School Committee Meeting - June 16, 2025

Governing Body: Somerville School Committee Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: June 16, 2025 Attendees: Laura Pitone, Andre Green, Emily Ackman, Judy Pineda-Newfeld, Katjana Ballantyne, Ellenor Barish, Sarah Phillips, Ilana Krepchin, Rubén Carmona, Leiran Biton.

Executive Summary: The School Committee convened on June 16, 2025, for a regular meeting. Key discussions included a presentation by Argenziano 8th-grade students advocating for wood pellet turf at Lincoln Park, the Superintendent's end-of-year report highlighting academic achievements and community engagement, and the announcement of a tentative agreement with the Somerville Educators Union. The committee also approved various operational items for the summer months and honored City Council President Judy Pineda-Newfeld for her service.

• The meeting was called to order.
• A moment of silence and salute to the flag were observed.
• Roll Call:
  • Ms. Pitone: Present
  • Dr. Ackman: Absent (arrived late)
  • Mr. Green: Present
  • President Pineda-Newfeld: Present
  • Mayor Ballantyne: Present
  • Ms. Barish: Present
  • Dr. Phillips: Present
  • Chair Krepchin: Present
• Quorum was established.

• Superintendent Carmona introduced Argenziano 8th-grade students presenting their civic action project.
• Presentation Topic: Advocating for the replacement of the Lincoln Park grass field with eco-friendly wood pellet turf.
• Student Presenters: Luca Biuson, Oliver Gary, Sambav Pokhrel, Cooper Simon, and Mayank Manandar.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Problem with current grass field: Dangerous holes, slippery when wet, closed for maintenance much of the year, leading to student injuries.
  • Proposed Solution: Wood pellet turf, which is eco-friendly, non-toxic, safe for animals, made from renewable sources, and requires less maintenance.
  • Addressing Concerns:
    • Cost: Initial installation cost of approximately $150,000 is offset by low maintenance costs over time.
    • Heat: Wood pellet turf disperses heat better than black pellets.
    • Environmental Impact: Wood pellet turf is eco-friendly, unlike traditional artificial turf.
  • Survey Results (6th-8th grade students):
    • 71.3% believe changing to turf would benefit their sport.
    • 75% reported being hurt during recess in the past year, often due to potholes on the field.
    • 64.8% would use the field more often if it were turf.
  • Project Goals: Convert Lincoln Park field to turf with assistance from the City Council, Department of Public Works (DPW), and the School Board.
  • Target Individuals: Ms. Soto, DPW, School Board, and Dr. Phillips (for advocacy).
• Questions and Answers:
  • President Pineda-Newfeld:
    • Confirmed estimated installation cost of $150,000.
    • Asked about other schools using wood pellet turf; students stated "every school that has a field has wood pellet turf" in Somerville.
    • Clarified survey was for 6th-8th graders at Argenziano, with some participation from other schools.
    • Confirmed recess injuries were primarily due to potholes on the grass field.
  • Ms. Barish: Confirmed the students were referring to the soccer field adjacent to the smaller playground, not the softball field.
  • Mr. Biton:
    • Asked about counterarguments from those preferring grass.
    • Students responded that concerns were mainly environmental (addressed by wood pellet turf) and heat (addressed by wood pellet turf's heat dispersion). Many "no" votes were "maybe" votes due to uncertainty.
  • Dr. Carmona:
    • Noted another group advocated for grass, agreeing on the issue of potholes but disagreeing on the solution.
    • Questioned if the issue was grass or holes. Students stated holes were the primary problem, but turf offers year-round consistency.
  • Mr. Green:
    • Acknowledged historical poor maintenance of grass fields in the city.
    • Asked if fixing the grass was considered. Students explained turf is more cost-effective long-term due to lower maintenance and prevents recurring pothole issues, also noting dogs digging holes in grass.
  • Ms. Pitone:
    • Noted past advocacy for grass at Lincoln Park due to concerns about non-eco-friendly turf.
    • Praised students for addressing this with wood pellet turf.
  • Chair Krepchin (to President Pineda-Newfeld): Asked for advice on advancing the proposal.
    • President Pineda-Newfeld's Advice:
      • Contact Ward 2 Councilor J.T. Scott to gauge interest and shepherd the idea.
      • Engage DPW.
      • Offered to facilitate connections and conversations.

• Motion: To approve the minutes from June 9, 2025.
• Mover: Ellenor Barish
• Seconder: Laura Pitone
• Discussion: None.
• Vote:
  • All in favor: Aye
  • All opposed: None
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• No one signed up for public comment.

