Paul Levy

Questions and Answers

Question 1: What in your background prepares you to be effective in the political office you are seeking?

The School committee’s duties include collective bargaining, budget preparation, supervision of the superintendent, and policy-making. I have a proven record in all those arenas (e.g., head of the MWRA and CEO of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center) and will bring a level of expertise that is important during these challenging times. I’ve also served on many public boards and have been viewed as a respectful, collaborative and thoughtful member of those governing bodies.

Question 2: If you're elected, what will be your first priority? Why? How will you address your priority?

The highest priority is to help ensure a high level of excellence in our schools, equitably provided to students of all backgrounds and abilities. That’s job 1, and all else must be done in support of that. There is a need for greater accountability and transparency–holding the superintendent accountable for meeting the district’s objectives and providing the public with pertinent information about the direction and progress of the Newton Public Schools.

Question 3: What is your plan to communicate the Newton schools’ plans, decisions, and programs to residents without children in Newton schools? How will you engage with them?

All citizens have an interest in the schools, as they form the fabric of the community. Plus, the success or failure of the school system to deliver high quality education has an economic effect on the all residents (e.g., in terms of property values.) There are ample ways of communicating school system plans and decisions, but unfortunately they have not been used to their full in the past. The Mayor, as a member of the SC, has the ability to provide great outreach, and so part of the plan would be to coordinate with her.