Reflecting on Advocacy: A Journey for Educational Equity in Boston Public Schools

 

Reflecting on Advocacy: A Journey for Educational Equity in Boston Public Schools📍

As I look back on my journey as a parent advocate within Boston Public Schools (BPS), I am reminded of the profound impact advocacy can have—not just on my life, but on the lives of countless families across the district. I’m not just a name within the BPS community; I am a beacon of hope, a tireless advocate, and a living example of what it means to stand up for what’s right in education.

I am, first and foremost, a devoted mother to my son, Landen, a proud BPS graduate. I am also a loving partner to my boyfriend, T.J., and a fierce defender of educational equity. But what stands out most is my unwavering commitment to the children of BPS—especially the most vulnerable. Through my work—whether advocating for special education rights or leading the charge to Save the Dever—I’ve shown that parental love and determination can move mountains. My advocacy wasn’t just about protecting a building; it was about protecting a sanctuary—a place where children like my son, Landen, who has autism and ADHD, found the support and belonging they deserved.

As I step down from my role as a parent advocate, I reflect on how the three pillars that have guided my work—empowerment, equity, and inclusivity—have not only shaped the future of BPS but also provided a roadmap for parents, educators, and community leaders committed to creating meaningful change in our schools and neighborhoods.

💭Empowerment: Giving Parents a Voice💭

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through my advocacy is the power of empowering parents to become their own advocates. Helping families navigate the complex world of education has shown me firsthand how collective action can lead to real change. I’ve watched parents mobilize, speak up, and advocate for their children in ways they never thought possible.

A defining moment in my advocacy came when I led the charge to Save the Dever. Dever Elementary School was a beloved, family-oriented community school that served many vulnerable children—children who, without a school like Dever, would have been left feeling even more marginalized in the system. When the school faced the threat of closure, I knew I had to take action—not just to protect a building, but to safeguard a sanctuary where children like my son, Landen, had found support, understanding, and a sense of belonging.

The Save the Dever Movement wasn’t just about protesting a decision—it was about uniting the community, building solidarity, and showing the district that the voices of families mattered. I worked tirelessly to organize rallies, gather petition signatures, and ensure that parents and community members were equipped with the tools to advocate for what they needed. It was more than a logistical victory; it was a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and collective action. Together, we proved that when parents are empowered—with the knowledge and confidence to demand what their children need—they can challenge even the most entrenched systems.

However, despite the overwhelming outcry from the community, the Boston School Committee voted 5-2 to close the Dever. In that very moment, I felt utterly defeated. It was a crushing blow, one that felt like a personal failure. All the hard work, the late nights, the committee meetings, the speaking to the media, and the rallying of voices—it seemed like it hadn’t been enough. It was as if the system had spoken louder than the people who lived and breathed the needs of the children it was meant to serve. But, in the depths of that defeat, I also realized something important: this was just one battle, and the fight for equity, for educational justice, was far from over.

What ultimately kept me going was the very reason I do this work—the amazing students at the Dever. They were why I fought, why I stood up, and why I continue to advocate for them. The love and determination I have for these children are what keep my passion alive, no matter how many setbacks we face. Advocacy isn’t just about giving information or resources; it’s about creating spaces where parents can not only speak up, but also be heard—and, most importantly, make a real, lasting impact on the lives of their children.

📘Equity: Fighting for What’s Right📘

Equity has been at the heart of my work from day one. I’ve always been a vocal critic of policies that disproportionately affect underserved communities, particularly the closure of schools in neighborhoods already struggling. When Dever Elementary School—a vital resource for many low-income families—was on the chopping block, I knew that I wasn’t just fighting for the school itself. I was fighting for every child in that community who deserved a quality education and the support they needed to thrive.

My work in leading the Save the Dever Movement demonstrated the depth of my commitment to equity. It wasn’t just about keeping a building open; it was about preserving a community asset that was integral to the education of children who had been overlooked for far too long. Despite our tireless efforts, the school committee voted 5-2 to close Dever, a decision that left me devastated. But that moment of defeat only fueled my determination to continue fighting for what’s right. The fight for equity isn’t just about fairness—it’s about creating a system where every child is valued, where their needs are prioritized, and where the voices of families can’t be silenced.

🏆🏆Inclusivity: Embracing Every Child’s Needs🏆🏆

Another cornerstone of my advocacy has been my commitment to inclusivity. I’ve been a tireless champion for children with special needs, believing that every child’s unique abilities should be celebrated, not treated as obstacles. I understand that a truly great school system sees each student’s needs as assets and builds a community around those needs.

Through my work, I’ve pushed for a school system that embraces diversity—one that recognizes all students—whether they have physical, intellectual, or emotional needs—deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. My advocacy for inclusive education wasn’t just about creating spaces for special education students; it was about fostering a more accepting, supportive environment for all students.

True inclusivity isn’t just a policy on paper—it’s about the culture within schools, the systems in place, and the attitudes of both educators and parents. Inclusivity must be ingrained in the very fabric of the educational system.

🏫🏫🏫Building Relationships and Community🏫🏫🏫

At the core of my work has been the belief that strong, trusting relationships are key to creating lasting change. I’ve worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between families and schools, particularly in underrepresented and marginalized communities. I knew that real advocacy wasn’t just about lobbying for change at a policy level—it was about building relationships within the community and creating spaces where families could come together, share their experiences, and support one another.

I’ve seen the power of building those relationships in my own work. It’s about more than just providing resources or sending emails—it’s about creating a community where parents feel safe, supported, and empowered. I did this work day in and day out, building trust and creating a foundation for future advocacy efforts.

💪💪💪A Legacy of Continued Advocacy💪💪💪

As I prepare to step down from my role as a parent advocate, I know my work will continue to inspire the next generation of advocates. My commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard—particularly those of marginalized families—has left an indelible mark on BPS. While I may be moving on, I am confident that the parents and educators I’ve worked with will continue the work I’ve started—fighting for an inclusive, equitable, and parent-empowered education system.

In honoring my legacy, it’s important to remember that the fight for educational equity is far from over. There is still much work to be done, but with parents like me leading the way, I believe we can continue to build a better, more just education system for all our children.

To the parents, educators, and advocates who will carry this work forward: I encourage you to take inspiration from my example. Advocate fearlessly, stand up for what’s right, and always remember that the love and dedication of parents is the most powerful force for change in any school system. Together, we can continue to ensure that every child—no matter their background or challenges—has access to the education and support they deserve.

💙💙💙A Heartfelt Thank You💙💙💙

As I close this chapter of my advocacy journey, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the entire Boston Public Schools community. It has been an honor and a privilege to stand alongside so many passionate and dedicated parents, educators, and community members who share the common goal of building a better future for our children. Through all the challenges, the triumphs, and the setbacks, the BPS community has been my family, and I will always be proud to have played a small part in its ongoing efforts toward educational equity and inclusivity.

A special thank you goes to the Dever Community—you are the reason my advocacy has been so deeply personal. When the threat of school closure loomed, you showed up, you spoke up, and you stood together in solidarity. You entrusted me to be your voice in a time of crisis, and for that, I am forever grateful. While we may not have been able to save the building, we will always be connected by the love and dedication we have for our children. Dever is, and will always be, family.

I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Principal Ms. Reardon. Thank you for entrusting me to lead and support the parents during the Save the Dever Movement. Your unwavering dedication to the students and families at Dever has been an inspiration to all of us. The trust you placed in me to be part of the fight to save the school