School Committee Meeting - September 8. 2025

Governing Body: Somerville School Committee Meeting Date: September 09, 2025 Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Attendees: Laura Pitone, Emily Ackman, Andre Green, Leiran Biton, Lance Davis, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ellenor Barish, Sarah Phillips, Ilana Krepchin, Rubén Carmona (Superintendent), Nikki Spencer (Chief of Staff), Ralph Henry (Deputy Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management), Kaylee Gallitano (Director of Equity and Excellence), Dr. Jessica Boston-Davis (Assistant Superintendent of Academics).

• 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
• Quorum: Achieved

Superintendent Rubén Carmona provided an update on the start of the school year and various district initiatives.

• School Year Start: All schools experienced a smooth and positive start to the new school year, including pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students.
• Convocation: A successful convocation was held for all staff at Somerville High School, featuring Mayor Ballantyne and Somerville High School alumna Catherine Nacato (Class of 2015). The Winter Hill School won the school cheer competition.
• Acknowledgments:
  • Eleanor Burke (East Somerville Community School ESL Teacher): Received the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Award from the U.S. Department of State and Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Award. She is one of 400 master teachers and administrators participating in research exchange or serving as English teaching assistants abroad.
  • Somerville High School: Received continued accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The commission identified 12 priority areas of growth where the high school met or exceeded most recommendations.
• Critical Facility Updates:
  • MSBA School Building Project (Winter Hill and Brown School): The city has developed a memo updating the community on progress to secure state funding for a new school. The MSBA School Building Committee has met twice and is working to hire a design architecture firm. The Construction Advisory Group will provide recommendations to the Mayor in November regarding the project scope (including the Brown School) and location. The city aims for a new school building by late 2031.
  • Cummings School Warming Center: Discussion on the potential use of the Cummings School for a warming center, balancing community need with district space preservation.
  • Tufts Administrative Building (TAB) Space Utilization: Central office teams, relocated to the TAB building, have identified priorities for additional space.
    • Student and Family Learning Center (SFLC): Currently on the third floor, a more accessible location is desired for the department, which serves approximately 600 students and families annually.
    • SCALE Program Expansion: The program has seen a significant enrollment increase (100 additional students in two years) with 700 waitlisted individuals. It offers 12 morning classes, 14 evening classes, and will add three HVAC classes. The program supports job readiness for Somerville residents, including over-age students, those with anxiety, and multilingual learners.
• Strategic Plan Pillars: The Superintendent introduced district presentations focusing on academic excellence and equity and access.

Dr. Jessica Boston-Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Academics, provided the first-quarter academic update.

• Grants:
  • PRISM grant
  • Nellie Mae Navigating Now, District Response Support grant
  • Barr Foundation grant
  • Targeted Assistance Grant from DESE: Received for Winter Hill and East Somerville schools (two-year grant, continuing this year) due to accountability data.
• Vision of Excellent Instruction: A new district-wide document developed through extensive collaboration with administrators and educators. It serves as a roadmap for coherence and alignment in academics, guiding instructional rounds, professional development, coaching, and common planning time.
• Curriculum Rollout Updates:
  • Implementation is occurring at all K-8 levels, with significant investment in resources and an increased curriculum budget.
  • Professional development for educators, including summer training and ongoing unit previews, is a key component. Coaches prioritize grade levels implementing new curricula.
  • Impact of New Curricula: Despite typical "implementation dips" in student outcomes, the district has not observed this, as measured by i-Ready and preliminary MCAS data (embargoed).
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Kickoff initiatives are centering data to advance academic excellence, aligning with the strategic plan.
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Updates:
  • A new district-wide MTSS Specialist position has been created, building on previous work in early education.
  • Continued partnership with Boston Children's Hospital for MTSS support.
  • Definition of MTSS: Multi-tiered systems of support are typically envisioned in three tiers: Tier 1 (universal support for all students, e.g., curricula), Tier 2 (smaller group support for specific needs), and Tier 3 (individualized support for very few students). The district's DCAP (District Curriculum Accommodation Plan) describes and defines MTSS and is available on the academic webpage.
• Additional Updates:
  • Dyslexia Action Plan: Available on the district website, focusing on building solid Tier 1 core foundations and consistent Tier 2 supports.
  • MCAS Data: Full presentation by Sam Elagine, Director for Data, scheduled for the October 6th meeting.
  • Competency Determination: The district must pass a local competency determination policy by the end of December, following new state guidance. This will be published on DESE's website along with high school graduation requirements.
• Discussion:
  • Competency Determination Policy: Ms. Barish inquired about the process for approving the policy (Rules Committee vs. Full Committee). Dr. Boston-Davis indicated flexibility, with plans to collaborate with other districts and administrators to draft ideas.
  • TAB Building Rent: Mr. Green inquired about the current rent for the TAB building. Dr. Phillips later provided an estimate of over $2 million for March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
  • Curriculum Rollout Support: Mr. Biton asked about support for curriculum rollout. Dr. Boston-Davis detailed staggering implementation, summer training, unit previews, and the role of coaches. Mr. Biton requested information on professional development hours for each curriculum.
  • Early Indicators of Success: Dr. Phillips asked about early indicators of success beyond test scores. Dr. Boston-Davis emphasized student engagement, joy in learning, and deeper understanding, citing examples from East Somerville and first-grade math classes. Superintendent Carmona added that engagement correlates with learning and positive movement in benchmarks like i-Ready and DIBELS.
  • Literacy Support: Dr. Ackman praised the provision of age-appropriate texts for struggling readers, noting its importance for student interest and care.

