NTA eBulletin: October 4, 2026
Dear Colleagues
Residents of Newton are rightfully proud of their public schools. In fact, a common form of praise is to say "people move here for the excellent schools."
But when you hear said that parents of special education students move to Newton for the schools, this is quite often meant as criticism.
This is troubling. Parents and guardians of children without disabilities move to Newton for the schools because they want the excellent educational opportunities that the NPS offers.
When parents and guardians of children with disabilities move here, they too seek the excellent educational opportunities the NPS offers their children. Often, these children are among the state's most vulnerable. Often, few districts other than Newton can meet those needs within the public schools themselves.
We can be proud that people move here for our general education and for our special education programs.
We can be proud of our special education educators--all those who work so hard and skillfully to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
We can be proud of our general education educators--all those who work so hard and skillfully to meet the needs of students both with and without disabilities.
We can be proud to be part of a school district where our special educators and our general education educators work collaboratively to meet all our students' needs.
Book Block Party
The Book Block Party was a great success! Over 200 children attended with their parents and guardians. The NTA office was festive and fun. Looks like a lock to become a yearly event.
NSK12 Review of Special Education Programs
I asked those of you who were selected to participate in focus groups with the consultant NSK12 to decline the invitation. Since then, the district has put the focus groups on hold as we work together to figure out how member input can meaningfully inform recommendations and decisions.
We are glad the district made this choice. We in the NTA are working with out members to learn more about the process and how we can meaningfully contribute.
As a district, we need to be more thoughtful about how we provide services to special education students, and work to implement models that provide students with the support they need without creating dependency on adults.
AND we must be very careful to not conflate this worthy goal with addressing budgetary shortfalls. I am concerned that the primary purpose of NSK12's recommendations will be to restrict the student services budget, with these recommendations couched in the language of reducing dependency.
I know all educators are challenged with the increasing number and complexity of our students' needs. And I know we often feel we do not have the resources to meet those needs.
The needs are real; the lack of resources is real; caution is necessary. Our students need us to support them. Our members need their union to support them. And our special education programs must continue to be a source of great pride.
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In solidarity,
Mike Zilles, President
Newton Teachers Association
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