School Committee Meeting - October 20, 2025

Governing Body: Somerville School Committee Meeting Date: October 20, 2025 Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Attendees: Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Emily Ackman, Ilana Krepchin, Andre Green, Laura Pitone, Leiran Biton, Ellenor Barish, Sarah Phillips, Lance Davis, Rubén Carmona (Superintendent)

Executive Summary: The Somerville School Committee convened on October 20, 2025, for a hybrid meeting. Key discussions included student advisory committee reports highlighting academic statistics and new course offerings, a detailed report from the Superintendent on MCAS and formative assessment data, and a celebratory presentation on student acceptances to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing a structural deficit in the Community Schools' out-of-school time program, with options for tuition increases presented. The committee also reviewed a new competency determination policy, approved various grants, and conducted the Superintendent's summative evaluation.

• The meeting was called to order.
• Roll Call:
  • Ms. Pitone: Present
  • Dr. Ackman: Present
  • Mr. Green: Present
  • Mr. Biton: Present
  • President Davis: Present
  • Mayor Ballantyne: Present
  • Ms. Barish: Present
  • Dr. Phillips: Present
  • Chair Krepchin: Present
• A quorum was established.

• A moment of silence was observed, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Representatives: Magnus Snell (Senior, SHS) and Aiden Becker (Senior, SHS).
• Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Celebrations:
  • Included a soccer game, volleyball game, and a screening of the Selena movie.
  • Reported as very successful with high turnout.
• Massachusetts State Student Advisory Council Greater Boston Regional Advisory Council Meeting:
  • SHS hosted the first meeting of the year for the regional division.
  • Magnus Snell and Ava Piscico helped lead the meeting, analyzing data from DESE.
  • Mr. Green commended the initiative, noting its importance for urban education and student leadership statewide.
• Class Assembly Statistics (Last Friday):
  • Chronic absenteeism rate decreased from 31% (2024 school year) to 25% (2025 school year).
  • Zero out-of-school suspensions compared to five by September in the previous school year.
  • Almost 30% of 11th-grade students are failing at least one course.
• XBlock Feedback on New Courses:
  • Students will provide feedback on potential new courses for next year, including:
    • AP Art classes (AP Drawing, AP 3D Art + Design)
    • New music classes (Music Tech, Music Production)
    • New PE class (Dance II)
    • AP Business
  • XBlock will be converted to a pass/fail course.
    • The change is being considered due to students leaving early without repercussions, as XBlock is currently a non-graded period at the end of the day on Wednesdays.
• First Generation College Mentoring Program:
  • Scheduled for October 29th.
• Discussion:
  • Mr. Green expressed interest in future conversations on the data points and highlighted the significance of SHS's involvement in the State Student Advisory Council.
  • Mr. Biton inquired about the XBlock pass/fail change, noting his surprise that it wasn't already graded.

• Motion: To approve minutes from September 8th, September 29th, and October 6th.
• Motion by: Mr. Green
• Seconded by: Dr. Phillips
• Discussion:
  • Mr. Biton requested a delay in approval due to materials not being posted before the meeting.
• Outcome: Motion to approve minutes was tabled until the next meeting.

• No public comments were received.

