Letter To The Editor: Raul Fernandez Is The Education Champion We Need

BROOKLINE, MA — The following letter to the editor was submitted by Brookline educator Kevin MacKenzie.

In the upcoming September 6th primary, we have an education champion on the ballot - and that champion is Raul Fernandez. As a Brookline educator, I have seen firsthand how Raul works to defend one of our most critical public goods - our public education system.

Raul, in his capacity as a PSB parent, Brookline resident, and former Vice Chair of the Select Board, has consistently advocated on behalf of educators and students. He pushed to secure millions in ARPA funding for us, even when some in the Town’s political establishment sought to further cut the operating budget for the public schools. Raul’s advocacy helped secure $3.5 million in funding for PSB which avoided mass layoffs. Raul led this effort on the Select Board and helped Brookline avert education disaster as the Town still grapples with the decision in 2020 to lay-off over 300 PSB educators.

Like myself, he believes that a well-resourced public school can unlock the limitless potential in its students. As State Representative, Raul will represent more than just Brookline. He will use his position at the State House to lift up all voices and ensure that Massachusetts' public schools are adequately funded and that the state legislature is working to ensure the needs of all students are being met. You can read more about Raul’s commitment to public education and his platform here. He is the only candidate who has released one. This type of leadership is desperately needed, and Brookline along with the rest of the Commonwealth stands to benefit from it.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association has recently endorsed Raul, speaking further to his commitment to public education and the needs of all students. We know what happens when students are given access to resources: they succeed. It is time for our state government to prioritize our future and further invest in our public education system. I am proud to stand alongside Raul and the MTA in working towards this.

I became involved in our Town’s politics because I want to ensure my students and their families live under the best possible circumstances. I firmly believe that electing Raul Fernandez is a big step in that direction. He has my support and I encourage you to cast your vote for him on or before September 6th.

Kevin MacKenzie