School Committee Meeting - November 3, 2025

Meeting Date: November 03, 2025 Governing Body: Somerville School Committee Type of Meeting: Hybrid Attendees:

• Ilana Krepchin (Chair)
• Katjana Ballantyne (Mayor)
• Emily Ackman
• Andre Green
• Leiran Biton
• Lance Davis
• Ellenor Barish
• Sarah Phillips
• Laura Pitone
• Rubén Carmona (Superintendent)
• Liz Quarantello (Director of Health Services)
• Paulina Metropolis (Director of Multilingual Learner Education Department)
• Mr. Hatchie (CTE Director)
• Amara Anasike (Chief of Staff and Strategy)
• Danielle Barry (Facility Safety and Transportation Coordinator)

• The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
• A quorum was established.
• Roll Call:
  • Ms. Pitone: Present
  • Dr. Ackman: Present
  • Mr. Green: Present
  • Mr. Biton: Present
  • President Davis: Present
  • Mayor Ballantyne: Absent
  • Ms. Barish: Present
  • Dr. Phillips: Present
  • Chair Krepchin: Present

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

• School Spirit and Events:
  • First spirit week of the year (Homecoming Spirit Week) had exceptional turnout from students and staff, with no disciplinary issues.
  • Homecoming dance had over 500 students in attendance and was successful.
  • Halloween fundraisers:
    • Special Education program sold "Boo Bags" (candy bags) for $4 in the School Store.
    • Junior class officers sold "Boo for Your Boos" (inflatable costumes delivering spooky songs to classrooms).
    • Senior costume contest on Halloween saw nearly double the participation from staff and students compared to previous years. A teacher costume contest will be introduced next year.
• Somerville STEM Week Successes:
  • Somerville High School students co-led climate change lessons with fifth graders on October 15.
  • Two high schoolers were present at each middle/elementary school.
  • Fifth graders showed significant interest and curiosity.
  • High schoolers, even those new to climate education, enjoyed the experience and motivated younger students.
  • The following week, college students from Lesley and Harvard provided in-depth climate change lessons, specifically focusing on storm drains in Somerville due to local flooding issues.
• PTSA Holiday Gift Card Drive:
  • The PTSA is starting its annual holiday gift card drive earlier this year to assist Somerville High School students who will be losing SNAP benefits and facing food insecurity.
• Greater Boston Regional Student Advisory Council (GBRSAC) Update:
  • An online meeting was held to explore "Community Dialogues."
  • Student leaders will present topics to communities across Massachusetts, gather public input, analyze data, and present findings to the state's student advisory council.
  • The GBRSAC is divided into three committees: emotional health, bullying, and nutrition. Somerville's school is in the emotional health committee, focusing on student mental health and sleep data.
• Discussion on Student Advisor Report:
  • Dr. Ackman inquired if current Somerville High students, who are recent middle school students, are involved in conversations about re-envisioning middle grades experiences.
    • Superintendent Carmona confirmed that high school students will be part of these conversations, emphasizing the district's belief in student leadership.
  • Mr. Green asked about district efforts to amplify fundraising drives for SNAP benefits and how to inform the public about ways to help.
    • Superintendent Carmona stated that efforts are being coordinated through SFLC (Somerville Family Learning Collaborative) and information will be shared on the website and with families.
  • Ms. Pitone asked about the cultural shift leading to increased student engagement in events like Homecoming, noting past cancellations.
    • Student advisors attributed the shift to older students from the pandemic era graduating, and Principal Kirsten's encouragement of student involvement and leadership. They noted a focus on creating enjoyable events rather than solely fundraising.
    • The introduction of peer mentors for freshmen and freshman class officers has also contributed to increased student leadership and spirit.
  • Ms. Barish inquired about the GBRSAC's community dialogues, specifically if topics are decided by individual schools or are uniform.
    • A student advisor explained that the GBRSAC is still defining its role, but their committee is focusing on mental health and sleep.
  • Mr. Green requested a presentation on active steps schools are taking to improve student voice and engagement.
  • Dr. Phillips reminded the Committee of policy JIB, "Student Involvement and Decision Making," which outlines interactions with the student advisory committee.

• Motion: To approve the minutes from September 8, September 29, and October 6, 2025.
  • Moved by: Ms. Pitone
  • Seconded by: Ms. Barish
• Vote:
  • All in favor: 9
  • All opposed: 0
  • Motion carries.