• Superintendent Rubén Carmona opened by acknowledging Diwali and its connection to strengthening programs and enriching student opportunities.
• MCAS and Formative Assessment Data:
  • Presented MCAS growth percentile data for ELA and Math, noting flat data for special education and MLE.
  • Shared I-Ready and DIBELS data showing an upward trajectory in baseline scores:
    • From 54% to 60% in starting data for the year (specific subject not mentioned, but implied to be overall readiness).
  • Noted a gap in 4th and 8th-grade math.
  • Anecdotal Evidence: Dr. Jessica Boston-Davis shared an anecdote from a classroom visit where students were highly engaged with the book "The Watsons Go to Birmingham," discussing it outside of school.
    • Mr. Green affirmed the anecdote, sharing his child's positive experience with the book.
    • Ms. Pitone praised the sharing of formative assessment data, advocating for its continued public sharing and inclusion in the dashboard for a more timely and accurate reflection of student growth.
  • Superintendent Carmona emphasized that alignment across the district with high-quality instructional materials is crucial for better outcomes.
  • Discussion: Ms. Pitone inquired about student choice in reading materials. Dr. Boston-Davis clarified that while there are core texts, students have opportunities for selection within the ELA block.
• HBCU Building Bridges Event:
  • Juliana Harrinson, an SHS student, received a scholarship and on-the-spot acceptance to Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, after attending the HBCU Building Bridges College Fair.
  • Nancy Namako also received acceptance to Claflin University.
  • Melanie Kessler provided context on the fair, noting 27 students attended, and some opted for on-the-spot admissions interviews.
  • Dr. Jessica Boston-Davis, an HBCU alumna (Spelman College), highlighted the critical role of HBCUs in producing Black professionals across various fields (e.g., 50% of Black lawyers, 70% of Black doctors, 50% of Black teachers).
• Facilities Memo:
  • A facilities walkthrough memo, developed by Daniel Berry (Facilities, Safety, and Transportation Coordinator) and Amara Nosike (Chief of Staff and Strategy), was included in the packet.
  • Berry and Nosike will present a detailed walkthrough and facilities updates at the next meeting.
• Field Trip Presentation (Chicago Music Department Trip):
  • Presenters: Max Everard (SHS Choir Director), Joanne Sadler (Orchestra Director), Beverly Mosby (Music Supervisor).
  • Objective: To provide SHS music students an opportunity to see themselves as citizens of the world, build community, and connect to the arts.
  • Previous Trips: Reviewed past out-of-state trips, noting varying costs (e.g., New Orleans 2020 trip was $1,350/student, Orlando was $1,100/student). The Chicago trip is $1,000/student for a larger group.
  • Fundraising:
    • Committed to ensuring every student can attend regardless of ability to pay.
    • In 2024, $12,000 was raised, fully funding 8 student trips and partially funding 11.
    • Over $10,000 raised from the Fluff Festival alone, with an additional $10,000 in the student activity account, totaling $20,000.
    • Fundraising goal is to raise $50,000 to cover a portion of everyone's trip.
    • Fundraising ideas include busking, caroling, Singing Valentines, bake sales, and local business events.
  • Safety Plan:
    • Pre-trip preparation: Written parent/guardian permission, emergency medical release (district-provided), student packets with ID copies, medical consent, emergency contacts.
    • Chaperone Ratio: 1:10 student-to-chaperone ratio.
    • Required Documentation for Leaders: Copies of consent forms, medical info, master roster, airline itinerary.
    • Communication Plan: Remind app for real-time updates, emergency backup phone tree, digital and printed contact info for parents/guardians.
    • Hotel and Supervision: Security guard and chaperones enforce room curfews. Students travel in chaperone groups. School rules apply.
    • Travel Safety:
      • Identification: Under 18 can use school ID; 18+ need Real ID or passport.
      • Chaperone Roles: Airport heads (Boston and Chicago), medical lead, communications lead.
      • Separation Protocol: Pre-arranged meeting spots, airline desk notification, law enforcement interaction protocol.
    • Contingency Plans:
      • Luggage/medication loss: No checked bags for this 2-night, 3-day trip. File airline report, use document copies.
      • Safety risks: Pivot activities, maintain contact with Ruth Santos and Regina Bertoldo for on-the-ground resources.
  • Performance Aspect: DePaul University will host a clinic and performance for the choir, and instrumental students will attend a jazz or orchestra clinic.
  • Discussion:
    • Mr. Green inquired about plans for immigrant families' safety, advising discretion in public discussion.
    • Mr. Biton acknowledged the "world's largest Fluffernutter sandwich" achievement.
    • Mr. Davis commended the return of trips and asked about performance aspects.
    • Dr. Phillips expressed concern about safety in Chicago and requested checking with Chicago Public Schools' ICE command center.
