Executive Summary
The Somerville School Committee met on January 12, 2026, to discuss student-led initiatives for middle-to-high school transitions, receive comprehensive updates on the Somerville Family Learning Collaborative (SFLC) and Out-of-School Time (OST) programming, and approve meeting minutes and grant funds. Key highlights included a proposal from student representatives for a centralized freshman orientation program, a report on the SFLC's efforts in enrollment and basic needs support, and a detailed review of the OST department's success in reducing waitlists for after-school care. The committee also initiated the first reading of updated policy manual sections and accepted over $60,000 in grant funding.
Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chair Ackman. A moment of silence and the salute to the flag were observed.
Roll Call Attendance:
- Present: President Lance Davis, Member Laura Pitone, Member Michele Lippens, Member Elizabeth Eldridge, Member Andre Green, Dr. Emma Stellman, Mayor Jake Wilson, Member Leiran Biton, and Dr. Emily Ackman.
- Quorum: 9 members present.
Public Comment
Ryan Williams (47 Kingston Street, President of the Somerville Council of PTAs):
- Addressed the importance of Out-of-School Time (OST) and after-school programs for family stability.
- Thanked Dr. Carmona and Ruth Santos for making OST a priority.
- Highlighted remaining barriers, noting that some families rely on GoFundMe to cover fees.
- Direct Quote: "We often say that GoFundMe is not a health care plan. GoFundMe should not be a child care plan either."
Report of the School Committee Student Advisory Representatives
Student representatives Bhavika Kalia (Junior) and Aiden (Senior) presented a proposal for a centralized 8th-to-9th grade transition program.
Key Proposal Elements:
- Middle School Support: Pre-orientation events and high school volunteers sharing experiences.
- Freshman Orientation: Structured activities before classes start to build community.
- Freshman Advising: Peer mentor programs and restorative justice circles.
Discussion:
- Superintendent Carmona noted that a middle grades transition working group, led by Chief of Staff Amara Inasike, is already addressing these issues.
- Member Green suggested discussing resource needs for this program during the upcoming budget process.
Approval of Minutes
The committee reviewed and voted on minutes from previous sessions.
- Motion: To approve minutes from November 17, December 1, and December 15, 2025.
- Mover: Member Biton; Second: Member Green.
- Outcome: Approved unanimously.
Report of the Superintendent: Somerville Family Learning Collaborative (SFLC)
Director Ruth Santos provided an update on SFLC initiatives.
Enrollment and Basic Needs:
- Enrollment Office: Currently processing pre-K (95 registrations) and Kindergarten (195 registrations), reaching 50% capacity in six days.
- Basic Needs: Managed by Regina Bartholdo and Jen Ochoa; focuses on housing and food stability.
- Funding: The Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant provides $350,000 annually (flat-funded for 10 years).
Key Programs:
- Parent-Child Plus: An early literacy home visiting program.
- Food Markets: Three monthly free food markets and the 'Carrot Card' program for food assistance.
- Multilingual Services: Provided translation and interpretation for district documents and meetings.
Report of the Superintendent: Out-of-School Time (OST) Programming
Director Rosanna Parabello and the OST team presented updates on after-school and summer programming.
Program Statistics:
- Total Full-Time Slots: 1,542 city-wide.
- Community Schools Capacity: 1,043 slots across eight elementary schools.
- Summer 2025 Enrollment: 1,403 students across 17 programs.
Financial and Equity Highlights:
- Tuition Comparison: Community Schools tuition is $149, compared to the YMCA ($210) and Elizabeth Peabody House ($185).
- Waitlist Reduction: Significant progress was made in reducing waitlists at the Argenziano and Kennedy schools.
- Financial Aid: Approximately 80 families pay $0 in fees, with others on a sliding scale.
New Business: Grants and Donations
The committee voted on the acceptance of several financial grants and a physical donation.
FY26 Grant Funds:
- Mass Cultural Youth Reach (El Sistema): $26,550.
- Computer Science Engaged Part Two: $33,627.
- Motion to Accept: Member Biton; Second: Member Lippens.
- Outcome: Approved unanimously.
Donations:
- Item: Computer keyboards valued at $390 from Ashish Kul.
- Motion to Accept: Member Pitone; Second: Member Biton.
- Outcome: Approved unanimously.
First Reading: Public Schools Policy Manual Sections A, B, and C
Member Biton introduced the systematic review of policy sections A (Foundations and Basic Commitments), B (Board Governance and Operations), and C (General School Administration).
Action Taken:
- Policies AD, BBBB, BE, BDA, BDEA, and BGC were withdrawn for reconsideration to ensure alignment with the updated City Charter.
- A second reading and vote are anticipated at the next meeting.
MSBA Update: Winter Hill and Brown School Project
Superintendent Carmona provided an update on the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process.
- CAG Recommendation: The Construction Advisory Group recommended building the new school at 115 Sycamore Street (former Winter Hill site) at the maximum size permitted by the MSBA.
- Upcoming Event: An Educational Leadership Visioning Session is scheduled for January 20, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 2:15 PM.
- Brown School: The CAG recommended that the final decision regarding the future of the Brown School be made by the School Committee.
Adjournment and Condolences
The committee expressed condolences for the passing of Daniel Riley Moynihan, Russell Arredondo Jr., Mary Houghton, and Miguel Contreras Camacho.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following the reading of condolences.