Zervas Moms: Why We Support Ben Schlesinger for School Committee
Letters to the Editor - Fig City News
October 28, 2025
As Zervas moms, we’ve seen how much Ben Schlesinger contributes to our community. He doesn’t just talk about engagement — he lives it. Whether coaching kids, attending school events, or helping parents understand what’s happening in City Hall, Ben shows up, listens, and follows through.
As a coach, Ben encourages every child, teaches teamwork, and builds confidence. That same respectful, steady approach is what we need on the School Committee. He brings people together, listens carefully, and focuses on what’s best for students.
We’ve seen his leadership firsthand. During the 2023 budget season, Zervas faced losing four educators, which would have raised class sizes to nearly 28 students. Ben organized parents through petitions, emails, and public comments. Thanks to that effort, those cuts were reversed, teachers kept their jobs, and class sizes stayed manageable.
Earlier this year, our community selected Ben for the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee to help choose a new principal. We trusted him to listen, represent families with integrity, and bring a balanced perspective.
Ben understands what schools need now: restoring academic rigor, sensible technology use, and strengthening social-emotional learning so students build resilience and empathy. He shares clear, factual information and grounds decisions in evidence and empathy.
We trust Ben because we’ve seen his character up close. He’s approachable, thoughtful, and deeply committed to Newton’s children and educators.
We support Ben Schlesinger for School Committee — leadership that is smart, caring, and grounded in community.
With appreciation,
Kate Cox
Marisa Tuttman
Jennifer Wo
Augusta Maher
Jenna Stein
Liz Cantwell
Katie Thatcher
Shruti Bansal
Amy McKeag
Melissa Miller
Yan Li
Irene Sherman
Jackie Orleck
Emily Rubin
Michaela Hubbard
Monica Richardson
Gretchen Brodnicki Morgan
Andrea Feller
Andrea Burgess
Megan McKenzie
Kristin Jonash
Iris Schlesinger
Sophie Gray
Anna Potz
Mia Able
Rachel Dori
Shannon Pastuszak
Jhilam Biswas
Maya Poorvu
Sara Floros