    • Mr. Green questioned the fundraising goal in light of 67% of SHS students being high-needs, suggesting a goal of $100,000.
    • Ms. Pitone thanked the music department for their efforts and raised a question about a district policy for trip funding.
    • Mr. Green emphasized the need for "elective equity" and addressing deeper questions about access for all students.
    • Ms. Barish asked about the content of consent forms regarding student safety.
    • Discussion ensued about the district's legal culpability and the need for clear communication with families about risks.
    • The team confirmed they have insurance for trip cancellation and prioritize student safety.
    • A suggestion was made to inform families that funds could cover passport costs for 18+ students.
  • Motion: To approve the field trip.
  • Motion by: Mr. Green
  • Seconded by: Ms. Pitone
  • Outcome: Motion carries.
• Out-of-School Time (OST) Program Finances:
  • Presenters: Ruth Santos, Adriana Gereke (Director of Community Schools), Bobby Barretta (Interim CFO).
  • Context: The OST program has grown significantly, increasing enrollment, staff, and salaries, leading to financial challenges.
  • Community Schools Structure: Functions as a school department, part of the school family, committed to supporting children and families.
    • Increases access, enhances quality, provides academic outcomes, increases joy and wellness.
  • Growth: Enrollment has almost doubled in five years, staff has grown, and financial aid numbers have doubled.
  • Financial Situation:
    • Community Schools has operated with a structural deficit for several years, eroding its cash balance.
    • The revolving account cannot operate with a deficit at year-end.
    • On October 6th, the account had a deficit of $213,000; as of October 20th, it had $84,000, but biweekly payroll ($125,000) will put it back into deficit.
    • Some requisitions are on pause due to insufficient cash.
    • Historical Data (FY23-FY25):
      • FY23: Revenue $2,789,000, Expenses $2,789,000 (Net $0)
      • FY24: Revenue $3,000,000, Expenses $3,300,000 (Deficit $300,000)
      • FY25 (Projected): Revenue $3,300,000, Expenses $3,600,000 (Deficit $300,000)
      • Largest revenue source: Tuition. Largest expense: Salaries.
    • Forecast (FY26):
      • Current projection: $32,000 deficit if no changes are made.
      • Deficit will grow in coming years as salary expenses outpace revenue.
  • Options for Resolution:
    1. Raise full-cost tuition by $20/week:
       • Proportional increase for sliding scale; no change for non-paying families.
       • Projected surplus of $286,000 by year-end.
       • Cost to families: ~$4/day, total $360 for remainder of school year (starting Jan 23rd).
       • Brings tuition closer to city partners and state average.
    2. Raise full-cost tuition by $15/week:
       • Proportional increase for sliding scale.
       • Requires borrowing ~$100,000 from local OST budget.
       • Projected surplus of $203,000 by year-end.
       • May require trimming some free programs.
       • Cost to families: ~$3/day.
  • New Provider: Nova Academy (Future Lab) will replace Breakthrough, offering a project-based after-school program.
  • Discussion:
    • Dr. Ackman expressed frustration, recalling assurances that staff raises wouldn't lead to tuition increases. Superintendent Carmona acknowledged the historical issue of masked deficits and the need for better financial management.
    • Ms. Barish questioned the legality of mid-year tuition increases.
    • Ms. Pitone supported the $20/week increase, emphasizing the need to support families who can't afford it and avoid cuts to free programming.
    • Mr. Davis echoed support for the $20/week increase, suggesting exploring higher rates for those who can afford it.
    • Mr. Green reiterated the need for a progressive fee structure and increased subsidies.
    • Ms. Barish asked about communication with families. The team confirmed no communication yet, but a January 23rd start date for increases allows for advance notice.
    • Ms. Pitone emphasized that no family should unenroll due to cost.
    • Dr. Phillips expressed discomfort with the district's mistake leading to families paying more, suggesting exploring cuts to less effective free programming.
    • Dr. Ackman questioned the conservatism of the financial projections, considering potential shifts from full-time to part-time enrollment due to cost.
    • Ms. Barish highlighted the need for planning for next year's tuition structure.
    • Superintendent Carmona clarified that the committee's vote on the price adjustment is needed, but not necessarily tonight, allowing for further discussion and constituent feedback.
    • Mr. Davis inquired about assistance from the Mayor's administration. Superintendent Carmona stated it hasn't been formally requested yet, but the Mayor is aware of the situation.
    • Mr. Green provided historical context, noting past instructions to expand the program and subsidies, and emphasized that the program is not primarily serving the most vulnerable.
    • The committee agreed to place the item on the agenda for the next meeting (November 3rd) to allow for further discussion and a vote.

