Jim Murphy, a teacher and administrator for nearly 40 years, announced he is running for the Newton School Committee and urged voters to "Please vote for me on November 4," in brief remarks recorded in the meeting transcript.

Murphy said the upcoming election presents a turning point for local schools, saying, "This election, nearly the entire committee will turn over, which means we have an opportunity to decide what vision of the Newton Public Schools will best serve our students and our community." He characterized two visions for the committee: one he described as treating the committee "like a board of directors looking to maximize shareholders return on investment," and another that centers schools as instruments of community and civic life.

"We can have a committee that also understands that our schools are at the heart of maintaining a sense of community over generations and keeps the dual mission of public education, individual and civic learning in mind," Murphy said. He repeatedly referenced his experience, saying, "I've been a teacher and administrator for almost 40 years," and that his background means he would not need to "guess what a policy looks like in the classroom."

The remarks in the transcript did not list specific policy proposals or detail how Murphy would act on the issues he raised. He closed by repeating his name and asking for votes on Nov. 4.

The statement was recorded as part of the meeting transcript; the speaker did not identify a sponsoring organization or provide additional campaign logistics in the remarks.