• Guidelines: Speakers were allotted three minutes.
• Abby Hare (13A Quincy, Parent of students at East and Capuano):
  • Urged the Committee to address facilities issues with DPW and ISD.
  • Rodent Situation: Still problematic at East and Capuano. Questioned barriers to pest control and the burden on teachers to submit 311 requests.
  • Lack of Hot Water at Capuano: No hot water all school year, a health and hygiene concern. Asked for timely fixes for plumbing issues.
  • Custodial Staffing at East: Only one custodian for 750 students. Inquired about hiring difficulties or budget adjustments for a second position.
• Anna Feingold (95 Franklin, Ward 1 Resident, Parent at East):
  • Focused on special education needs in the district.
  • Emphasized that special education is an equity issue, not just a CPAC concern.
  • Highlighted "heartbreaking, pervasive, and fundamental failures" in providing required special education services.
  • Advocated for a robust inclusion model for all students.
  • Reiterated concerns about rodents, sharing her first grader's comment about not dropping crumbs to avoid "creepy crawlies."

• Food Assistance Program (SNAP) Ending:
  • Acknowledged the stress and pain for families due to the ending of the Food Assistance Program.
  • Praised community efforts (high school, PTAs, SFLC, local partners) to support families.
  • SFLC, in partnership with Food for Free, will host food markets in November and December, and potentially throughout the year, thanks to an anonymous donor.
  • Schools continue to offer free breakfast and lunch. Breakfast participation is low, and families are encouraged to utilize it.
  • Food market at East and West will be moved to Thursday, November 4, at 2:30 PM due to Election Day.
• Mayor Ballantyne's Dedication:
  • Expressed gratitude to Mayor Ballantyne for her dedication to Somerville's youth and education during her two terms, as a mayor, SPS parent, volunteer, and community leader.
• Election Day School Closure:
  • Reminded families that schools would be closed on November 4 for Election Day.
• School Nurse Department Update (Liz Quarantello, Director of Health Services):
  • Role of School Nurses: Handle emergencies, administer medications, provide health care, conduct vision and hearing screenings.
  • Visit Statistics: Approximately 46,000 visits to school nurses last year; 5,000 kids per month.
  • Common Issues: First aid, injuries, illness, emergencies (10 EMS calls, several EpiPens administered, broken bones, potential overdoses this year).
  • Medication Administration: Prescription medications, insulin, catheterization, care for children with cancer and other complex needs.
  • Screenings: 2,500 vision and hearing screenings last year; many referred for further evaluation. Partnership with Eye Associates of Somerville provides glasses for $25.
  • Special Healthcare Needs: Nurses develop plans for students with special healthcare needs (e.g., diabetes, mobility issues).
  • Staff Training: Hundreds of staff trained in epinephrine administration. Stock epinephrine available in schools. Staff trained for field trips.
  • Infectious Disease:
    • COVID-19 is now treated as a respiratory illness; no longer tracked.
    • Return of normal childhood diseases: hand, foot, and mouth disease, colds.
    • Religious Exemptions for Vaccines: Significant increase from 8 families last year to 24 this year for childhood vaccines (mumps, measles, rubella, polio).
    • Immunization rates are excellent (over 95% in most schools) due to catch-up efforts post-COVID.
  • Staff Changes: One nurse retired, one resigned. One new nurse hired, another starting next week.
  • Health Coordinator & Assistant: Kayla Centeno and Kelly Morales review student records, help families find health insurance, and visit local application centers.
  • Health Career Students: Four high school health career students are assisting with elementary vision screenings.
  • Medications at School (105 CMR 210):
    • New state regulation allows delegation of emergency medications (e.g., seizure medications) to staff.
    • Requires an hour-long online course, training, and competency test.
    • Concerns about the time commitment for staff and potential contractual issues.
  • Goals:
    • Expand CPR training for paraprofessionals.
    • Increase the number of students getting glasses after failing vision screenings (40% did not get glasses last year).
    • Ensure students learning English or experiencing homelessness receive necessary support.
    • Develop protocols for medication administration in out-of-school time programs.
  • Discussion on School Nurse Report:
    • Mr. Green thanked Liz Quarantello for her work, especially with vision and health insurance. Asked for more data on the depth of vision problems (430 failed vision screening, 40% did not get glasses).
    • Mr. Green expressed concern about the increase in religious exemptions for vaccines and asked about vaccine education for families. Liz Quarantello noted the complexity of the issue and the effectiveness of one-on-one medical provider education.
    • Mr. Biton asked about the effective date of the 105 CMR 210 regulation change and options for addressing the training requirement. Liz Quarantello stated it's effective now, but the training requirement was announced late, causing consternation among nurse managers.
• Multilingual Learner Education Department Update (Paulina Metropolis, Director):
  • Foundational Value: Shared responsibility for all students, belief in diverse learners' abilities, success with grade-level curriculum, and data-driven decisions for equitable outcomes.
  • Enrollment Trends:
    • End of SY 24-25: 1,123 pre-K to 12th grade ML students.
    • As of Oct 24: 1,196 pre-K to 12th grade ML students.
    • Decline in newcomer students (in US < 3 years) but steady flow of ML students transferring from other districts/states.
    • Nearly 80% of ML students are in general education classrooms.
  • ACCESS Data (English Language Proficiency):
    • Top dark blue line: % of students meeting progress targets.
    • Bottom light blue line: % of students meeting benchmark to exit ML status.
    • Not enough ML students are meeting progress targets year over year.
    • Data excludes youngest learners and students in MA for < 2 years.
    • Outlier in 2022 due to incomplete data from COVID-19.
    • Consistent pattern from 2023-2025 highlights urgency for ML students in the district for > 2 years.
  • DIBELS Data (Multilingual Learners):
    • Slight increase in students performing at or above grade level from last fall to this fall.
    • Significant gaps remain between ML and non-ML students.
  • I-Ready ELA Data (Multilingual Learners):
    • Slight increase in students performing at or above grade level from last fall to this fall.
    • Continued support needed to reach grade-level benchmarks.
  • I-Ready Math Data (Multilingual Learners):
    • Slight increase in students performing at or above grade level.
  • Action Steps:
    • Curriculum: Partnering with Gen Ed Curriculum and Instruction to ensure effective implementation of high-quality instructional materials for ML students.
    • Instructional Practices:
      • Every educator and instructional leader plays a role in language learning.
      • Equipping all educators with tools to support language development and content accessibility.
      • Developed the "MLE Equity in Action Guide" (department-developed tool outlining high-quality instructional practices).
      • Created a training course with videos and lesson plan application.
      • 110 SPS educators completed the course last year.
      • Required training for all Year 3 educators (54 starting this month).
      • Deep dive tool for instructional leaders to support educators.
    • Data-Based Interventions:
