# Newton School Committee - November 9, 2026

The Newton School Committee meeting on November 9, 2026, included several funding and procurement matters. The committee approved $946,704 in grants by a 9–0 vote and accepted a $215,000 Newton Schools Foundation donation by a 9–0 vote. City officials presented a proposal for a third-party solar canopy at the new Countryside Elementary School under a 25-year power-purchase and lease arrangement. The project would have no upfront cost to the district, is estimated to save about $31,000 in its first year and more than $1 million over the term, and could qualify for a 30% federal tax credit. The committee discussed the request to pursue the lease, but no vote on it was recorded in the transcript. Officials also requested school committee approval of a zero-emission-vehicle-first purchasing policy and a municipal decarbonization roadmap to support Newton’s application for Climate Leaders Community status, which could provide access to up to $1.15 million in state funding; these items were presented for consideration, with no vote recorded.

The fiscal and operations report covered a $314.5 million budget, with $93 million spent or encumbered through October 30 and a projected year-end balance of about $800,000, below the $1.5 million carryforward goal. The city is docketing an additional one-time $500,000 for the school department. For transportation procurement, staff said they plan to issue two bus bids: a typical five-year diesel-bus bid and a 10-year phased electric-bus bid. The committee will review the proposals, may reject either, and would select the lowest responsive and responsible bidder if proceeding. The meeting also included public comments about field-trip access, school building leaks, and special education supports, but no related procurement action was taken.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Transportation
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** November 09, 2026

### Sources
- [Newton School Committee - November 9, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-UAB9I2vVw) - NewTV Government