The Brave Face: A Lifetime at the Dever and the Fight for Our Future

 

The Brave Face: A Lifetime at the Dever and the Fight for Our Future



This coming week is, in a word, heavy. My calendar is a blur of City Council chambers, school hallways, and pre-op appointments. But as I look at the schedule, I realize every single one of these moments is connected by a single thread: the choice to show up, even when the weight feels impossible to carry.

A Lifetime at the Dever: "All Roads Lead Through Here"



This week carries a special kind of weight as I head to the Dever to go over photos for the website. This isn’t just a school to me; it is my second home. For nearly 70 years, these halls have been a sanctuary for generations. I am forever grateful for my journey here—first as a student, then as a parent, and lastly as an advocate.

But the clock is ticking. On June 30th, 2026, I will take my last steps in those halls, and the final bell will ring on a place that has been a home to so many. It breaks my heart, but I know one thing for certain: no matter where we all go, "All roads lead through the Dever." We are forever family.

The Front Lines: The March 25th Deadline



It is that family spirit that drives me to the City Council hearing this week regarding the Audit of BPS Special Education Services. Over the last several days, I’ve learned a vital, painful truth: in this state, our children and our educators have been shoved into the backseat.

We are witnessing a hideous round of uncalled-for budget cuts that threaten to dismantle our communities. Mental health needs are falling on deaf ears, and Special Education services are being stripped back. These issues hit far too close to home.

The BPS School Committee will vote on this budget on March 25th. We have less than three weeks to show them that they cannot keep taking from and hurting our communities, our teachers, and our students.

A Promise of Strength



While I’m fighting for the city, I’m also preparing for a personal battle: surgery on several veins in my left leg.

Physical recovery is daunting, but I made a promise to someone very special that I would remain strong—both during the procedure and in the weeks after. Strength isn't about the absence of pain; it's about the resolve to keep standing for what matters. This surgery might slow my pace for a moment, but it will never silence my voice.

The Joy in the Chaos



Amidst the advocacy and medical prep, my 7th grader is preparing for his very first music show in May. Watching him practice, I’m struck by how fast 7th grade is flying by. Before I know it, this year will be over.

It’s a reminder of why the fight for our schools is so urgent. Our children only get one shot at an education. They don't have time for us to "wait until next year." They need us to be brave now.

Take Action: Sign and Share



I am not just asking for your support; I am asking for your voice. We must halt the school closures and stop the teacher layoffs that are threatening our children's future before that March 25th vote.

Please sign and share my petition here: Save Boston Teachers & Students

To the educators feeling the burn of these cuts, and the parents wondering if their voices matter: I see you. I put on my brave face every day to fight side-by-side with you. We won't stop until an answer is made and every student is treated as an equal.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nine Months of Love, Growth, and Gratefulness

Image
  Nine Months of Love, Growth, and Gratefulness It’s been a beautiful season in my life — full of milestones, reflections, and deep, deep gratitude. This week, my sweetheart and I celebrated nine months together . Nine months of laughter, late-night talks, growth, patience, and joy. I’ve never felt more connected to someone before. We truly get each other in a way that feels both effortless and deeply meaningful. He motivates me to be better — not just for him, not just for us, but for me . I’ve never been prouder of any man. The way he shows up for himself, and for us as a unit, honestly takes my breath away. When I think back to the moment we first met, it still stuns me — who knew something so simple would lead to something so rare and real? What we have wasn’t rushed or forced. It grew — slowly, intentionally, and organically. It’s a love that makes the world feel softer. I catch myself smiling at every love song, but one in particular brought me to tears: “I Am Yours” by ...
Read more

Series One: Introduction to the Legacy

Image
  Series One: Introduction to the Legacy In just a few months, Paul A. Dever Elementary School will close its doors for the final time—marking the end of an important chapter in Boston’s educational and cultural history. But this isn’t just about a school shutting down. It’s about a community losing its anchor. 🔍 Why This Series Matters Over the coming weeks, I’ll be diving deep into the legacy of the Dever —what it meant to: Students who found a second home in its classrooms Teachers who dedicated decades of their lives Families who walked its halls for generations We’ll revisit the highs, the struggles, and the fierce determination that kept the Dever standing through turbulent times. Most importantly, we’ll hear directly from the people who lived it. Because behind every school are stories— Stories of resilience , hope , heartbreak , and triumph . And the Dever’s story is no different. 🏫 Paul A. Dever Elementary: A School with History and Heart Opened in 1957 , Paul A. Dever...
Read more

Series Two: A School Under Receivership

Image
  Series Two: A School Under Receivership In 2014 , the Paul A. Dever Elementary School—once a beacon in the Columbia Point community—was labeled chronically underperforming by the state of Massachusetts. Overnight, it was placed under state receivership . For many families, educators, and longtime staff, the news hit like a gut punch. Despite vocal opposition from the Dever community, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education ( DESE ) moved forward with the takeover. What followed was not a rescue— It was a decade of disruption, instability, and a revolving door of leadership. All in the name of “improvement.” 🔄 A Decade of Disruption Receivership promised transformation. Instead, it delivered chaos. Beloved programs were cut. Many of the school’s Latino educators —who reflected the culture, language, and identities of the student body—were pushed out. Trust began to unravel. Honesty began to fade. Here’s how the timeline unfolded: 2014 : DESE assume...
Read more