Letter to the Editor of the Dedham Times on March 3, 2023 from Patricia Flaherty in support of Stephen Acosta

Dear Dedham Voters,

I am a proud parent of two graduates of the Dedham Public Schools and wholeheartedly endorse Stephen Acosta for a position on the Dedham School Committee. 

I recently retired as an employee of DPS for over 15 years as a Food Service Worker and a Paraprofessional at Greenlodge Elementary School. I have seen firsthand the pros and cons of the Dedham School system, and understand what is needed to address the challenges we face in providing the best possible education to Dedham’s students.

I have known Stephen since he was in elementary school. My son, Sean, got to know Stephen from school activities and Dedham Youth Sports.  Likewise, I got to know Stephen as well. He always impressed me as a student and as an individual, even at a young age.  

Stephen was a student and athlete at Dedham High School and excelled in both. Stephen brings his own experience with the Dedham Schools as a former student and will bring a new perspective of what is needed to highlight what works and improve what does not.  His energy and passion is what is needed to move the Dedham school system forward in the future. 

Stephen graduated from the Dedham Public Schools as well and went onto the University of Central Florida where he graduated with a bachelors degree and then a Masters in Public Administration. Since then, he has served as a legislative staffer in the Massachusetts State Senate. Given his background, Stephen has the knowledge, intuition, and experience to be a leader in the Dedham School System.

I proudly endorse Stephen Acosta for a seat on the Dedham School Committee and ask you to cast one of your two votes for Stephen on April 8 as well.

Patricia Flaherty
Kimball Road