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The News Site of Boston College

The Heights
The News Site of Boston College

The Heights
Brodt is running against fellow first-time candidate Jonathan Greene. (Image Courtesy of Mali Brodt)

Ward 6 School Committee Candidate Mali Brodt Wants To Rebuild Community Trust in NPS

Patrick Lundregan • October 5, 2025
With a background in education, Ward 6 Newton School Committee candidate Mali Brodt hopes to use her experience to repair what she sees as a damaged relationship between teachers, parents, and the school committee.
Greene is running against Mali Brodt for the Ward 6 seat. (Image Courtesy of Jonathan Greene for School Committee)

NPS Graduate Jonathan Greene Emphasizes Student Investment in Ward 6 School Board Run

Danica Bergen • October 5, 2025

Jonathan Greene grew up in the Newton Public Schools (NPS) system. Now, the first-time candidate is running for the Ward 6 school committee seat in an effort to improve the institution that has made such...

Charm is running unopposed. (Image Courtesy of Brittany Hume Charm)

In Ward 5 City Council Bid, Brittany Hume Charm Advocates for Staying True to Newton’s Values

Daniel Linnehan • October 5, 2025
First-time candidate Brittany Hume Charm is seeking a Ward 5 at-large Newton City Council seat, aiming to be a voice for Newton Public School (NPS) parents in city hall and to retain Newton’s values amid today’s federal climate.
The existing driveway was overgrown with vegetation and had sunken into the ground. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton Land Use Committee Moves Forward on Clark Street Home’s New Driveway

Patrick Lundregan • October 5, 2025
Newton’s Land Use Committee approved adding parking to a historic two-family home at 65 Clark St. on Tuesday because the driveway had sunken into the ground and become overgrown with vegetation.
The original ordinance was implemented in August of 2019 and, as per state requirements, requires a reevaluation every five years. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee Addresses Amendments to Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance

Henry Eig and Patrick Lundregan • September 28, 2025
Newton's Zoning and Planning Committee (ZAP) met Thursday to discuss a reevaluation to the city’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance, deciding on changes to legislation regarding inclusionary rental and ownership projects in the context of housing trends and affordability. 
Dahmubed believes his education and professional experience have equipped him with a distinctive skill set. (Image Courtesy of Cyrus Dahmubed)

Cyrus Dahmubed Urges Affordability and Strategic Growth in Ward 4 City Council Candidacy

Samuel Lee-Papastavros, Sophie Chamberlain • September 28, 2025
Dahmubed believes his background in architecture, urban design, and policy gives him a unique understanding of design thinking and spatial dynamics—skills he argues are essential to solving Newton’s affordability crisis. 
Miara faces Ben Schlesinger in the race for the Ward 5 seat. (Image Courtesy of Jenna Miara)

Jenna Miara Hopes To Bring Legal Experience to Ward 5 Newton School Committee Seat

Sophia Gallon • September 28, 2025
Newton resident, Newton Public Schools (NPS) alumna, and mother Jenna Miara, running for the Ward 5 seat on the Newton School Committee, hopes for the opportunity to provide strong leadership for NPS.
Chaimanis said he will bring a fresh perspective to the city council, combining his acumen for finance with his entrepreneurship and management experience. (Image Courtesy of John Chaimanis)

John Chaimanis Emphasizes Pragmatic, Community-Focused Leadership in Ward 4 City Council Run

Matthew Antonecchia • September 21, 2025

John Chaimanis, a Newton resident and father of three, is running for the Ward 4 at-large Newton City Council seat in hopes of bringing common-sense decision-making and civil discourse to city hall. “I...

Newton Teachers Association President Mike Zilles confirmed that the quote was true but missing context. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Out-of-Context Comment From NTA President Sparks Outcry Among Newton Parents

Genevieve Morrison • September 19, 2025
Contrarian Boston, a Substack blog, reported a secondhand quote by Newton Teachers Association (NTA) President Mike Zilles from his speech at the district’s convocation, saying that students should be “in the mix” but not put first. Zilles confirmed that the quote was true, but missing context.
A first-time candidate, Kazakoff-Eigen challenged incumbent Maria Greenberg. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

JJ Kazakoff-Eigen Drops Out of Ward 1 City Council Race

Laney McAden • September 16, 2025
Jonathan “JJ” Kazakoff-Eigen announced Monday that he is suspending his campaign, leaving Ward 1 incumbent Maria Greenberg with an unopposed track to the Ward 1 Newton City Council seat.
Current School Committee Ward 2 chair Chris Brezski announced in June that he would not be seeking reelection and endorsed Swain for his seat. (Photo Courtesy of Linda Swain)

Linda Swain Runs for Newton School Committee Ward 2 Seat, Pledging Budget Efficiency and Student Support

Sophia Gallon • September 14, 2025
Swain plans to advocate for a more efficient NPS budget—one that would ease the challenges the district faces in providing each student with the best education possible.
As a parent to two current NPS students, Fisher expressed her delight in discovering that Newton’s reputation as a center of education matches reality. (Photo Courtesy of Christine Fisher for School Committee)

Christine Fisher Brings an Optimized, Tech-First Approach to School Committee Run

Laney McAden • September 14, 2025
Candidate Christine Fisher believes that a focus on resource optimization and commitment to student outcomes make her the ideal candidate for the seat. 
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