• Approval to Pay Outstanding FY25 Special Education, FY24 Student Services Invoices Using FY26 Funds:
  • Presenter: Dr. Bobby Barretta (Interim CFO).
  • Reason:
    • Special Education: Purchase orders (POs) were prematurely closed, leading to services being billed after PO closure. Funds that should have been carried forward were not encumbered.
    • Student Services: Boston Public Schools (BPS) sent a late invoice for a student who attended in FY24.
  • Funding Source:
    • Special Education: Dormant special education revolving account with remaining funds.
    • Student Services: Current student services account has space to cover the invoice.
  • Process Improvement: Dr. Barretta acknowledged the need to improve PO closing processes.
  • Discussion:
    • Mr. Green commended the transparency, noting such issues likely occurred in the past without committee knowledge. He questioned if the district could refuse to pay the BPS invoice.
    • Dr. Ackman requested clarification on legal culpabilities for old invoices.
  • Motion: To approve the payment of outstanding invoices.
  • Motion by: Mr. Green
  • Seconded by: Dr. Phillips
  • Outcome: Motion carries.

• Competency Determination (CD) Policy:
  • Presenter: Dr. Jessica Boston-Davis.
  • Background:
    • CD is a state-level requirement for high school graduation, ensuring mastery of 10th-grade standards.
    • Ballot Question 2 passed, meaning MCAS can no longer be used for CD.
    • Last year, the School Committee passed a temporary one-year CD requirement.
    • DESE provided guidance in July, with further clarification in August and October.
    • Policy must be approved by the School Committee by December 31st.
  • High School Diploma Criteria:
    1. Competency Determination (state requirement)
    2. Local high school graduation requirements
  • Updated CD Requirements:
    • Demonstration of Mastery: Students must successfully complete coursework in indicated subject areas.
      • Can be shown through final assessment, capstone/portfolio project, or equivalent measure identified by district policy.
    • Satisfactory Coursework Completion: Students must earn full credit for:
      • Two years of high school ELA.
      • Two years of high school mathematics (Algebra 1, Geometry, or equivalent).
      • One year of science or technology/engineering.
      • One year of U.S. History (starting with the Class of 2027).
    • These courses are already local graduation requirements.
  • Additional Considerations for Policy:
    • Considerations for students with disabilities and English learners.
    • Considerations for late-enrolling students.
    • Description of limited instances for MCAS use for graduation.
    • Process for student appeals.
    • Process for requesting transcript review and appeal.
  • Points to Consider:
    • Students who met CD prior to January 3, 2025 (via MCAS) retain that benefit.
    • Goal is to draft a policy that meets requirements and allows for future adaptability.
    • Considering different CD progressions for Class of 2026, 2027, and 2028+.
    • State is considering revising graduation requirements, which may impact future practice.
  • Next Steps: A drafted policy will be presented at the November 3rd meeting.
  • Discussion:
    • Ms. Pitone asked if this would be a School Committee policy. Dr. Boston-Davis confirmed it needs School Committee approval and will be added to policies.
    • Dr. Ackman sought clarification on whether it would become part of the permanent policy index.
    • Dr. Phillips encouraged using MCIEA (Massachusetts Consortium of Innovative Educational Assessment) for support.
• Unity Day:
  • Celebrated on Wednesday, October 22nd, as part of Bullying Prevention Month.
  • Goal: Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment.
  • Committee members encouraged to wear orange.
• Brandt Workwear Donation:
  • Brandt Workwear donated 700 pairs of high-quality work boots to CTE students.
  • Superintendent Carmona commended CTE Director Jim Hatchie for facilitating the gift and advocating for similar donations statewide.
• Facilities Update (Clarification):
  • Daniel Berry and Amara Nosike will present the facilities update at the next meeting.
• Rodent Mitigation:
  • Dr. Ackman requested that rodent mitigation be included in future facilities updates.