• End-of-Year Memo:
  • Reflected on the past year's achievements.
  • Nearly 300 children welcomed into preschool, over 1,000 new students across all grades.
  • Rollout of evidence-based curriculum for grades 3-8.
  • Over 60 concerts and theater productions.
  • School libraries lent over 65,000 books.
  • Cafeterias served over 1 million free meals and snacks.
  • Overall improvement in student self-regulation (Conditions for Learning survey).
  • Steady growth in reading and math (iReady data).
  • Official launch of the Strategic Plan with a data dashboard.
  • Expressed gratitude to all staff, students, and families.
• Somerville Educators Union (SEU) Negotiations Update:
  • Tentative agreement reached with SEU Units A, C, and E (teachers, counselors, paraprofessionals, family liaisons).
  • Praised collaborative effort and leadership of SEU President Deshaun Simmons and SPS Chief Personnel Officer Karen Woods.
• MSBA Building Projects Update (Winter Hill and Brown School):
  • City selected PMA Consultants as the Owner's Project Manager (OPM), the same firm used for the high school.
  • Advertisement for designer/architect released, RFQ expected next week.
  • First School Building Committee (SBC) meeting scheduled for July 7.
  • Coffee hours hosted with the city at Winter Hill and Brown School for family engagement.
  • High-level timeline:
    • Community Engagement Survey and focus groups: Late summer/early fall.
    • Debt Exclusion Ballot question: November 2027.
    • Completion of construction: Anticipated late 2031.

• Motion: To accept the report of the School Building Facilities and Maintenance meeting on June 10, 2025.
• Mover: Ellenor Barish
• Seconder: Emily Ackman
• Discussion: None.
• Vote:
  • All in favor: Aye
  • All opposed: None
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• Motion: To authorize the Chair to sign the UAW Scale Program Administrator MOA.
• Mover: Ellenor Barish
• Seconder: Emily Ackman
• Discussion: Confirmed this is a one-year rollover of the contract, previously discussed in executive session.
• Vote:
  • All in favor: Aye
  • All opposed: None
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• Motion: To authorize the Superintendent to act on the School Committee's behalf during the summer months for the following:
  • A. Pay bills on school department accounts for which commitments have been made by bid or purchase order before the close of schools, to be ratified by the committee at the first meeting in September (possibly August).
  • B. Expend from the FY 2026 salaries account funds for payment of salaries of personnel under all federal grants beginning in September.
  • C. Expend the FY26 salaries account funds for payment of salaries and personnel as detailed in the FY25 budget.
  • D. Salaries Account and School Operations Account funds to pay encumbrances and salaries for summer programs.
  • E. Authorize and/or reauthorize school department revolving accounts to accept all monies received by the school committee in connection with the conduct of said revolving accounts according to the purposes of the program or programs from which receipts in each account were derived.
  • F. Accept all state and federal grant monies awarded through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Department of Early Education and Care, and to authorize the establishment of separate grant accounts that may be expended by the school Committee without further appropriation for the purposes designated in each grant proposal.
• Mover: Emily Ackman
• Seconder: Leiran Biton
• Discussion: This motion authorizes payment during the summer months.
• Vote:
  • All in favor: Aye
  • All opposed: None
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• Motion: To participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program and the Commodity Food Distribution Program in conformity with requirements of the State Bureau of Nutrition Education and School Food Services for the 2025-2026 school year as in previous years.
• Mover: Ellenor Barish
• Seconder: Emily Ackman
• Discussion: None.
• Vote:
  • All in favor: Aye
  • All opposed: None
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• Motion: To receive and place on file the new contract for student accident insurance for the 2025-2026 school year, renewed with Marana Insurance Agency, 23 Spruce Street, Suite B, Malden, Massachusetts, 02148.
  • Rates (same as last year):
    • Student insurance plan, gold, premium, school time: $750.00
    • Premium 24-hour coverage: $49.00
    • Dental extended: $10.00
    • Plan B, all sports, rock wall shop and lab coverage: $6,419.00
    • Catastrophic cash benefit: $1,039.00
• Mover: Ellenor Barish
• Seconder: Emily Ackman
• Discussion:
  • Dr. Ackman: Questioned if the rock wall is in use and if its inclusion in the insurance package is cost-efficient if not used.
  • Superintendent Carmona: Stated the rock wall requires yearly third-party certification for use. Acknowledged the question about cost impact of removing rock wall coverage was not discussed with the finance team but will be followed up on.
  • Ms. Barish: Asked if insurance is required for the rock wall even if not in use due to inherent risk, similar to a swimming pool, and if different rates apply for active versus inactive use.
  • Mr. Green: Clarified this is a motion to receive and place on file, not to approve payment, and the district will hopefully explore cost-cutting measures.
• Vote:
  • All in favor: Aye
  • All opposed: None
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• Motion: To accept all federal entitlements and continuation grants and all state continuation grants awarded to the Somerville Public Schools, as listed:
  • Private BU consortium: $2,000 for SFLC home visiting for pre-K and K.
  • State Mass Hire North Workforce: $76,200 to scale Department PACMAN Construction Training Program.
  • Mass Hire North Workforce: $52,000 for Scale Department Pac-Man Construction Training Program.
• Mover: Laura Pitone
• Seconder: Emily Ackman
• Discussion: None.
• Vote:
  • All in favor: Aye
  • All opposed: None
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• Motion: To accept with gratitude the following donation:
  • Anonymous donation of $10,000 from Belmont, Massachusetts, for the SHS Scholarship Fund.
• Mover: Andre Green
• Seconder: Emily Ackman
• Discussion:
  • Mr. Green: Questioned how due diligence is performed for anonymous donations to ensure legitimacy.
  • Superintendent Carmona: Stated this is a systematic issue to be discussed with the new Chief Financial Officer.
• Vote:
  • All in favor: Aye
  • All opposed: None
• Outcome: Motion carries.

