By Anping Shen, Ed.D.
Newton School Committee Member (Ward 3)

As my eight years on the School Committee come to a close, my heart is full of gratitude. Though term limits mean I must step down, I leave with sincere thanks for the incredible support this community has shown me.

My story with Newton started long before I served. I moved here in the late 1980s and, like so many of our fellow families, found not just a city, but a true home. The Newton Public Schools and community at large gave my children an outstanding life-long foundation. The district’s progressive, diverse and student-centered milieu allowed them to thrive in their learning path while enabling them to be trained as nationally-ranked gymnasts.

For that, my family will always be thankful. In many ways, my years of service have simply been my effort to give back.

When I campaigned, my platform centered on a simple phrase: “Working together for educational excellence.” These past eight years have given that idea real and living meaning.

“Working together” became more than a slogan—it was the real, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding work of partnering with dedicated colleagues whose strong and innovative views I learned to value deeply.

“Educational excellence” turned out not to be a final goal, but a journey we take together every day, thanks to our amazing leaders, educators, staff, families, and volunteers. Your passion, honesty, and trust have been the real drivers of our progress.

Looking ahead, my confidence in our schools has never been higher. We are in great hands with a passionate new Superintendent whose energy and vision meet this moment perfectly. She is championing a powerful goal that came from our whole community: “Growing minds, hearts, and bonds, for our students to independently and safely navigate the world, and in doing so, change it for the better.” (NPS’s “Our Thrive Promise”)

It’s a bold vision, and we must chase it relentlessly. I’m proud of the foundation we’ve started to build. Now, a new committed School Committee and a new Mayor are ready to carry this mission forward, ensuring every Newton student can thrive.

Serving as your representative and as the Committee’s longest-serving member has been the honor of my lifetime. I step away believing firmly that Newton Public Schools is on a path to shine even brighter as a beacon among the nation’s best.

Thank you, Newton, for your trust, partnership, and the profound privilege of serving you. I will always be your advocate and your proudest and loudest cheerleader, watching with joy as our shared journey continues.