Newton Teachers Association Endorses School Committee Candidates

NEWTON, MA — The Newton Teachers Association (NTA) Representative Assembly voted Thursday to endorse Shawn Fitzgibbons and incumbent Kathy Shields for School Committee.

The School Committee election will take place on Tuesday, November 2. Fitzgibbons is running in Ward 6 and Shields is running for reelection in Ward 7.

The NTA released the following statements on each of the endorsed candidates:

• Shawn Fitzgibbons balances a clear and broad vision for the Newton Public Schools with an ability to understand and master the details of overseeing a complex school system. Shawn is an advocate for equity in the Newton Public Schools, prioritizing an academically excellent education for ALL Newton Public School students. Shawn supports continuing and broadening NPS anti-racism initiatives. He is a strong supporter of our Special Education and English Language Learner programs. And Shawn understands that the backbone of the Newton Public Schools are the members of the Newton Teachers Association, who work tirelessly every day to provide an exceptional education to every Newton Public School student. In his role as Chair of the Newton Democratic Committee, Shawn was a strong union supporter: a vocal advocate against outsourcing custodial work, and a strong advocate in the Newton Teachers Association’s campaign for a fair contract.
• Kathy Shields is a thoughtful, conscientious, and dedicated leader who, both in her career and in her role as a School Committee member, is dedicated to public service. Kathy is an advocate for equity in the Newton Public Schools, prioritizing an academically excellent education for ALL Newton Public School students. Kathy supports continuing and broadening NPS anti-racism initiatives. She is a strong supporter of our Special Education and English Language Learner programs. Kathy is a great communicator: She listens with an open mind, is clear and transparent when she speaks, and when she disagrees, she does so constructively rather than divisively. For Kathy, collaboration is a priority. In a School Committee that will see many changes this year, her experience, dedication, and oversight will be a critical steadying force.

Eleven people are currently on the ballot to fill eight School Committee seats. For more information on the 2021 municipal election in Newton, click here.