• Resolution: A resolution honoring City Council President Judy Pineda-Newfeld was read into the record by Leiran Biton.
  • Key Passages:
    • "Whereas, Councilor Judy Pineda-Newfeld was elected by the City Council as its president on January 6, 2025, and served In that capacity as a member of the school committee from that date until June 2025..."
    • "...President Pineda-Nufeld served honorably and notably engaged in school committee deliberations both in public session and executive session, providing valuable input on matters related to budget, Collective Bargaining, and Navigating the Tumultuous Time of the 2025 Federal Presidential Transition."
    • "...President Pineda-Newfeld provided critical insights into the machinations and workings of City Council to the extent they pertain to School Committee and Somerville Public Schools."
    • "...President Pineda-Newfeld used her position to better establish connections between the separate elected bodies of the City Council and the School Committee, for the collective benefits of all Somerville residents."
    • "...the Somerville School Committee and the Somerville Public School Community benefited greatly from President Pineda-Newfeld's leadership Partnership, and commitment to service in Somerville, particularly during her tenure as president."
    • "Therefore, be it resolved that the Somerville School Committee emphatically expresses its heartfelt gratitude for President Pineda-Newfeld's contributions to Somerville Public Schools, including to its administration, educators, students, and families, and for her leadership guiding the Somerville Public Schools."
    • "And be it further resolved that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of tonight's meeting and that a framed copy be presented to City Council President Judy Pineda-Newfeld."
• Tributes from Committee Members:
  • Mr. Green: Praised President Pineda-Newfeld's focus on connecting disparate parts of government for the common purpose of students, making negotiations and budget processes smoother.
  • Dr. Ackman: Commended her leadership, diplomacy, and thoughtful engagement as a City Councilor and future SPS parent.
  • Ms. Pitone: Appreciated her action-orientation, clear next steps, sincere curiosity, and ability to factor in different points of view while making clear, justified decisions.
  • Ms. Barish: Highlighted her compassion, thoughtfulness, no-nonsense approach, and sincerity in serving the community.
  • Chair Krepchin: Shared personal history, noting President Pineda-Newfeld's early political success and dedication to getting things done in city government.
• President Pineda-Newfeld's Response: Expressed gratitude, shared positive feedback from Somerville parents about the schools, and affirmed her commitment to the Somerville Public Schools for her own child. Thanked the committee for their hard work and care.

• Ms. Pitone:
  • Complimented the district on the Staff Recognition Ceremony, describing it as joyful and well-received.
  • Superintendent Carmona thanked the team for their hard work and emphasized the value of community and collaboration in the district.
  • Dr. Ackman echoed the positive feedback, noting that such an event had been proposed in the past but never executed so successfully.
• Chair Krepchin: Requested a group photo on the balcony behind the curtain after the meeting, as it was her last meeting of the year.

• The School Committee extended deepest condolences to the families of:
  • Alia Josephine Jojo Antetomaso Basso, former paraprofessional at the Edgerly School.
  • Teresa Terry Medeiros, parent of Brianna Grandoyt, speech-language pathologist at the East Somerville Community School.
  • Florence Elizabeth Wilton McGuire, mother of Catherine E. McGuire, school counselor at Somerville High School.

• The meeting was adjourned.