Kaylee Gallitano, Director of Equity and Excellence, presented on the department's mission and initiatives.

• Mission: To partner across schools and communities to transform systems and provide equitable, culturally relevant, and anti-racist learning for all students.
• Wheels of Support:
  • Students: Supported by staff, equity specialists, equity team members, and the Student Equity Action Team (SEAT).
  • Staff: Supported by school-based and central administration, and centralized resources (e.g., "Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain" by Zaretta Hammond).
• Buckets of Work:
  • Principal Meetings: Identify strengths and gaps through observation walks and collaborative practices.
  • District Instructional Leadership Team (DILT): Brings together educators, leaders, and department heads to improve instruction, school climate, and student outcomes.
  • Professional Development: Includes a mandatory "Year Two Educator Series" using "Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain" as an anchor text.
  • Data Steering Committee: A newly developed committee to connect district efforts in collecting, sharing, and assessing data consistently, breaking down silos.
  • Student Voice: Integral to improving instruction, exemplified by SEAT.
• Student Equity Action Team (SEAT):
  • The student arm of school improvement plans, implemented in all middle-grade schools (grades 6-8).
  • Students design solutions to challenges identified through peer-based research, aligning with the district's strategic plan.
  • A collaborative effort with the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
  • Video Presentation: Principal Glenda Soto (Argentino School) shared how SEAT's research on student-adult relationships informed the School Improvement Council and instructional leadership team, leading to suggestions like a suggestion mailbox and continued anti-bias training.
  • Student Quotes: Highlighted increased confidence and a sense of empowerment among SEAT participants.
• Bright Spots in Data:
  • School Leadership Retention: High and consistent at 90%.
  • Chronic Absenteeism: Decreased, particularly among Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and multilingual learning populations at the high school.
  • Conditions for Learning Survey: Data from students, staff, and families showed positive trends.
• Action and Accountability: The district focuses on uncovering and closing opportunity gaps by transforming practices and engaging families.
  • East Somerville Community School: DIBELS scores rose nearly 30% after introducing a Spanish language equivalent of the exam, providing a clearer picture of student learning needs. Staff reported feeling more valued due to meaningful PD collaboration and a responsive administrative team.
• Celebrations and Observances: The department encourages educators to avoid scheduling tests, major assignments, or field trips during recognized religious and cultural observances.
• Discussion:
  • Connecting Equity Work to Academic Excellence: Mr. Green asked how the district communicates the link between meaningful equity work and academic excellence to detractors. Ms. Gallitano explained that culturally responsive teaching helps students feel more comfortable, allowing their brains to process information better. She also emphasized an asset-based approach, recognizing and leveraging students' existing skills.
  • Communication Strategy: Dr. Ackman requested that the administration work with the communications director to communicate the value of equity work more broadly.
  • Mindfulness of Holidays: Mr. Green requested a systematized and transparent approach to "being mindful" of holidays, acknowledging that current practices can lead to disconnect and distrust with families. Superintendent Carmona acknowledged the need for improvement in communication and calendar management.
  • SEAT Program Details: Ms. Barish inquired about the SEAT program's implementation. Ms. Gallitano confirmed it was the first year with Harvard fellows and SPS facilitators in every middle-grade school. It will be rolled out again in early October, with sign-ups in schools and primarily occurring during the school day to ensure equity.
  • Sustainability of Harvard Partnership: Ms. Pitone asked about the commitment with the Harvard Graduate School of Education, expressing concern about the sustainability of the partnership. Ms. Gallitano noted it's a partnership with a Harvard professor who is also a Somerville parent, and she would investigate the formal structure to ensure its continuation.
  • Student Representatives: Dr. Phillips inquired about the timeline for student representatives to the School Committee.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne addressed the committee regarding the Cummings School Warming Center and the city's emergency response plans.

