April 2026

DRAFT

Waban Area Council Meeting - Notes

April 9, 2026, 7:30pm-9pm, Zoom Meeting

Attendees:

Christopher Pitts, Sallee Lipshutz, Steven Gusenoff, Marcia Cooper, Hunter Malasky, Eve Bould

Rena Getz

Sumukh Tendulkar

Quick recap

The Waban Area Council (WAC) meeting focused primarily on planning an upcoming community forum with Dr. Anna Nolan, the Newton Superintendent of Schools (May 14th, Waban Library - 7:15pm start time for WAC members; 7:30am event start time). Newton School Committee member Ben Schlesinger provided detailed information about the recent school budget challenges, explaining how the district moved from an initial $307 million request to $314.5 million due to rising costs in utilities, healthcare, and contract services. The council discussed logistics and format options for the Dr. Nolan meeting, deciding on a moderated Q&A format. The group also briefly discussed local business developments, including the former Starbucks location. Marcia Cooper presented information about the Home Energy Solutions program, which aims to help homeowners with energy assessments and efficiency improvements. Sallee Lipshutz announced she would be leaving Waban after 46 years and moving to Westboro, Massachusetts, which will mean stepping back from her WAC role.

Next steps

Dr. Nolin Event:

• Hunter/Christopher: Collect and compile questions from Waban Area Council members and community 
• All interested members: Send proposed questions for Dr. Nolan to Hunter or Christopher
• Christopher/Hunter: Scout the library and plan seating/room setup
• Hunter/Christopher: Coordinate with Dr. Nolan to outline the format, timing, and topics for her opening presentation and Q&A at the next meeting
• Hunter/Christopher: Determine and communicate A/V or equipment needs (e.g., microphone, TV/monitor) 
• Christopher: Publicize the upcoming Dr. Nolan meeting via Waban Area Council and Waban Improvement Society newsletters and relevant local Google groups

Beautification/Tree/Landscaping Items:

• Follow up with city contacts (Derek Mannion, Mark Welsh) regarding pruning/landscaping around the Waban Library as previously discussed

Climate

• Marcia: Continue working with Youth Climate Solutions Challenge students to reach 100 homeowner signups for home energy assessments by end of month
• Marcia: Consider organizing a forum (possibly in the fall) at the library about home energy assessments, potentially in partnership with another area council

Other

• Waban Area Council members: Identify and schedule volunteers to staff the Waban Area Council table at Waban Village Day
• Christopher: On hold for now - connect with Chief Cahoon regarding planning of police meet-and-greet event with Waban businesses and residents
• All members: Complete city-required open meeting law and conflict of interest training (held over from prior meeting)

Summary

Meeting Procedures and Council Activities

The group approved the February minutes unanimously, with Hunter suggesting that minutes approval should be a regular first-order agenda item. Christopher acknowledged errors in the recent e-blast and proposed involving more members in the agenda preparation process, suggesting a two-person approval system for e-blasts. The meeting also touched on the role of area councils and local representatives, noting that the WAC council has been somewhat less active in recent months due to fewer high-profile Waban-specific issues requiring attention.

Aqueduct Trail Access Issues

The group discussed the status of the aqueduct trail in Newton, particularly focusing on a section near Waban where private property owners have fenced off access. Rena explained that while the majority of the aqueduct land was taken by the city, three parcels remained in private ownership, with one belonging to a resident who has installed barriers. The group concluded that pursuing efforts to reopen the trail would likely be unsuccessful given the current situation and the property owners' strong opposition. Christopher noted that this situation reflects the city's general approach of not engaging in legal battles over private property issues, especially when faced with larger budgetary challenges.

School Budget Process Update

Ben provided an update on the budget process, explaining how the initial forecast of $307 million grew to $319 million due to rising expenses in utilities, healthcare, and contract services. The school committee unanimously approved a budget of $314.5 million that included cuts to staff and programs, as well as funding for a new math program. Ben noted that while the district received some additional funding through pension bonds, they still face financial challenges and may need to revisit the previously defeated override proposal to secure more funding.

Newton School Financial Challenges

Ben explained that peer cities like Arlington and Brookline manage to pass tax overrides more regularly than Newton, which has helped their financial situations. He clarified that while private school attendance can result in savings related to teacher costs, it also results in lost state funding. Steven inquired about exit interviews for students leaving the Newton school system and requested more information on curriculum, particularly literacy, which he noted had not been discussed in the meeting. Ben indicated that Dr. Nolan presents findings from exit interviews periodically. 

Dr. Nolan Meeting Planning

The group discussed plans for an upcoming community meeting with Dr. Nolan, to take place May 14th at the Waban Library, focusing on the format and content. Hunter suggested a moderated Q&A format, allowing for a structured discussion of Dr. Nolan's strategic vision for Newton Public Schools. Sumukh suggested allowing direct questions from the audience while also having prepared questions, and recommended including the Waban Improvement Society in the outreach. 

Hunter and Christopher emphasized the importance of focusing on curriculum and educational outcomes rather than just budget discussions. Eve raised concerns about math leveling as an important topic for discussion. Ben suggested the focus should be on reaching people without school-age children rather than existing parents who already have good access to the superintendent.

Newton Business and Environmental Updates

The meeting covered several local business and environmental updates. Christopher discussed the recent purchase of the Newton Center T-stop by Lockhart Restaurant owners, though its future use remains unclear. 

Marcia presented the Home Energy Solutions project, explaining that Newton North students are working to help 100 homeowners get energy assessments by the end of May, with no cost for 2-5 family homes. The group discussed potential plans for a forum about energy assessments at the library, possibly in partnership with other area councils. 

Waban Village Day

The group discussed the need to find someone to manage their table at the upcoming Waban Village Day.

Sallee Lipshutz Update 

Sallee announced she would be leaving Newton in June to relocate to Westboro, Massachusetts, and would be stepping back from active involvement with the Waban Area Council. Members expressed their gratitude to Sallee for her contributions to the community and to the WACl over many years of dedicated service.

Adjournment