An Introduction
My name is Abbie Gonzalez. I've been a Middleboro resident for over a decade. Both my children attend school here. Like many other parents in town, I've had my issues with the school. I was raised to distrust schools. And when I finally had children of my own, I was ... am ... very protective of them.
When Covid started, I feared for my children's health and safety on re-entering school. I thought it would be a fight to protect them. I thought I would have to plead for understanding to deaf ears. Instead, we were helped. We were shown options for our family when I thought there were none. And when my kids were able to return to school, they were onboarded and transitioned into normal classes. It turned out that the staff and community were as concerned for the safety of the children in Middleboro as much as I was for my own children. And they listened, and helped me find solutions I did not know were already there.
I am here today, because I want to help do the same. We are entering uncertain times again. There are situations that arise that we don't have control of. People are getting angry and furious. And by serving in the school committee, I would be able help the community the way I was helped. Listening. Providing understanding. And helping provide a path forward.
Past and Current Work
I started my career as an intern for the high school I graduated from, volunteering for a care center, and working for a home schooling company.
I stared consulting on the side in 2007, eventually consulting full time. During that time I've released OpenDyslexic (2012), an open-source accessibility typeface, working with schools international on implementations and their suggestions. I've also worked with non-profits and small businesses to create custom accessibility solutions.
In 2025 I joined the board of https://springfield.community, a non-profit committed to ensuring digital equity.
Links / News / Press
Middleboro School Committee candidate: Abbie Gonzalez, Nemasket Week