“Steve Siegel is an engaging and thoughtful candidate for Ward 5 School Committee. For years, Steve has shared his opinions and concerns regarding the state of our city and most importantly, the state of our school system– acknowledging its high quality yet recognizing its enormous potential to improve. His deep appreciation and respect for open communication and transparency in decision-making will foster greater dialogue with parents, teachers and the community at-large. I have no doubt that Steve’s experience and commitment will be a true asset to shaping the future of our schools..”

- Alderman Amy Sangiolo

“Steve really understands the important issues we are facing, and he will be a strong, new and independent voice on the School Committee. We definitely need his skills and his passion.”

- Alderman Jay Harney

“Steve is informed, thoughtful, and practical, and he cares deeply about our schools and our city. He is firmly committed to the conclusions of the CAG and understands the need for effective collaboration between the School Committee and the Board of Aldermen. His skills and approach will be of great benefit to the School Committee and by extension to all of Newton.”

- Alderman Marcia Johnson

“Our School Committee, with charge over a significant operation and annual budget, needs members who ask critical questions and direct meaningful action. I have been struck by Steve’s inquisitive nature and the methodical way he applies his background and skills in pursuit of matters that are critical to the entire school system, such as the Newton North project. He would make a terrific addition to the School Committee.”

- Alderman Stephen Linsky

“Having the fresh energy, perspective and deep thinking from someone like Steve Siegel would be a welcome and much needed addition to the School Committee. He is openminded, yet decisive. He is knowledgeable, yet still willing to learn. He is structured, but not set in his ways.”

- Alderman Greer Tan Swiston

“Steve also has great kindness and compassion and high respect for other people’s points of view. Steve has a remarkable ability to assimilate information and people’s input in a wide range of areas. And he is incisively analytic. I learn a lot from him.”

- School Committee member Geoff Epstein

“A vote for Steve is a vote for the energy, enthusiasm and expertise he will bring to the committee. It is a vote for a fresh perspective from an objective thinker. Steve has shown his community spirit through the projects he has spearheaded or supported, like the playground at Zervas. He has demonstrated the courage to state and defend publicly his opinions through blogs and commentaries on the Tab on issues not just pertaining to the schools but also to the overall well being of Newton. This integrative thought pattern, that considers the city as a whole, will be critical in the lean economic times we will be facing for the coming years. In addition to these proven personal qualities, commitment to education and commitment to the community, Steve brings valuable professional expertise as a renown structural engineer at a time when our school committee will finally deal with long overdue maintenance of many of our schools. I am sure many of us wish we had had his expertise while Newton North was being planned, but that is spilled milk, I hope we will benefit from his knowledge base and critical thinking going forward.”

- Estuardo Aguilar

“I will be casting my ballot for Steve Siegel in the Ward 5 School Committee race. Steve has mastered a wealth of information about Newton’s schools and has continued to ask the right questions about the change needed both to put the system on a sound fiscal footing and to optimize our children’s educational experience. In the critical area of math education, Steve has made it clear to me that he will be very helpful in strengthening the curriculum.”

- Joshua Cohen

“Steve will be a tremendous asset to the school committee. I’ve met with him on a number of occasions to discuss educational issues and leave each conversation impressed with his intent to be well prepared for this position from day one.

Steve asks questions about every educational issue imaginable but more importantly, he asks insightful follow up questions that demonstrate an ability to think on his feet and analyze information. He is open to change, but doesn’t want change just for the sake of it.

Steve raises the level of dialog – he makes me think harder and more deeply about my profession.”

- 30 year+ Newton teacher Jane Frantz

“I urge voters to elect Steve Siegel to the School Committee. He brings a clear-eyed, analytical perspective on our school system’s strengths and weaknesses — and an open, collaborative and creative mindset for developing sensible solutions. I applaud Steve’s focus on partnering with teachers to achieve a contract that is financially sustainable and attractive to all.

Steve’s earnest, thoughtful and capable. That he’s also a building design professional with experience we need for our elementary school projects is mere icing on the cake. He’ll be a great School Committee member.”

- Bruce Henderson

“Steve is an excellent listener, and a realist. He has an evolving personal vision that seeks what will be best for the community, and he has the ability to utilize resources and work well with others. He will do a great job if given the opportunity.”

- Nancy Minerva

“I always look forward to hearing what Steve has to say, whether it’s in his columns in the Tab or emails to the Newton Parents list or just talking to him one on one. He thinks carefully about the issues, researches what he doesn’t know, and only offers an opinion after considering all sides. I would feel like the future of NPS is in good hands with Steve as one of the helmspersons.”

- Emily Norton

“I know Steve from Temple and have been totally impressed with his ability to work with people, his intelligence and humor, his incredible energy, his kindness and ethics and drive to accomplish tasks. He has brought a wealth of information with him to our organization. He has effectively worked with different groups of congregants, committees, the board and the Rabbi to accomplish goals. So while you are thinking about the mayor you may want to look at Steve’s site www.stevesiegel.org/about-steve/ for school committee. We would be lucky to have his energy there.”

- Ellen Pashall

“Steve is a thoughtful intelligent engaging individual. He will make an excellent addition to the school committee. The SC needs someone with construction design experience and we could not have asked for a better candidate.”

- Mark Sangiolo

“Steve Siegel is, rational, diligent, intelligent, process oriented, concerned - all that and a sense of humor too! His experience as a parent and Structural Engineer would be a great asset to the School Committee.”

- Susan Sangiolo