Linda Swain: Ward 2

Linda Swain is a candidate for the Newton school committee in Ward 2. Learn more about her views from her campaign website, the Beacon’s profile, 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?

Yes. I believe there are additional levers we can pull before resorting to an override.  These levers could include:

• Advocating the state for additional Chapter 70 funding
• Advocating the state for additional special education dollars 
• Slowing the pace of paying off pension liabilities
• Thinking creatively on the revenue side – including grants, fundraising, and even possible student enterprises

There may still be a need for an override in the future, but we should first explore other options. If an override later proves necessary, voters deserve a clear explanation of what it will fund and how it will affect their taxes.

Did you support the NTA going on strike last year?

No. The strike was awful for our community—students, families, educators, and administrators. My family felt that pain as every Newton family did. From missed special education services to high school transcripts delayed for colleges, it was a difficult time.

The strike reminded us how important it is to keep kids in school. We learned we need to listen better to teachers, and that tone matters. At the same time, we must avoid financial decisions that create unintended consequences, especially staffing cuts.

To prevent future strikes, we need to rebuild trust through open communication and transparency. Mixed messages during the strike fueled mistrust.  The Superintendent and Chair Brezski’s spring budget updates were an encouraging step in improving transparency.

Would you keep the district’s multilevel classroom learning?

No. The multilevel classroom in Newton was created to expand access to higher-level coursework and help close persistent achievement gaps. Unfortunately, those goals have not been fully realized. I believe it’s time to explore other approaches—ones that ensure every student gets the support or acceleration they need while giving educators the tools and flexibility to do their best work. The new Math Pathways program announced by the Superintendent is an important step forward, offering targeted support for students who need more time, opportunities for enrichment and acceleration for those ready to advance, and flexibility to move between pathways based on data and readiness. 

I understand there are a few places in our high schools where multi-level classes have worked, so I’d be open to the idea only in limited cases. For me, the key is having clear data that shows it helps all students in the classroom without adding undue strain on teachers.

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. I am open to exploring creative ways to raise revenue for NPS. However, currently I am not inclined to support joining School Choice for three reasons:

1. In speaking with families across the city, I’ve heard strong opposition to School Choice, and the voice of our community matters.
2. It runs counter to Newton’s vision of neighborhood schools.
3. Many families outside of Newton may choose to attend NPS for our special education program. I think we have more work to do to strengthen and enhance these efforts before considering School Choice.

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

Yes. Every child matters—regardless of race, background, religion, income, or sexual orientation, etc. NPS must help every student reach their full potential, and hate has no place in our schools. In 2024 alone, there were 74 hate incidents within the City of Newton, most of which were antisemitic. Every student deserves to feel safe and supported, and it is our responsibility as School Committee members to ensure our nondiscrimination policies are upheld. I define educational excellence as enabling every student to thrive—whether they need extra support, greater challenge, or something in between. True excellence is impossible without equity and inclusion. With less than 10% of the NPS budget funded federally, the financial risk of maintaining DEI initiatives is manageable—and essential.

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

Yes. I believe in a data-driven, transparent approach when making major School Committee decisions. If a comprehensive review—including educational, equity, community, and financial factors—supported closure, I would support it. But if based only on finances, I would not. Newton has a long tradition of neighborhood schools, which are part of the city’s fabric. Walking my kids to Cabot felt like a rite of passage, and I know how meaningful that is to families. Key data points should include factors such as: class sizes, student outcomes, access to programs, travel distances, neighborhood impact, enrollment vs. capacity and projections, cost per pupil, operating costs, capital needs, long-term budget projections, equity of access, and public input.

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

One initiative I would champion if elected is expanding the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). Many parents have shared concerns that their children aren’t always getting the right level of challenge or support. MTSS helps NPS provide each student with what they need at the right time—greater challenge for some, extra help for others—so all students can reach their full potential.

The new Math Pathways program, announced this fall and set to launch in the 2026–2027 school year, is a strong example. It offers enrichment when a student is ready for more, timely support when they’re struggling, and flexibility to move between pathways as they grow. I’m excited for its implementation and believe we should bring this approach to other areas.

In the long run, a strong MTSS system benefits students and helps the district use resources more efficiently, saving money while keeping kids at the center of decision-making.