As discussed at the October 27, 2022 School Committee meeting in the Enrollment, Student Assignment and Feeder Pattern Update, the Newton Public Schools has developed a Scope of Services to hire a Consultant to help address facility, educational, and enrollment challenges at Underwood and Ward elementary schools. As previously presented, both Underwood and Ward occupy buildings that are nearly 100 years old and both schools are experiencing enrollment decline that is impacting the educational experience of students.
The Mayor has allocated $100,000 in ARPA funds to move this initiative forward. The process to select a consultant will be a Qualifications Based Selection through the city’s Designer Selection Committee as required by City ordinance. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be advertised through the City’s Purchasing Department as part of our standard process.
A working group will be established to provide feedback and information to the consultant. The Working Group will review and discuss options and will make recommendations to the School Committee for consideration based on their review and community feedback.
Other stakeholders within the City and Schools will be consulted as needed, and parent and community meetings will be held as noted below.
The intent is to complete the Consultant selection process over the next few months and to complete the work included in the scope of services by December 2023.