      • Implementing a targeted reading intervention for middle school students (informed by ACCESS data showing lower reading scores).
      • 10 teachers trained to provide intervention to ~50 ML students during X block.
  • Discussion on Multilingual Learner Education Department Update:
    • Ms. Barish asked about ML student turnover, specifically how many students withdrew from the district. Paulina Metropolis offered to provide those numbers.
    • Ms. Pitone asked how the department partners with building leadership to assess the adoption of high-quality MLE practices. Paulina Metropolis explained ongoing collaboration, learning walks, and integration into current structures. Superintendent Carmona added that the Lynch Academy work has reset expectations for principals and administrators regarding feedback to teachers.
    • Mr. Green asked about changing languages in the district, noting the rise of Amharic and Nepalese in parent outreach surveys. Paulina Metropolis confirmed an increase in Arabic-speaking students and the need to adapt structures.
    • Dr. Phillips asked how MLE practices are lifted up by literacy and math coaches. Paulina Metropolis described collaboration with curriculum coordinators to integrate ML practices into literacy and math instruction.
    • Dr. Ackman asked if the department works with early childhood providers. Paulina Metropolis indicated yes, through SFLC and the early childhood department.
    • Mr. Davis noted the positive I-Ready data and asked how the department will adapt to new testing data. Paulina Metropolis expressed optimism about the I-Ready and DIBELS data as promising indicators, acknowledging their limitations for ML students.
    • Dr. Ackman raised concerns from multilingual educators about the "nonsense words" subtest in DIBELS, questioning its validity for ML students. Paulina Metropolis acknowledged the concern and stated the department focuses on other DIBELS components like Oral Reading Fluency.
• Facilities Report (Amara Anasike, Chief of Staff and Strategy & Danielle Barry, Facility Safety and Transportation Coordinator):
  • MSBA Update:
    • Winterhill CAG convened last week to discuss school building survey findings.
    • CAG will make official recommendation to the Mayor on November 24.
    • Design team hired and educational leadership team in place for the future school building project.
  • Annual School Walkthroughs:
    • Collaborative effort led by Danielle Barry and Amara Anasike, with city staff (IAM, DPW, ISD).
    • Purpose: Assess building conditions, identify needs, prioritize maintenance, ensure safety.
  • Danielle Barry's Role:
    • Guided by district's strategic plan for safe, welcoming, inclusive schools.
    • Shift from reactive to proactive approach.
    • Created "Facilities Cheat Sheet for School Admin" for streamlined communication.
    • Conducts weekly school visits, attends city meetings, staffs CAG and School Building Facilities Maintenance Committee.
    • Works with Student Services Director Liz Doncaster on fire/lockdown drills and crossing guards.
    • Somerville High School graduate with facilities background.
  • Walkthrough Highlights:
    • IAM (Infrastructure Asset Management):
      • Major projects needed over next 3 years: roof replacements (West, Healey, Kennedy), chiller replacements and new building management systems (West, Healey), unit ventilator replacements for air quality.
      • Healey: Acoustic treatments in cafetorium, classroom conversion in Room 208.
      • Winter Hill at Edgerly: Building at maximum electrical capacity; new transformer needed for HVAC expansion.
      • East: Loose/damaged cement tile on exterior; temporary plywood installed, permanent solution pending.
      • Somerville High School: Exterior terracotta tile fell on Sept 23; full inspection underway.
    • DPW (Department of Public Works):
      • Essential partner for plumbing, electrical, safety, custodial, general maintenance.
      • Completed/in-progress items: water filter replacements, carpet replacements.
      • Capuano Hot Water: Lack of hot water in ~10% of the building; new circulating pump ordered, expected completion by end of week.
    • ISD (Inspectional Services Department):
      • Joined walkthroughs for rodent mitigation.
      • Recommendations: Install/replace door sweeps, add P-stone around perimeters, store food in sealed containers.
    • PSOF (Public Space and Open Space):
      • Collaborating to improve outdoor play areas.
      • East: Rubber playground surface needs repair/replacement.
      • Argenziano: Recommended removing unsafe inclusive orbit due to welding issues.
  • Strengths in Facilities:
    • High volume of completed projects (AFA production kitchen, Winterhill Accessibility Grant, AFA classroom).
    • Improved partnership with the city (regular meetings, resolution of pool access/door issues).
    • Collaboration with Director Bill Fisher on swing space plan.
    • DPW assistance with flooding at TAB building.
  • Opportunities for Growth:
    • Enhance facilities tracking and transparency (e.g., real-time 311 dashboard access).
    • Establish regular preventative maintenance for gyms, playgrounds, roofs, boilers, chillers, building management systems.
    • Rodent Mitigation: Continued efforts.
    • Need for additional/appropriate space at TAB building for Central Office and SCALE.
  • Rodent Mitigation Strategies:
    • Investments: Big Belly Trash and Recycling Receptacles (East, Argenziano, Capuano), A24 rodent traps, repaired doors, budgeted for sealed storage containers.
    • ISD inspections at Capuano and East identified critical recommendations.
    • Emphasized school administrators (not teachers) entering 311 requests for rodent activity.
    • Reinforcing use of rodent activity logbooks and holding pest control vendor accountable.
  • Acknowledgements: Thanked Mayor and city partners (Alicia, Colin, Commissioner Lathan, Kevin, Ken, Matt Bennett, Mike Bowler, Ralph, Rich).
  • Discussion on Facilities Report:
    • Dr. Phillips thanked Amara Anasike and Danielle Barry for their work and transforming relationships with the city.
    • Dr. Ackman (representing East Somerville) asked about the implementation of sealed containers for rodent mitigation and if the "rat czar" (Colin Ziegler) was part of ISD walkthroughs. Danielle Barry confirmed Colin Ziegler's attendance and explained sealed containers are plastic bins in classrooms. Dr. Ackman requested a consistent plan for their use.
    • Mr. Green echoed concerns about the "victim blaming" aspect of sealed containers for crumbs. He also questioned why the Capuano hot water issue took two months to address, asking how to speed up the learning curve for systemic problems. Danielle Barry clarified the walkthroughs were in early September and 311 requests are also used.
    • Mr. Biton asked about the long-term plan for replacing the inclusive orbit at Argenziano. Amara Anasike stated the focus is on immediate safety, and discussions with PSOF will occur regarding replacement with another inclusive feature.
    • Dr. Ackman asked about the process for teachers to report building issues. Danielle Barry explained teachers email principals, APs, and school secretaries, who then enter 311 requests.
    • Ms. Pitone requested the facilities memo be added to the current meeting's packet. She also asked about the Brown School's foundation cracks. Amara Anasike stated IAM and Capital Projects are monitoring them, and it's a broader concern related to the MSBA process and swing space.
    • Chair Krepchin asked about custodial staffing at East. Amara Anasike stated there is one daytime and two PM custodians. Chair Krepchin requested a memo on custodial staffing levels across all buildings.
    • Ms. Barish suggested including in the memo how custodial staffing decisions are made.

