Candidate for
Brockton School Committee
ward 5
elect
Sandra Centeio
MEET SANDRA
Candidate for Brockton School Committee
I’m a longtime Brocktonian, a proud graduate of Brockton Public Schools, and a social worker who’s worked in our schools to expand social and emotional learning programs. I migrated to the United States in 1996 and attended East Junior High as an 8th grader. I graduated from Brockton High, went to college, and recently earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University. While completing my graduate program, I served as a social work intern at West Middle School in 2022, where I focused on expanding social and emotional support for students and teachers as the school worked to return to “normal” following the worst parts of the pandemic.
As a mother of an 8th grader who goes to the Ashfield School and a 4th grader who attends the Baker School in Ward 5, I’ve personally navigated many of the hurdles our school system creates for families of children with learning differences. Like so many other parents in Ward 5 and across Brockton, I’ve had to be an advocate for my children in a system that for too long prioritized a “one size fits all” approach rather than working to accommodate diverse learning styles. These experiences as a parent advocate have made it clear to me that we need elected leaders on our School Committee who understand that the only acceptable definition of high-quality education is a definition that includes and accommodates all types of learners.
As a human service worker for over 20 years, I have served and advocated for individuals with disabilities in our community. I work daily with adults who have complex care needs, and have seen first-hand that adequate support from schools and communities can have a long-term impact on individuals and families. I am a proud union member and will stand up for unions and workers’ rights in our schools and city-wide. I know how to listen, organize, and build consensus among peers and colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
As a school committee member, I will apply the unique perspective I gained from recent work experience in our schools, my training as a social worker in human services, and the hard lessons I’ve learned as a parent, to fight for the future that our youth deserve. I will be a fierce advocate for all students and families in Ward 5, working alongside my colleagues to ensure that every child has the resources and opportunities they deserve.
These aren’t just campaign promises. They’re personal commitments shaped by my experience as a mother, a social worker, and a lifelong advocate for children and families. I’m ready to get to work for every student and every family in Ward 5.
MISSION & GOALS
I’m running for School Committee to bring compassionate, committed leadership to the East Side. Leadership that listens, understands, and takes action. I’ll advocate for strong academics, safe and inclusive schools, mental health support, and meaningful family and community engagement.
I know the challenges families face because I live them every day. I’m ready to lead with heart, honesty, and determination for every student in Brockton.
My campaign is built on four core goals:
01
Transparency and accountability: Everyone in our community deserves honesty, clarity, and access. I will work to make School Committee decisions easier to follow through open meetings, plain language communication, real-time updates, and clear public reporting. I’ll also push for stronger accountability, regular budget reviews, and detailed spending and oversight to ensure we never repeat the fiscal missteps of 2023.
02
High-quality education and safety: Every student deserves a quality education in a school where they feel safe, welcome, supported, and ready to learn. I’ll strengthen academics, early education, and restore music and arts. I’ll improve access to civics, STEM, financial literacy, and student achievement. I’ll prioritize safety through staff training, clear protocols, and a respectful school culture that supports learning.
03
Family and community engagement: Strong schools need strong connections. I’ll support community school models that bring families, neighbors, and local partners together. I’ll make engagement meaningful by respecting all voices and building trust between schools and the community. I’ll host East Side forums where residents can voice concerns, share ideas, and offer input to work together to shape lasting solutions.
04
Mental health and social emotional learning: When students are emotionally dysregulated, it gets in the way of learning. As a social work intern at West Middle School, I supported students and staff in building strong emotional supports. I’ll fight for more counselors, behavioral staff, and early intervention. I’ll improve school-wide practices that empower teachers, promote wellness, and help students build confidence and resilience.
