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Contact: Vote Pina Committee
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Website: https://votepina.com

Stephen Pina Explores Run for Ward 1 School Committee in Brockton

Veteran, father, and former Brockton High student-athlete says it’s time to bring accountability, discipline, and pride back to the city’s schools.

BROCKTON, MA — Stephen Pina, a U.S. Army veteran, father of four, small business owner, and former federal executive, announced today that he is officially exploring a run for Ward 1 School Committee in Brockton’s upcoming 2025 election.

Pina’s connection to Brockton runs deep. He grew up on the north/east side by Ashfield School, went to East Junior High and then to Brockton High School. A graduate of Brockton High School, he played on two state championship football teams, but says his academic experience was far from perfect.

“I almost didn’t graduate high school,” Pina said. “It wasn’t because I couldn’t learn — it’s because the system didn’t demand enough of me. I lacked discipline, direction, and support. I had to find it elsewhere.”

He credits the Centre City Gym, where he trained throughout his teen years, and later, serving in a Ranger Battalion in the U.S. Army, for instilling the discipline and toughness that changed the course of his life. After the Army, Pina went on to play college football, earn two master’s degrees, and was elected class president — a turnaround that shaped his leadership style and worldview.

“I’m not running as some polished insider. I’m running as a father who’s been through it, a student who struggled, and a man who turned it around by getting serious about life. And right now, our schools need that same kind of turnaround.”

With four children currently attending Brockton Public Schools, Pina says he has a front-row seat to what’s broken: chaotic classrooms, poor academic outcomes, staff burnout, and a complete lack of leadership accountability.

Pina is currently traveling Ward 1, talking to parents, teachers, and community leaders while building support around his Champion City Project — a 12-point plan aimed at restoring standards, enforcing discipline, and bringing respect and results back to Brockton schools.

Key proposals include:

• Aggressive academic benchmarks and public dashboards
• Mandatory School Improvement Plans for failing schools under M.G.L. c. 69
• Creation of a trades-based public high school to compete with Southeastern Regional
• Graduation requirements in personal finance and U.S. civics
• Protection and better compensation for frontline staff: janitors, paras, aides, and food service workers

“I’ve got skin in the game — four kids in the district. I’ve seen the dysfunction firsthand. I’m exploring this run because I believe Brockton deserves better. The kids deserve better. And we’ve waited long enough for someone else to step up.”

An official decision on candidacy is expected by the end of July. In the meantime, community members are encouraged to learn more and share their concerns at www.VotePina.com or by contacting the exploratory committee at [email protected].