BRODT’S NOTES

the newsletter of Mali’s campaign

May 12, 2025

Content:

• PULLED PAPERS

• BUDGET SITUATION

• EQUITY AND EXCELLENCE

• GET YOUR YARD SIGNS

• UPCOMING EVENTS

Pulled papers

My kids joined me at City Hall to pick up my nomination papers. I’ll be collecting signatures to register my candidacy.

NPS budget situation

The ~$2.5M gap between the Mayor’s allocation and the budget passed by the School Committee persists. I joined Fully Fund and other parents and citizens at City Hall. The Finance and Programs and Services committees took a straw vote rejecting the request by the Mayor and sending a resolution to ask for more funding. The Committee of the Whole (i.e. full City Council) will meet this Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 pm to consider and maybe take a vote on the budget. We’ll continue to pack the hall and make our voices heard.

Equity AND Excellence

Despite the pressures and crises, our schools are still excellent.  Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand, as an educator and a mother, how our schools have been chronically underfunded, how open dialogue has broken down, and how there seems to be a disconnect when it comes to addressing the real challenges our children face in education. Meanwhile, our kids are not receiving the support they need to thrive. This is not acceptable.

The challenges our children face today are different from those of the past. They live in an age with unprecedented access to information and misinformation, growing mental health challenges, and an increasingly globalized world.  While people of all ages worry about the future, children need to know that the adults in their lives are working together to support them. We all have a responsibility to make good choices on behalf of our children, as they depend on us. One choice we must make is to support our educators and provide them with the resources they need to help our children thrive.  

Newton is a city with abundant resources, yet we are not fully funding our schools. That is a shame. Many families move to Newton specifically for our public schools, and we could be a shining example of what excellent education looks like. I want to help make it a reality.

I strongly believe that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) should be at the heart of our educational mission. Equity and excellence are not opposing forces—they go hand in hand. We must ensure every child feels that school is “their place,” where they are supported, celebrated, and given the tools they need to succeed. There is no place for hate in our schools.

I loved school, not because I was the best student, but because I knew my teachers cared about me. They knew me, understood me, and were committed to seeing me succeed. I also knew that my parents and teachers were united in that mission. I was also celebrated for who I was; I felt I belonged. This is what every child deserves. I want to ensure every student in Newton feels the same way about their experience at school.

I’ve always believed in the power and necessity of excellent public schools. To me, education is the bedrock of our society. It’s what shapes the future of our children and, in turn, our community.  Local government has the incredible power to shape a community based on shared values. We can demonstrate that we value education, the arts, the environment, every generation, and above all, each and every child. In Newton, we already see these values reflected in our neighborhoods; now, we must make sure that they are present in every aspect of our school system. That’s why I’m running.

Get your yard signs

Our volunteers will be reaching out to deliver yard signs by the end of this week. Do please help me connect with others by asking your friends and neighbors to request theirs. And thank you for helping me gain visibility city-wide all around Newton by displaying your lawn sign.

Upcoming events

• Th. May 15: City Council 

  I’ll be joining parents and fellow citizens demanding City Hall fully funds NPS.

• Sat. May 17: Signature collection

  I’ll stop by the Seedling Sale, the Sustainable Street Tour, and the Arts Festival to talk to people about our campaign.

• Sun. May 18: Waban Village Day

  I’ll be sharing a booth with my friend, and Ward 5 candidate, Jenna Miara. Come say hi.

• Mon. May 19: Let NPS Thrive Forum and School Committee

  I’ll be attending a Forum with the Superintendent, the School Committee Chair, Newton educators and parents at Newton North. Then public comment at a regular School Committee meeting at the Ed Center.

• Wed. May 28: Mayor Mann’s breakfast

  I’ll be joining city leaders at this Newton tradition

COMMITTEE TO ELECT MALI BRODT
P.O. BOX 610062
NEWTON HIGHLANDS, MA 02461