As you may know, local philanthropist John S. Carter Jr. was an esteemed member of the Paul Cuffee School community for more than 15 years and enjoyed close relationships with our founding Board President, the late David Burnham, founding Head of School, David Bourns, and current Trustee, Joop Nagtegaal. We were saddened to learn that Mr. Carter died on October 24th, but will always remember with admiration and gratitude his lifetime of achievement and the legacy of philanthropic generosity that has supported thousands of deserving individuals and worthy organizations like Paul Cuffee School.
I remember meeting John and his wife Letitia for the very first time when touring them through the elementary school building we now own. At that time, it was an abandoned maintenance garage in need of significant repairs and renovations. But the Carters, in their infinite wisdom, could see our future unfolding at 459 Promenade Street – perhaps even before we did.
By joining our Finance Committee, asking tough questions, and initiating a matching challenge grant, John helped our school grow and evolve from its humble beginnings in borrowed classroom spaces, to the high performing K-12 charter school it is today. He and Letitia supported us from the outset because they believed in our mission and the aspirations of Paul Cuffee students, teachers and the School’s leadership team.
John and Letitia Carter‘s investment in the Paul Cuffee School helped us to purchase our elementary school building and the property next door, and expand our infrastructure as we added each grade. Their involvement and sustained generosity made it possible to offer the innovative programs and transformative enrichment experiences that distinguish our school and impact student achievement year after year.
John’s presence in our world and his thought-provoking questions, optimism and integrity will be sorely missed. We could not be more fortunate to have known him and to count him among our school’s most generous friends.
Julia Karahalis
Development Director