THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025 Page 3 ~ POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~ Stephen Damiano Jr. Announces Candidacy for Revere School Committee Ward 4 S tephen Damiano Jr., a lifelong Revere resident and father of two children enrolled in the Revere Public Schools, has offi cially declared his candidacy for the Ward 4 seat on the Revere School Committee. Following recent changes (H.2058) that established ward-based representation on the Revere School Committee, Damiano submitted 59 signatures, all of which have been certified by the Election Department, offi cially placing him on the ballot. This marks the fi rst time that Ward 4 will elect its own representative to the committee. Damiano brings a strong sense of civic responsibility and fi rsthand knowledge of the school system as a fulltime stay-at-home parent. His campaign is focused on practical priorities: ensuring school safety, improving communication between families and school leaders, and strengthening both academic BUDGET | FROM Page 1 ical and technical overtime, not filling positions that were approved but not yet fi lled and cuts to instructional coaching and other nonteaching staff , such as health aides hired to help school nurses during the pandemic. One of the biggest problems is transportation. The district needs $11.6 million to get students to schools and programs each day. Student transportation and the cost are actually the responsibility of the City of Revere, as is the upkeep of all school buildings. Kelly said possible solutions to the transportation problem include cutting buses for students who live within two miles of their school. There is the possibility of ending the middle school lottery and returning to a neighborhood school model. Also, parents who have a child in an out-of-district special needs foundations and career readiness programs. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the city through ongoing volunteer work, including support for local events, school activities, and service at the local Food Pantry at the First Congregational Church. These experiences have given him insight into where local families — especially those with school-age children — are doing well, and where renewed focus and stronger support are needed. To mark the start of his campaign, Damiano will host a kickoff fundraiser on Tuesday, May 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Volare, a well-known local restaurant in Revere. All are welcome to attend and learn more about his vision for Revere’s schools. Damiano’s campaign is rooted in the belief that public schools work best when they are safe, well-managed, and responsive to the famiprogram and who arrange their own transportation are eligible for fi nancial compensation from the district. Still, the total is a diffi cult gap to bridge. “We’re telling the city what we want, but it’s their money and we have to be fair,” said committee member and treasurer Anthony Caggiano. “For us to make a decision using their money is not the fair way.” Caggiano suggested it be left to the city to decide what cuts to make to transportation in order to make it work fi nancially. “It’s the city’s money but it’s up to us to fi nd the best use for it for our students,” said committee member Stacey Rizzo. The committee agreed to ask for a meeting with the mayor, the city’s chief fi nancial offi cer and the transportation subcommittee to discuss options for school transportation next year. lies they serve. He pledges to be a steady, accessible, and accountable voice for Ward 4 residents on the School Committee. To get in touch or learn more: Website: www.linktr.ee/stephendamianojr Donate: secure.actblue. com/donate/ctestephendamiano Email: Damiano.stephen. candidate@gmail.com Phone: 781-284-0387 Stephen Damiano Jr. is shown pulling nomination papers at City Hall for the newly created Ward 4 School Committee seat.
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