I read with interest Newton Beacon’s articles concerning Newton Community Education’s financial issues. I am pleased the School Committee voted unanimously to provide NCE the financial support necessary to cover its FY 2025 deficit and to approve new fees for future NCE programs.
Established more than 30 years ago, NCE describes itself as a “self-sustaining arm of the Newton Public Schools”. In recent years, self-sufficiency became more difficult for NCE because of financial hurdles, including the pandemic and teacher’s strike. In addition, the organization had begun to pay for employee benefits and pension costs, as well as custodial services. This put NCE into a cost deficit.
I commend Kate Carpenter Bernier, NCE’s Executive Director, for her comprehensive plan which includes bringing back revenue-generating programs that Covid had stopped, reducing staff, moderately increasing program fees, and streamlining programs in order to rebuild.
I also applaud the School Committee for funding NCE in FY 2025 and for working closely with the Executive Director. Together they can help ensure that the City of Newton does not lose Newton Community Education, which continues to offer hundreds of academic and enrichment courses for some 3,500 children and adult Newton residents annually. A strong Newton Community Education is a valuable community asset.
Mary Margaret Pappas
Former NCE Executive Director
Letter to the Editor: Kudos to School Committee for seeing NCE’s value
