Candidate Q&As 2025: Travis Padget for Newton School Board

Name: Travis Padget

Age: 52

Occupation: Financial advisor

Office seeking: Newton School Board

1. Introduce/Reintroduce yourself to voters and explain why you are running.

I have served on the board for 12 years. I love being a part of the education community, and I believe that the success of our public schools is paramount for the success of our community. Our future depends on how well we educate our youth! As a member of the school board, I get to participate in shaping our future. I also believe that public education is currently under increased scrutiny and attack from our politicians; we have to stand together and advocate for our educators!

2. Newton Community School District is now a few years into the elementary building configuration. Aurora Heights and Thomas Jefferson have seen big changes. How do you feel the process is going so far?

I feel like our students and staff are adjusting well to the progression of changes. Moving from four to three buildings gave us time to incrementally change while we built out more space in the remaining education centers. This has allowed us to slowly decrease staffing by utilizing our natural attrition in the district, thus not forcing us to cut jobs while we work to downsize.

3. Use of leftover school buildings has been brought to light at recent meetings. What do you think should happen to Emerson Hough and Woodrow Wilson when the configuration is fully completed?

I would love to see the buildings/space utilized for our community. Emerson Hough definitely has the potential to continue having an impact in our early education efforts through the potential collaboration with the YMCA. Woodrow Wilson might be more difficult to repurpose due to the configuration of the building and property, but I am sure we will have long and serious conversation as we consider the future of that space.

4. Enrollment in Newton schools is declining. The configuration was a direct response to having fewer students and the anticipated reduction in revenue. What else can the district do to address declining enrollment numbers?

The district needs to make sure we are highlighting the strengths and opportunities offered by being a larger district. We also need to collaborate with the city and the Newton Development Corporation to invite and entice new businesses to our community.

5. What are some things you think the district does well? What are some things you think the district can improve? Explain your answers.

I believe the district’s greatest strength is found in our sense of Red Pride. Unfortunately, Red Pride and our history is not enough to get through all of the increased pressures and expectations placed on public education. We provide a great educational opportunity for our students, but those opportunities are often clouded by external pressures and governmental regulations. Beyond the political pressure being placed on public education in our country, the educational culture has dramatically changed. We need to be stronger at adjusting to the cultural changes brought on by technology and social media.

6. Any final thoughts? Are there any issues you would like the school to address?

I want to make sure that the district is providing a safe educational environment for all of our students and staff. Bullying and divisive politics have a terrible impact on our community. If we don’t feel safe in our environment, we won’t be able advance our education.