# Newton School Committee - September 28, 2026

At the September 28, 2026 Newton School Committee meeting, members discussed transportation procurement and school facilities projects. During public comment, a speaker urged Newton to use Massachusetts statewide contract VH122, awarded to Highland Electric Fleets, to procure school transportation while transitioning to electric buses; the speaker cited approximately $1.5 million potentially available for buses and infrastructure and recommended a 10-year contract or, alternatively, an RFP this fall that prefers electric buses. No action was taken on that request. The district also reported plans for a competitive yellow-bus bid, following negotiations with current vendor Eastern Bus that were said to yield $110,000 in savings. Members requested broad competition and committee visibility into the upcoming procurement process for Newton South roof work; no award was made.

Fiscal and facilities updates included a reported $438,000 maintenance overrun in FY26, annual summer facilities projects costing roughly $500,000–$600,000, and progress on school construction projects, including Countryside and Franklin. Warden and Underwood are planned as separate school projects, with design funding to be separated later. The committee approved the consent agenda, which included a second reading of the capital improvement plan and other items, subject to stated exclusions; related votes and discussion did not approve a new major procurement contract.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Transportation, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 28, 2026

### Sources
- [Newton School Committee - September 28, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4CU0VaT3wI) - NewTV Government