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Community Corner

Talkback on Newton Public Schools' Technology Spending

From David Spier

We at the Newton Taxpayers Association were happy that the well-known Newton-oriented website Village14 agreed to cross-post my recent report responding to Geoff Epstein’s concerns about Newton’s digital education program.  We were even happier that it generated a few comments even though most of Newton’s political scene regulars are enjoying the holiday vacation week and we were thrilled that former Mayoral Candidate Mike Striar reiterated his enthusiastic support for naming rights.  We also understand Newton Upper Falls parent Jerry Reilly’s concerns that parents are already contributing financially in a big way to technology for the schools in addition to their annual tax bills.

I agree with Jerry’s perspective. The public schools should provide the digital educational facilities.  However it is a fact that Newton Public Schools does not; hence his PTO contributions. My wife and I raised PTO funds for years. However the Schools budget expands far beyond the obvious cost driver that is enrollment, yet still leaves your charity through the PTO to fund much of their technology. If the parents own the technology (excepting items like servers and intelligent white boards), we still contribute money (but not through the PTO) and afterwards our children have technology to show for it. Any plan that includes constantly increasing taxes to fund the Schools budget, but not adequate to provide needed technology, then counts on PTO contributions is essentially double taxing. The same would be true if we make PTO contributions and buy our children the same technology, which I have not advocated. Your PTO contributions are (kindly) filling the gap for the undisciplined spending of Newton Public Schools.

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As far as subsidizing purchases, Newton already provides subsidies and abatements to people in need for utilities and property taxes. There is nothing new here. While it may feel unfair that some would raise their hands for help that is the nature of a progressive society. Life is not always fair, particularly economically. Those you worry for already are being especially battered by a prolonged terrible economy and constantly increasing Newton taxes. However we all need to help one another and no one should feel badly about being at the giving or the receiving end.

The worst outcome, however, is to pay the taxes and not, as you properly advocate, receive the “facilities.” That is where we stand today.

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