• Retirements:
  • Andrea Pease, Occupational Therapist (30 years of service).
  • Sharon Levesque, Academic Evaluator (28 years of service).
• Resignation:
  • Mary Baxter, Substitute Coordinator (30+ years of service).
• Promotions:
  • Claudia Irieta Cerna, Assistant Director of El Sistema (formerly Administrative Assistant).
  • Parbari Rai, Operations Supervisor for Food and Nutrition (formerly Cafeteria Manager at SHS).
• New Hires:
  • 19 substitutes hired in September.
  • Ella Quinn-Gonnell, Dean of Students (Elm community, SHS).
  • Jared Wickman, Special Education Department Coordinator.
  • Natalie Reacher, Principal Clerk (Guidance Office, SHS).

• Motion: To approve the minutes from the Finance and Facilities Subcommittee meeting for October 8th, 2025.
• Motion by: Mr. Biton
• Seconded by: Ms. Barish
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• Motion: To approve the bill rolls for September.
• Motion by: Mr. Green
• Seconded by: Dr. Phillips
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• Delegate: Mr. Green
• Alternate: Ms. Pitone
• Motion by: Dr. Ackman
• Seconded by: Dr. Phillips
• Outcome: Motion carries.
• Discussion on Resolutions:
  • Mr. Biton expressed broad support for the resolutions, particularly regarding BMI testing. He suggested leaving the express banning of BMI screening to individual public schools rather than imposing a judgment.
  • The committee agreed to revisit the resolutions at the next meeting for further discussion and guidance.

• Process: Dr. Phillips explained the process of compiling quantitative (mode of ratings) and qualitative (thematic coding of comments) data from committee members' evaluations.
• Superintendent Carmona's Response:
  • Thanked the committee for feedback and engagement.
  • Student Learning Goal: Highlighted progress in curriculum implementation (DILT, TNTP, fish tank, Wit & Wisdom, Illustrated Math) and plans for third-party assessment.
  • Professional Practice Goal: Focused on professional development through NSIP, Barr Foundation, and John Saffier, with an emphasis on supporting principals.
  • District Improvement Goals:
    • Facilities and Maintenance: Commended Amara Nosike and Daniil Berry for systematic work with the city; acknowledged rodent mitigation as an ongoing need.
    • Communication: Noted SFLC's outreach to families; identified website redesign as a costly next step.
    • Out-of-School Time: Acknowledged ongoing challenges and the need for financial adjustment and future model reconfiguration.
    • Diversification: Praised the People Team's work on diversification and retention.
  • Regular Department of Ed Metrics (Instructional Leadership, Operations & Management, Family Engagement, Professional Culture):
    • Instructional Leadership: Noted strength in DASA; paused "portrait of a learner" to focus on middle school experience; acknowledged variance and complexity in XBlock implementation across schools.
    • Operations & Management: Praised human resources, Amara, and Danielle; highlighted city's responsiveness to building issues (e.g., heat); identified 311 system management as an area for continuous improvement.
    • Family and Community Engagement: Noted improvements with Ruth Santos's team; plans for office hours during food market events.
    • Professional Culture: Commended Chris Blinn's teacher-led professional development; identified need for greater alignment in professional development, especially in psycholinguistics and special education.
• Motion: To authorize the Chair to sign the Superintendent's summative evaluation.
• Motion by: Dr. Ackman
• Seconded by: Dr. Phillips
• Discussion: Ms. Pitone thanked Superintendent Carmona for his reflection and Dr. Phillips for facilitating the process.
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• Reminder for committee members to submit their office hours to Ms. Barish.

• Motion by: Dr. Phillips
• Seconded by: Mr. Green
• Discussion: Dr. Phillips expressed gratitude for Dr. Jessica Boston-Davis's contributions.
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• Purpose: Releasing the Director of the Center of Career and Technical Education (CTE) position from the union unit.
• Motion by: Ms. Barish
• Seconded by: Ms. Pitone
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• Motion: To approve the following grants:
  • Federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education Grant for CTE programs: $79,366.00
  • State Grant Metro North WIOA Youth Program to the SCALE department: $259,478.44
• Motion by: Ms. Barish
• Seconded by: Ms. Pitone
• Discussion: Mr. Green inquired about the Barr Grant, which was previously approved by the committee.
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• Ms. Pitone: Encouraged support for Ballot Question 1 regarding the new city charter, highlighting its importance for future success and periodic review.
• Mr. Green: Noted that the committee has collectively endorsed the charter.

• No condolences were announced.

• The meeting was adjourned.