Just as soon as it seemed a vote might be likely on Newton school reconfiguration, and the lengthy discussion put to rest, it seems it's once again time to pump the brakes.
Option 4 has emerged from an unexpected source — Bryan Friedman, the husband of school board member Robyn Friedman — and the option might have merit.
Friedman last week introduced an online petition against reconfiguration in which he also pitched his Option 4. The proposal suggests keeping the current elementary school configuration intact and rebuilding the Berg Complex as an elementary school and middle school.
His proposal for Emerson Hough, however, adds confusion — tossing in the development of a year-round magnet school seems like a hefty undertaking while our other educational facilities continue to age.
Yet Friedman, who is also the city of Newton's finance and development director, has introduced more of a concrete vision for the future than our own school board has since it began reconfiguration talks.
Not reconfigurating is a safe stance. Surveys show that teachers are against reconfiguration. When worst fears weren't realized following the initial reconfiguration in 2010, our educators not only adapted, but thrived.
We feel that landing on a decision about the future of Newton's schools is urgent because of the condition of the Berg Complex — and the imminent need to replace it.
Gathering insight about the possible future of Newton's schools from teachers and parents was a vital step in evaluating the future of our educational system. As another idea has emerged, it too deserves discussion.
Then, it's time for our school board to act. It seems a decision in haste would be impossible with the number of meetings, surveys, forums and conversations held on the topic.
It's time to move forward, Newton Community School District. Show us your vision for the future of our schools — and let's get it right for our children, teachers and community.