To the Editor:

I encourage Newton voters should join me on November 8th in supporting Jonathan Yeo’s re-election to the School Committee. As a Ward 2 resident, I was delighted that Jonathan and his extended family had moved from Auburndale to our neighborhood and that he was running for a fourth and final term from here. His experience with Newton schools, work with parents on a range of school issues, and his management background have made him an excellent committee member and leader.

Jonathan has the analytical, management and personal skills to provide expert oversight, guidance, and support to the superintendent of schools and to pass an annual budget – the main roles of the School Committee.  During his years on the School Committee, Jonathan’s top priority has been to ensure that the school administration is providing great teaching and learning in the classrooms for all students.   Jonathan has also been very successful in leadership positions – hiring Jim Marini as the interim superintendent, negotiating an entire revamping of the School Lunch Program to save $1 million a year, and just recently leading the effort to reach a fair and affordable deal with the teacher’s union on a long-term contract.

Beyond his School Committee focus on classroom teaching, Jonathan is also a supporter of the arts, athletics, clubs and wonderful programs like Understanding Our Differences in Newton schools.  Activities and programs like these make Newton schools special and enrich our community.

Please vote for Jonathan Yeo on November 8th to keep this successful, experienced leader on the Newton School Committee.

Barbara Fain,

West Newton