Newton SEPAC Announces Candidate Forum for November 2025 School Committee Election
Virtual Meetings to Provide Platform for Special Needs Parents to Engage with School Committee Candidates
NEWTON, MA – The Newton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Newton SEPAC) is pleased to announce that it will be hosting two Zoom meetings to provide parents of children with special needs residing in Newton an opportunity to hear from and engage with candidates running for the Newton School Committee in the November 4, 2025 municipal election.
The virtual forums will offer parents and guardians of students with disabilities the chance to learn about the candidates’ positions on issues affecting students with disabilities and special education services within Newton Public Schools. As mandated by Massachusetts law, Newton SEPAC serves as a liaison between parents of students with special needs and school district administrators, providing feedback on special education programs and policies.
According to the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, over 2,100 students with disabilities attended Newton Public Schools last year (approximately 18% of total enrollment). Given that the School Committee has authority over educational goals and policies for all students in our district, including those with disabilities, it’s crucial that parents of children with special needs have direct access to information about candidates’ perspectives on special education services.
The meetings will be conducted via Zoom and are specifically designed for parents and guardians of children with special needs residing in Newton.
Members of the press are invited. Media credentials must be submitted in advance, as our technical capacity is limited.
Meeting Details:
Session #1: Wednesday, October 22nd 8PM to 9:30PM – Registration link
- Christine Fisher (Ward 2)
- Ben Schlesinger (Ward 5)
- Jenna Miara (Ward 5)
- Mali Brodt (Ward 6)
Session #2: Thursday, October 23rd 8PM to 9:30PM – Registration link
- Arrianna Praia (Ward 1)
- Linda Swain (Ward 2)
- Jason Bhardwaj (Ward 3)
- Victor Lee (Ward 8)
- Jim Murphy (Ward 8)
The November 2025 election features contested School Committee races in multiple wards, with several incumbents choosing not to seek reelection. All Newton voters can vote for one School Committee candidate from each of the city’s eight wards, regardless of where they live within Newton.
Newton SEPAC is an all-volunteer organization of parents and guardians of children with disabilities who receive special education services in Newton Public Schools. The organization runs monthly meetings, maintains an online discussion forum, and works directly with school administration on special education matters through school liaisons and meetings with district leadership.
In accordance with state regulations, Newton SEPAC does not endorse candidates for elected positions.
For more information about the candidate forums or to join the Newton SEPAC community, visit NewtonSEPAC.org, email info@newtonsepac.org, or join the Newton SEPAC Google Group through the website.
Contact:
Newton SEPAC
Email: info@newtonsepac.org
Website: NewtonSEPAC.org
Newton, MA SEPAC 