An expected drop in temperatures could cause a slight delay in one of Newton’s two elementary school addition and renovation projects. During last night’s school board meeting, Newton Superintendent Tom Messenger said trucks are hauling dirt and concrete from the north side of the Thomas Jefferson building. But with colder temperatures in the forecast, he says the pouring of footings for the addition will probably be pushed back one to two weeks. Messenger added some trees have been removed at Aurora Heights Elementary School, as construction work there is getting ready to pick up after Thanksgiving. 

The Newton School Board’s annual reorganizational meeting was also held last night. Robyn Friedman was unanimously elected to her third straight term as Board President. Josh Cantu was unanimously re-elected Vice President. Before the vote, school board member Travis Padget asked Friedman if she still wanted to lead the school board.

“I was willing to let Josh step into being Board President. But Josh is comfortable remaining as the Vice President, so I am willing to  do it again if everyone is fine with that.”

Friedman’s four year term on the Newton School Board expires one year from now, in November of 2025.