• Mayor's Opening Remarks: Acknowledged the "fear and trauma" from the Winter Hill incident and the city's commitment to preventing future incidents. Stated the city is preparing for the unexpected and shares the School Committee's goals.
• City's Response to Winter Hill: The Mayor highlighted the city's rapid mobilization after the East Somerville Community School fire and the Winter Hill incident, deploying significant resources.
• Emergency Response Plan: The city has developed a memo detailing its response to a future incident, built on emergency response best practices and real-world experience. Actions would be taken within hours and days.
• Community Partners: The city has been in conversation with several community partners with large properties, including Tufts University, for potential emergency locations.
• Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP): The city has advocated for a COOP, which is part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under review. Director Bill Fisher of the Office of Emergency Management is eager to partner with SPS and other stakeholders on this.
• Cummings School Warming Center: The Mayor requested the committee's continued support for the warming center, emphasizing its life-saving impact.
• Discussion:
  • City's Past Response: Ms. Pitone thanked the Mayor for the city's response to the Winter Hill structural failure and the efforts to repurpose the Edgerly School, acknowledging the difficulty but strong benefit to students. She also thanked the city for articulating the future incident response process.
  • TAB Building as Swing Space: Mr. Green inquired about the TAB building's suitability as a swing space, noting its current non-school-like appearance. Nikki Spencer (Chief of Staff) and Ralph Henry (Deputy Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management) explained that the TAB is preferable for an interim, immediate solution due to its higher quality and existing classroom space, but it is not ideal for a permanent solution (e.g., bathroom space). It would buy time to prepare a more permanent solution.
  • Frustration with Past Agreements: Mr. Green expressed frustration over the city's failure to meet conditions set a year prior for the Cummings School Warming Center, stating the committee felt "disrespected." He acknowledged the need for the warming center but highlighted the missing "medium-term plan" for swing space. He encouraged the city to share more information, potentially with the committee's lawyers or in a closed session.
  • MOU Vote: Chair Krepchin asked what the Mayor needed from the committee tonight. The Mayor responded, "To vote for the MOU. To sign it."
  • Committee Concerns about MOU:
    • Dr. Phillips apologized for past anger and acknowledged the city's improved plan, but questioned the lack of follow-through on previous requests. She asked for clarification on specific feedback needed to vote on the MOU.
    • Ms. Pitone expressed discomfort voting on the MOU without sufficient time to review it, noting it was received that afternoon and lacked redlines indicating changes from previous versions. She asked if the school committee's lawyers had reviewed the current version.
    • Nikki Spencer confirmed the original document was drafted by the school committee's council, and the city made minor edits, primarily clarifying that any appropriation of funds requires City Council approval and that the school building stabilization fund would be used if a school goes offline.
    • President Davis noted the MOU was consistent with his understanding of the plan, but questioned the timing.
    • Nikki Spencer stated there was no strict deadline, but starting work with a potential provider for the warming center (staffing, logistics) requires the MOU, making "sooner much better."
  • Systemic Issues and Trust: Dr. Phillips and Mr. Green reiterated concerns about the city's failure to act on previous School Committee resolutions, questioning who tracks these demands and how to ensure future compliance and build trust.
  • Motion to Approve MOU: Mr. Biton moved to authorize the superintendent to sign the MOU as presented. The motion was not seconded immediately.
  • Discussion on Delay: Committee members debated the implications of delaying the vote. Mr. Green argued for more time to review the document, stating he would listen to a case for immediate action but preferred to "do it right."
  • Proposal for Special Meeting: Chair Krepchin proposed a short virtual meeting early next week to vote on the MOU, allowing members time to review it. Ms. Barish and Ms. Pitone indicated they would be traveling but were open to finding a mutually agreeable time.
  • Motion Rescinded: Mr. Biton rescinded his motion to approve the MOU.
  • Decision: Chair Krepchin will work with the body to schedule a special virtual meeting early next week to vote on the MOU.
  • Cummings School Use (Beyond Warming Center): Ms. Pitone raised concerns about other uses of the Cummings School (e.g., construction staging, office management, election site, storage) without explicit School Committee authorization. Mayor Ballantyne and Nikki Spencer acknowledged these uses and committed to looking into them.

