it risks losing federal funding. We need to keep diversity, equity, and inclusion while also striving for excellence so that all students can thrive. That means ensuring the policies we adopt can be measured and are truly working. We should always do what is best for our children, not follow the political agendas of politicians. Newton schools should be inclusive, challenging, and a place where every student has the opportunity to succeed. That includes breaking down barriers, expanding access to advanced coursework, and addressing disparities, while making sure no student is capped in their potential. Abandoning equity would harm our students more than the loss of federal dollars. If federal dollars are withheld, we should work with the city, state, and community partners to secure resources and protect the progress we’ve made toward creating a truly inclusive school system.

Are you prepared to close one or more of the city’s elementary schools if data supports doing so?

No. I am not entering this role with the goal of closing schools, but I believe we must be honest and transparent with our community about the challenges we face. The superintendent has been clear that we need a comprehensive five-year strategy that looks at all elementary schools together, including enrollment, the neighborhood school vision, and facilities. Closing one school in isolation risks disrupting families and students without addressing the bigger picture. If enrollment and facility data ultimately show that change is necessary, the School Committee must review all options carefully. Any decision must prioritize students first, ensure equitable access to high-quality education, and include meaningful community engagement. Closing a school should always be a last resort, only after exhausting other options, and it must be done with transparency, compassion, and a clear plan to minimize disruption.

What one big idea or initiative would you champion, once elected?

One major initiative I would champion is expanding Newton’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). MTSS ensures that schools use data-driven decision making, progress monitoring, and evidence-based strategies to sustain student growth. It is not just about interventions, but about how all systems in a school fit together to provide high-quality education for all students. Where MTSS has already been implemented in Newton, it has proven successful in supporting students’ academic and social-emotional needs. Expanding this framework citywide would help ensure every student gets the right support at the right time, while also creating the capacity to expand access to AP and honors courses so advanced students are not capped but challenged. Every child in Newton deserves both strong support and the opportunity to excel, and expanding MTSS is the pathway to making that a reality.