• Presenter: Mr. Hatchie (CTE Director)
• Background: DESE made significant changes to CTE admissions requirements, moving to a lottery-based process. Somerville's policy was renewed in November 2021.
• Proposed Changes:
  • Eliminate the lottery requirement for rising 9th-grade students at Somerville High School (SHS) CTE.
  • Accept all rising 9th-grade students into the exploratory program.
  • Maintain the lottery process for program selection/10th grade.
• Reasons for Eliminating 9th Grade Lottery:
  • Can accommodate projected enrollment for all rising 9th graders.
  • Historically, 80-90% of incoming freshmen enroll in CTE.
  • Removes barriers, supports open access and equity.
  • Ability to add rotations if demand increases.
• Discussion:
  • Dr. Phillips asked about homeschool students' eligibility for CTE. Mr. Hatchie clarified they would be full-time SHS CTE students.
  • Dr. Phillips asked about homeless students. Mr. Hatchie confirmed no change in lottery weight, but support is provided.
  • Ms. Pitone thanked for the redlined version of the policy.
  • Mr. Davis confirmed the policy was reviewed by legal counsel. Superintendent Carmona stated no approval would be sought without legal review.
  • Mr. Biton asked if the policy accounts for non-resident students whose parents work in the district. Mr. Hatchie stated these provisions are typically covered under teacher contracts, granting access to all SHS programs. Ms. Barish confirmed this is covered in the CBA.
• Outcome: This was a first reading. The policy will be on the agenda for a vote at the next meeting.

