Newton School Board to Discuss Elementary School Renaming and Atlanta Field Trip

Agenda includes talks on closing schools and opening new ones, as well as a request for DECA students to attend a conference.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Newton School Board will meet tonight to discuss renaming the two elementary schools that will be used next school year, as Emerson Hough and Woodrow Wilson Elementaries are closing while the newly renovated and enlarged Aurora Heights and Thomas Jefferson Elementary schools open. The board will also consider a request to grant a field trip to Atlanta, Georgia, so DECA students can attend the DECA International Career Development Conference.

Why it matters

The renaming of the elementary schools is an important decision that will impact the community, as the names chosen can reflect the values and history of the district. The field trip request for DECA students to attend a national conference is also significant, as it provides valuable learning and networking opportunities for those students.

The details

Superintendent Tom Messinger and Emerson Hough Elementary Principal Tara Zehr will lead the discussion on renaming the two elementary schools that will be used next school year. The board will also consider a Cooperative Sponsorship Agreement with the Lynnville-Sully Community School District for Boys Soccer this school year.

  • The Newton School Board meeting is tonight at 6:30 p.m.
  • The DECA International Career Development Conference is scheduled for April 25th through the 29th.

The players

Tom Messinger

Superintendent of the Newton School District.

Tara Zehr

Principal of Emerson Hough Elementary School.

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What they’re saying

“We must carefully consider the new names for our elementary schools to ensure they reflect the values and history of our community.”

— Tom Messinger, Superintendent (Newton Daily News)

What’s next

The Newton School Board will vote on the elementary school renaming and the DECA field trip request at tonight's meeting.

The takeaway

The Newton School Board is making important decisions that will impact the future of the district's elementary schools and provide valuable opportunities for its DECA students.