Parents, advocates, and educators are running for Newton School Committee to be new voices for change

For immediate release.

NEWTON, Massachusetts. March 31, 2025.

Four Newton residents—all first-time candidates—have announced campaigns for the November 2025 elections for Newton School Committee. They are running to bring positive change to the schools, and they share a commitment to collaborative leadership, clear communication, and fresh ideas. Jenna Miara is running for the open Ward 5 seat; Mali Brodt seeks the open Ward 6 seat; Bruce Hedison is a candidate for Ward 7; Jim Murphy will seek election as the Ward 8 representative. Miara, Brodt, Hedison, and Murphy will advocate for Newton students, Newton educators, and the broader community. 

The candidates recognize the current approach isn’t working and that Newton schools urgently need new energy and creative solutions. They bring a fresh perspective on the role of the School Committee: they see School Committee members first and foremost as advocates for the schools. They will take on key issues that face our schools and provide a strong voice for the funding and resources needed to ensure an excellent education for all Newton students.

Miara, Brodt, Hedison, and Murphy bring expertise that is currently lacking or underrepresented on the School Committee. Their combined experience in public service, law, contract negotiation, and education will fill key gaps, enabling the Newton School Committee to more effectively ensure that Newton Public Schools thrive.

Initial public support for the candidates has been strong: within two weeks of forming their election committees, the candidates have received more than 50 donations, raising over $14.5k dollars.

The candidates bring needed expertise and experience to the School Committee

• Jenna Miara (Ward 5) is a legal aid lawyer, community volunteer, proud alumna of Newton Public Schools, and a mother of two NPS students. Her work experience gives her a collaborative approach to problem solving and a deep understanding of effective contract negotiation with unions. 

• Mali Brodt (Ward 6), a parent of three NPS students and an adjustment counselor (school mental health provider) at Westwood Public Schools, brings 20 years’ experience as a front-line educator. She will use her expertise to enhance the School Committee’s understanding of student academic and social-emotional needs. 

• Bruce Hedison (Ward 7) brings a demonstrated track record of innovation in hands-on STEM education and community-based learning. A 33-year veteran of the Hudson Public School system, Bruce is a successful local business owner. 

• Jim Murphy (Ward 8) understands the nuances of what makes public schools run well: a retired educator, Jim served for 3 decades in teaching and administrative positions in the Weston, Everett, and Weymouth Public Schools.

Galvanized by the strike, the candidates recognize the need for a positive, ambitious vision for Newton schools

Like so many in the community, all four candidates were deeply pained by last year’s school shutdown due to failed contract negotiations. The strike motivated them to "get off the sidelines" and take action. They saw a critical need for new voices, fresh perspectives, and more effective communication and collaboration among all parties. The candidates are not interested in relitigating the strike or assigning blame. Instead, they want to ensure the community never experiences that kind of division and hurt again. Their priority is to help adults work better together for the sake of Newton’s students.

The conversation about the future of Newton schools has too often been dominated by discussions of how to do less with less. These candidates believe Newton deserves better. Their campaigns are driven by a hopeful and ambitious vision for thriving schools. They aim to face the real challenges head-on, with optimism, creativity, and innovation. They want to shift the discussion toward growth, excellence, and new possibilities, ensuring Newton schools remain places where all students can succeed.

The candidates’ shared vision for thriving schools is in step with the values of Newton residents

Miara, Brodt, Hedison and Murphy share a common vision:

1. Trust and transparency are integral to the school district’s partnership with the community. The community’s trust in school-district budgeting and educational  excellence must be restored. 

2. The School Committee works in partnership with educators and other municipal officials to ensure strong schools. The candidates will work to restore a cooperative relationship with both educators and with City Hall.

3. Outstanding schools and educational equity are both core to Newton’s identity. All four candidates are unapologetic advocates for educational excellence for all students. 

4. Being a valued part of a community is foundational for student success. All four candidates will advocate for strong mental health services, attention to social-emotional wellbeing, and civic learning that underpin belonging and ensure that every student can thrive.

The candidates are doing their part to ensure a thriving democratic process by running an innovative, collaborative campaign 

Miara, Brodt, Hedison, and Murphy are all first-time candidates, stepping up to run in part as a vote of confidence in the local electoral process. Running for School Committee presents significant challenges for first-time candidates—including fundraising demands, complicated campaign finance rules, and city-wide campaigning. To overcome these hurdles, the candidates have formed an innovative partnership. Connected by their shared vision for a thriving school system that ensures educational excellence for all students, the four independent candidates will share ideas, pool resources, and work collaboratively to advocate for Newton Public Schools. 

The Newton Chapter of the League of Women Voters has been actively encouraging first-time candidates to enter municipal elections and has identified contested elections as a key component of a healthy democracy. Inspired by the League of Women Voters to become more engaged in local civic efforts, and using their How to Run for Office guide, Lindsey Gulden, a Newton parent, business owner, and friend of the candidates, volunteered to serve as treasurer on the four individual campaigns.