• Superintendent Carmona's Recommendation:
  • Proposed a $20 increase for weekly costs, only for full-paying accounts.
  • Accounts on a sliding scale will not have increases.
  • Rationale: Removing non-paying accounts from the increase would only yield $10,000. A $20 increase is needed to address a current deficit and increase capacity in out-of-school time programs, potentially requiring an accounts receivable person.
• Discussion:
  • Mr. Green supported the recommendation to only raise the top scale. He suggested allowing full-paying families to reapply for financial aid if the increase is a burden, and potentially raising the top end by more if this option is available.
  • Ms. Pitone clarified that the proposal means no increases for families on a sliding scale. She supported the recommendation, acknowledging the difficulty.
• Motion: To approve the option one $20 increase for the weekly cost for community schools for only the full-paying families, starting in January.
  • Moved by: Ms. Pitone
  • Seconded by: Mr. Biton
• Further Discussion:
  • Superintendent Carmona noted SFLC's desire to delay adjustments to allow for communication and community address. Individual concerns are being responded to.
  • Mr. Davis shared constituent feedback, noting general acceptance but highlighting the burden on families with multiple children. He suggested an "option 2" for families to donate more weekly to support community schools.
  • Ms. Barish echoed support for staff pay and concerns about the burden on families with multiple children. She emphasized the importance of a clear communications plan, including transparency about waivers and reduced fees. She questioned if contracted services for free programming are funded by the revolving account and suggested a "pay what you can" option for free out-of-school time programs.
  • Superintendent Carmona clarified that community schools receive services and field trips, and some free services are financed through the out-of-school time account, requiring more clarity on funding.
  • Dr. Ackman cautioned against "pay what you can" for free programs, citing research that it can deter those who need it most.
  • Mr. Pitone requested more transparency on how financial aid decisions are made, including the criteria for qualifying for a sliding scale.
  • Ms. Pitone reiterated the request for transparency and confirmed the January start date for the increase. She trusted the Superintendent's office to decide on a "donate more" option.
  • Dr. Phillips shared feedback on community schools enrollment criteria, noting that "were you part of the program last year" can exclude families trying to enter the program.
  • Mr. Green shared feedback that some families still perceive community schools as being for "privileged working families" and questioned if the target audience is being met.
  • Dr. Ackman volunteered to review communications from a parent's perspective.
• Vote:
  • All in favor: 9
  • All opposed: 0
  • Motion carries.

• Discussion: The resolutions were discussed at the previous meeting.
• Representatives: Mr. Green will be the representative, with Ms. Pitone as the alternate.
• No further feedback on the resolutions.

