Newton Public Schools To Receive Another $1.37M In ARPA Funds

NEWTON, MA — Newton Public Schools (NPS) will receive an additional $1.37 million in ARPA funding to offset pandemic-related financial difficulties, said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a community update Thursday.

The funds are intended to assist the district in managing their FY2023 budget challenge, said Fuller. A total of $820,000 will be used for COVID-19 related expenditures NPS has made, including classroom air quality monitoring devices and air purifiers, medical supplies, and Wi-Fi hotspots. The remaining $550,000 will be used for emergency paid sick leave reimbursements.

"Our access to one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding is fabulous but the many thoughtful requests to invest outstrip the dollars available,” said Fuller. "How we invest our money is a reflection of our values. In Newton, our children’s education is our top priority. This year, as we plan our Fiscal Year 2023 budget during this challenging financial period, the Newton Public Schools continue to be my priority."

On Thursday, Fuller also released $1,4 million in ARPA funds to purchase and install athletic field lighting systems at Newton North’s Stadium and Newton South’s Brandeis Field.

Although NPS received a 3.5 percent increase over last year’s budget, which translated to an increase by $8.9 million to $262.1 million, as well as additional ARPA and one-time funding, Fuller said the existing budget challenges are coming from inflation and a decrease in enrollment.

"As a member of the School Committee, I will work closely with the administration and School Committee to develop the best budget possible given the funds available, various cost drivers, and educational priorities,” said Fuller.

To date, the City of Newton has invested $28.4 million in ARPA projects out of its $63 million total, and $15.7 million has been invested in NPS. All ARPA spending must be allocated by the end of 2024.