• Rules Management Subcommittee Meeting (August 18, 2025):
  • Motion: Ms. Barish moved to accept the report. Seconded by Dr. Phillips.
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Resolution in Support of Welcoming Week (Second Reading):
  • A paragraph was added by Ms. Pitone since the first reading.
  • Motion: Ms. Pitone moved to approve. Seconded by Dr. Ackman.
  • Discussion: Ms. Pitone thanked the Mayor and administration for the resolution, emphasizing its importance for the district and city.
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Revisions to File JCA Controlled Student Choice (Second Reading):
  • Motion: Ms. Barish moved to accept the revisions. Seconded by Dr. Ackman.
  • Discussion: Ms. Pitone thanked the Rules Committee and Mr. Biton for their work, clarifying that the sibling fairness assignment applies to kindergarten through eighth grade, not pre-K.
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Authorization for Chair to Sign Evaluation Side Letter with AFSCME Clerical Employees Union:
  • Motion: Ms. Barish moved to authorize the chair to sign. Seconded by Ms. Pitone.
  • Discussion: Ms. Pitone noted that this agreement, discussed in executive session, enhances the evaluation process for staff and was a collaborative effort to set mutual standards and expectations.
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Approval of Diplomas:
  • Motion: Dr. Ackman moved to approve diplomas for Lucius Flores and Ava Abate, both from Somerville, Massachusetts. Seconded by Mr. Biton.
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Acceptance of Federal Entitlement, Continuation, and State Continuation Grants:
  • Motion: Ms. Pitone moved to accept all federal entitlement and continuation grants and all state continuation grants, specifically mentioning the Targeted Assistance Grant for Winter Hill Community Innovation Schools and East Somerville Community School for $40,000. Seconded by Dr. Ackman.
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Acceptance of Monetary Donation from Bristol Myers Squibb:
  • Donation: $24,000 from Bristol Myers Squibb (Cambridge, Massachusetts) for all fifth-grade students to attend the Museum of Science in alignment with STEM week.
  • Motion: Ms. Pitone moved to accept. Seconded by Ms. Barish.
  • Discussion:
    • Dr. Ackman inquired if the donation covered more than a one-time entry fee, hoping for additional benefits for students. Dr. Boston-Davis clarified it covers museum entrance tickets and potentially a district membership, promising to confirm details.
    • Mr. Green expressed interest in learning how the district secured corporate philanthropy from Bristol Myers Squibb to replicate such efforts.
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Bunsen Burners and Equity: Mr. Biton raised an issue regarding the non-operation of Bunsen burners in some middle school science classrooms. He stated that equipment in two schools was shut off, citing equity and safety concerns, and questioned if this decision (made by the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent) conflated equality with equity by removing capabilities. Dr. Boston-Davis clarified that the decision was primarily for safety, following a gas leak at the West School caused by an accidentally left-on Bunsen burner, and was not made "in the name of equity." She stated the risk did not outweigh the reward for the few students using them, and the curriculum does not require such equipment. Mr. Biton requested the Ed Programs Subcommittee investigate the matter. Dr. Ackman, as chair of Ed Programs, agreed to consider it.
• After-School Care Provider (Apollo): Ms. Pitone inquired about Apollo, an additional after-school care provider, and its impact on after-school care capacity and changes in out-of-school time programming. Superintendent Carmona stated that Apollo was used at the Argentino and Kennedy schools to address waiting lists, and the Director of Out of School Time would provide a full report soon.

The meeting was adjourned.