Dear Beacon Editor,

Election Day was a sad day for Newton’s Public Schools, our students, their families, our treasured teachers, and administrators.

In an unprecedented move, Marc Laredo chose to endorse a slate of school committee candidates (McGonigle, B. Oct. 30, 2025. Newton Beacon). He did not have the courtesy or the wisdom to speak with each declared candidate before he made his slate public. He only chose those ‘he knew.’

There will be no independent voice to speak honestly in support of our students, families, teachers, and administrators. Each member is beholden to the new Mayor. Ugly moments in our recent history, such as the Teachers’ Strike, may well occur again. We have a School Committee with one perspective—single-minded and possibly not open to collaboration and consensus. In a just and fair society, each candidate is judged on the basis of the skills and experience he or she brings to the position—not on one man’s opinion.

The City of Newton is the loser.

Sincerely,

Nancy J. Lauter
Auburndale