Newton Mayor Holds Town Hall at Mason-Rice

Mayor Marc Laredo met with residents to discuss local school priorities and development projects.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Secondary Education

Newton Mayor Holds Town Hall at Mason-Rice

Live Poll

Should your city prioritize faster development approval even if it alters existing neighborhood character?

Mayor Marc Laredo attended a Laredo Listens session at Mason-Rice Elementary School on Tuesday evening. Approximately 25 residents participated in the dialogue, which focused on the pace of development and ongoing school projects.

Why it matters

Schools remain the mayor's top priority as the city works to balance growth with infrastructure demands. Officials expect school budgets to increase by roughly 5 percent annually moving forward.

The city projects $14 million in revenue from permitting and inspections for fiscal year 2027. Property owners currently contribute to city projects through the Community Preservation Act, which adds a 1 percent surcharge to local property taxes.

The players

Marc Laredo

Marc Laredo is the Mayor of Newton who conducts regular town hall meetings across all city wards.

The details

The city is currently conducting feasibility studies for renovations at both Ward and Underwood elementary schools, as well as Newton South High School. These discussions come alongside ongoing debates regarding the impact of new development projects across the city.

1967 saw Newton public schools serve 18,000 students.
October 20, 2026 was the date of the Laredo Listens session.
October 23, 2026 was the date of an interrupted volleyball game at Newton South.
Fiscal Year 2027 is when the city expects $14 million from permits and inspections.

Culture Shift

Local budget priorities increasingly reflect the ongoing transition toward modernized facilities through the Community Preservation Act. This investment strategy marks a departure from historical funding models by leveraging local surcharges to support current school renovation needs.

Residents should anticipate ongoing discussions regarding school facility upgrades as the city continues its feasibility studies. These projects may influence future local tax planning and city-wide development schedules.

The takeaway

Maintaining aging educational infrastructure requires consistent long-term fiscal planning to manage growing costs. Residents can track progress on the mayor's school-focused initiatives by attending future ward-specific listening sessions.