Strong Schools, Strong Beverly: Why I am Supporting Keith Sonia for City Council At-Large

Dear Friends and Neighbors of Beverly,

I am pleased to share my enthusiastic support for Keith Sonia for Beverly City Council At-Large.

Over several heartfelt conversations with Keith, one theme consistently stood out: his belief that a strong public school system is the foundation of a resilient, engaged, and equitable community. That message is not just campaign talk: it is personal. Keith understands that public education has the power to transform lives, and he knows that Beverly’s long-term success depends on ensuring that every student has the opportunities and resources they deserve.

Keith does not just talk about education; he is committed to tackling the specific challenges Beverly schools face right now. Our city spends $18 million below the state average on a per pupil basis, and families are seeing the consequences in real time. This includes larger class sizes, reduced programming, and the loss of 50 school positions over the past two years. The FY26 budget alone represents a $2.67 million cut from a true level-services budget, resulting in 29.62 eliminated staff, and forcing painful reductions that diminish opportunities for our children. These are not abstract numbers. These cuts represents teachers, paraprofessionals, and specialists who shape students’ daily experiences in the classroom. This chronic underfunding weakens the foundation of our schools at the very moment when students most need stability and support.

In our conversations, Keith has been thoughtful and clear: Beverly must move toward an open and transparent budget process that starts with students’ needs and works forward, rather than one driven by arbitrary caps. He recognizes that if we want a vibrant city, we cannot afford to hollow out our classrooms. Supporting educators, protecting programs, and planning responsibly for the future are not optional. Funding schools is essential to maintaining the strength of our community.

Keith’s broader vision for Beverly aligns with these values. He has built a career around bringing people together, listening to diverse voices, and finding collaborative solutions. He has pledged to strengthen housing affordability, protect our coastline, and expand opportunity for working families – all while keeping education at the heart of the city’s priorities.

At this pivotal moment, when Beverly schools are under historic strain from structural underfunding, rising costs, and mounting needs, we need leaders who see clearly that education is not simply a line item. It is the foundation upon which our city’s future rests. Keith Sonia understands this truth, and he will bring that perspective to every decision he makes on the City Council.

I urge you to join me in supporting Keith Sonia for City Council At-Large. He will be a champion for our schools, our neighborhoods, and our city’s future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Matthew C. Ferreira

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