• Presenter: Dr. Boston-Davis
• Background: Every school district must pass a competency determination policy now that MCAS can no longer be used. This is the first draft, developed collaboratively with high school and Full Circle admin, and district-wide admin (Paula O'Sullivan, Paulina Metropolis, Ildefonso Arellano).
• Policy Intent: Written as broadly as possible, following DESE guidance, to allow for a combination of assessments.
• Key Point: Starting with the Class of 2028, students will need to satisfactorily complete coursework AND demonstrate mastery through a final assessment, capstone, or benchmark assessment. This is intended to go beyond simply passing a class with a "D."
• Discussion:
  • Ms. Pitone sought clarification on the "next level of requirements" starting in 2028. Dr. Boston-Davis confirmed that students will need to demonstrate mastery beyond just a passing grade, potentially through capstone projects or benchmark assessments, not solely high-stakes tests.
  • Dr. Ackman asked if the 10th-grade standards piece was a DESE policy and if there was consideration for setting a higher competency bar. Dr. Boston-Davis confirmed it's DESE guidance, but Somerville's graduation requirements go beyond 10th-grade standards.
  • Dr. Phillips praised the value statement of not replacing one high-stakes test with another and suggested incorporating it into the policy.
  • Mr. Green appreciated the prominence of portfolios and capstone projects and hoped for clarity that competency assessment is primarily a piece of work, not an exam, whenever possible.
  • Ms. Barish asked if language feedback should be sent directly to Dr. Boston-Davis. Dr. Boston-Davis confirmed this is helpful and will be shared with the team.
  • Mr. Davis emphasized the importance of offering exams as an option for students who demonstrate knowledge better through that format.
• Outcome: This was a first reading. The policy will be on the agenda for a second reading at the next meeting.

• Presenter: Dr. Ackman
• Highlights: The Shore Collaborative has been active for 50 years, with Somerville as a founding member.
• Discussion:
  • Mr. Davis noted that the report mentioned haircuts at an event and wondered if the cosmetology program could offer similar services.

• Presenter: Ms. Barish
• Sections Reviewed: H (Negotiations) and L (Education Agency Relations).
• Process: Clean versions and "with changes" versions (including draft notes from Alicia Mallon, MASC) were provided.
• Policy H (Negotiations):
  • HA (Negotiation Goals): Somerville version kept, MGL references from MASC policy added.
  • HB (Negotiations Legal Status): MASC version recommended by Ms. Mallon (addresses committee's perspective). Mr. Green suggested referencing where employee rights (from Somerville version) can be found in the policy manual.
  • HF (School Committee Negotiating Agents): Ms. Mallon recommended discussing with council. Mr. Sumners recommended a small language change in Section 1 (changing "they" to "the negotiator").
• Policy L (Education Agency Relations):
  • LA (Education Agency Relations Goals): Ms. Mallon's grammatical updates accepted.
  • LB (Relations with other schools and school districts): Somerville version kept, MGL references updated.
  • LBC (Relations with not public schools): Somerville version kept as is (Dr. Phillips worked on this).
  • LDA (Student teaching and internships): Somerville version kept, MASC updates.
• Discussion:
  • Dr. Phillips thanked Ms. Barish and the committee for their work and clear communications.
  • Ms. Pitone thanked Ms. Barish for the succinct and comprehensive reports.
  • Mr. Green credited Ms. Barish for leading the process and emphasized the importance of referencing employee rights within the policy manual to avoid the perception of removing them.
  • Mr. Biton requested that the final clean version include the revised date or "reviewed" if no changes were made.
• Outcome: This was a first reading. The policies will be on the agenda for a second reading at the next meeting.

• Motion: To accept with gratitude the following donations:
  • Instruments from Arnold Johnson (Somerville) at a value of $800 for the music department.
  • Monetary donation from Bristol Myers Squibb (Lawrenceville, NJ) of $15,000 for the science department to support science curriculum pilot in grades 6-8 and STEM Week activities in 5th grade.
  • Tools from Dale Engineering (Bedford, MA) of $9,237 to the CTE Advanced Manufacturing Shop.
  • Moved by: Dr. Phillips
  • Seconded by: Mr. Biton
• Vote:
  • All in favor: 9
  • All opposed: 0
  • Motion carries.

• Ms. Pitone: Raised a question about transportation for schools and access in the context of a single school versus two different schools, suggesting it be part of future conversations about equity and access.
• Mr. Pitone: Announced office hours on Thursday, November 6, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at the West Somerville neighborhood school (drop-off).
• Ms. Barish: Reminded members that all office hours are listed on the Somerville School Committee page.

• No condolences were noted.

• The meeting was adjourned.