Hello Newton! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Commonwealth School Virtual Information Session for Fall 2027 Admission and 10 more events.
Today's riddle: How far can a fast dog run into the woods? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Weather forecast:
1. Newton South principal announces exit (newtonbeacon.org) — Newton South Principal Tamara Stras is leaving to become an assistant superintendent in Cambridge, meaning both Newton South and Newton North will soon have new principals. Stras, who started in 2021, praised the Newton school community as she announced her departure. Newton North Principal Henry Turner previously said he’s leaving for a job in Reading.
2. Finance Committee Report – FY27 Budget Reviews for Comptroller, Treasury – 4/28/26 (figcitynews.com) — Newton’s Finance Committee has signaled support for major FY27 budgets, including a $67.9 million Comptroller budget and a $41 million Treasury budget that shape pensions, retiree health costs, and city debt. Officials highlighted Newton’s strong financial compliance record, rising insurance costs, and plans to expand technology and customer service, including potential AI tools and electronic billing for residents.
3. COO Josh Morse recommends against consolidating Ward and Underwood schools (figcitynews.com) — Newton’s COO Josh Morse is recommending that Ward and Underwood elementary schools remain separate, citing rising enrollment, limited building sites, and minimal savings from consolidation. He outlined how future feasibility studies, possible rebuilding or renovations, and a likely debt exclusion override—bundled with Newton South High School and Police Headquarters—could shape school facilities and taxes over the next decade.
4. Mayor responds to City Council FY 27 Budget resolutions, Council approves budget (figcitynews.com) — Newton’s City Council has approved a $668 million FY27 budget after debating staffing in the Planning Department, bus fees, electric bus storage, and access to independent legal counsel. The Mayor’s responses shaped final decisions, including keeping bus fees, declining to restart the rain barrel program, and maintaining legal representation within the Law Department while a new Planning Director search proceeds.
5. Princeton Lacrosse Wins The NCAA Title For The First Time Since 2001 (artvoice.com) — Newton native Chad Palumbo played a starring role in Princeton’s first NCAA men’s lacrosse title since 2001, scoring four goals in the championship win over Notre Dame. The former Noble and Greenough standout drew on his many Massachusetts prep titles to anchor Princeton’s 11-goal run that broke open the game and ended Notre Dame’s bid for a three‑peat.
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Ok Newton! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Halfway. After that, the dog is running *out of* the woods. (Thank you Jake M. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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