Adrian is a first-generation American and lifelong East Boston resident. Growing up in a family of activists, he frequently attended community meetings, events, and rallies, developing a profound sense of civic duty. Adrian was first introduced to government as a student at Boston Latin School when he interned at Boston City Hall, and his interest in public service was solidified during a college internship on Capitol Hill. After graduating from Tufts University, Adrian worked as the legislative aide and later chief of staff to the previous East Boston State Representative, Carlo Basile. While working for Rep. Basile, Adrian continued his studies at Tufts University part-time, obtaining a master’s degree in urban and environmental policy and planning. In 2015, Adrian succeeded Rep. Basile as East Boston’s State Representative, and is now serving his fourth term after being re-elected in 2020.
I come from a family of educators. My mom was a long time director and teacher of an alternative high school for at risk youth in Boston and my sister is a member of the Boston Teachers Union, educating our youth at East Boston High School.
Every single child in East Boston deserves a first class education. To that end, parents should have school choice options. We are fortunate to have great public, private and charter schools in East Boston, including two of the top performing schools in the state, Excel Academy and Brooke Charter School. We are also home to innovative schools like the co-op model of the Harbor City preschool, as well as Boston’s only public elementary Montessori school, the Dante Alighieri.
As your State Representative, I will be a staunch advocate for increased state aid for our public education system. Boston’s state aid has decreased every year since 2008 and is now more than $150 million less than six years ago. I will fight to increase that aid, as well as push for more Pre-K seats and Advanced Work Class seats in East Boston so every child can receive a strong educational foundation. In addition, with our increase in population, I will work with the City of Boston and community stakeholders to expand our public middle school offerings to include more 5th to 8th grade seats.
Not every youth in East Boston will follow a traditional academic path. Our community deserves a vocational trade school that will prepare our children to have well-paying careers in the trades and lead successful lives.