Fund Our Schools. Elect Julie Flowers.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am writing today to express my wholehearted support for Julie R. Flowers, who is seeking re-election as an at-Large City Councilor. Beverly’s public schools are in crisis; strained by mounting financial pressures, behavioral challenges, declining test scores, and gaps in resources. Now, more than ever, we need a leader with Julie’s experience, dedication, and vision to help guide us forward.

Our schools are grappling with escalating operational costs, increasing student needs, and urgent challenges that demand both immediate action and long-term investment. Families, educators, and students are feeling the strain, and our community cannot afford continued underfunding.

Julie Flowers has consistently shown herself to be the kind of leader we need:

• A Champion for School Funding: During the Beverly Teachers Association strike, Julie stood with Councilor Hannah Bowen in support of a resolution committing the City Council to “act with the utmost urgency on any additional funding request resulting from a settled contract,” and to work collaboratively with residents and stakeholders toward sustainable funding solutions.

• An Advocate for an Override: Julie has been clear: “Our schools need more funding, not less.” She has pledged to work with her colleagues on the City Council to explore the possibility of a budget override ballot question. She recognizes that, for our district and city to thrive, we must be willing to confront fiscal limits head-on.

• An Inclusive and Accountable Leader: As Council President, Julie has prioritized transparency and responsiveness. Whether guiding the Council through difficult debates on school funding, ensuring residents’ concerns were heard during utility and infrastructure projects, or fostering collaboration among colleagues to move the city forward.

• Rooted in Our Schools: A Beverly High alumna, Julie has invested deeply in school programming at the elementary and middle levels. Her advocacy comes from both professional leadership and personal commitment to Beverly’s children.

When Beverly’s educational foundations are wavering, we need a leader who understands both the urgency and the pathway forward. Julie is not just talking about the fight ahead. She is ready to lead it.

That is why I am proud to support Julie Flowers for City Council At-Large. With her leadership, Beverly’s students, teachers, and families will have a champion who not only acknowledges the school funding crisis, but is actively mobilizing to address it.

Please join me in voting for Julie Flowers this fall. Together, we can secure the resources our schools need and ensure a stronger future for all of Beverly’s children.

Sincerely,

Dr. Matthew C. Ferreira

Beverly resident and Associate Superintendent for School Administrative Unit 21 (serving five communities on the NH seacoast)