School Committee Meeting - June 9, 2025

Governing Body: Somerville School Committee Meeting Date: June 09, 2025 Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Attendees: Laura Pitone, Emily Ackman, Andre Green, Ellenor Barish, Sarah Phillips, Ilana Krepchin, Rubén Carmona (Superintendent), Katjana Ballantyne (Mayor)

• Meeting called to order.
• Roll Call:
  • Ms. Pitone: Present
  • Dr. Ackman: Present
  • Mr. Green: Present
  • Ms. Barish: Present
  • Dr. Phillips: Present
  • Chair Krepchin: Present
• Quorum established.

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

• Spanish Interpreters: Nari Pineda, Artur Vinaldez
• Portuguese Interpreter: Thelma Leitão
• Haitian Creole Interpreter: Angie Supri

• Superintendent Rubén Carmona introduced the celebration for retiring staff.
• Healy School Retirees:
  • Wanda McLaren: Honored by Principal Sarah Wall for nearly four decades of compassion and support for vulnerable learners.
  • Ana Costa: Recognized for tremendous dedication and impact (not present).
  • Yi Liu: Recognized for tremendous dedication and impact (not present).
• Kennedy School Retirees:
  • Kathleen: Honored by Principal Steve Marshall for student-centered support and embodying the Kennedy community spirit.
  • Michelle Bennett: Honored for commitment to supporting students in the SCIP program and being a staunch advocate.
  • Shelly Jarrow: Honored for 26 years of staunch defense of special education and a great sense of humor.
  • Carolyn Taylor: Recognized for caring and consistent speech services (not present).
• Food and Nutrition Program Retiree:
  • Margaret Young: Honored by Marianna McDonald (HR) for 29 years of outstanding service, ensuring students were nourished and ready to learn.
• Somerville High School Retirees:
  • Lisa Brewster Cook: Honored by Principal Alicia Kirsten for 26 years of tireless work, caring for the Somerville community, and preserving SHS traditions.
  • Peg Huben: Honored for 26 years as a chemistry teacher, advisor of the SHS Green Club, and supporter of the Region 4 Science Fair.
  • Yasmina Bellatresh: Honored for 16 years of dedicated, hardworking teaching in math at Winter Hill and Somerville High School.
  • Claudia Sara Galvez: Honored for over 30 years of service to recently arrived immigrant students and families across multiple schools (Patterhouse, Lincoln Park/Argenziano, Winter Hill, SHS).
  • Kenny Olson: Recognized for 34 years at Somerville High School, a positive and humorous presence, and a former GBL baseball champion (not present).
• Health Department Retiree:
  • Linda: Honored by Director Liz Quarantillo for 21 years as a school nurse, providing hope and strength to students, and making strong connections at Next Wave Full Circle.
• Special Education Department Retiree:
  • Denise Sacco: Honored by Director Ildefonso Reyano for 40 years of dedicated service, currently as head clerk, and an invaluable resource for the special education process.

• Motion: To approve the minutes from May 9th and May 19th.
  • Moved: Dr. Ackman
  • Seconded: Mr. Green
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• No public comment this evening.

• Superintendent Carmona congratulated graduating students for their accomplishments and resilience.
• Noted the inclusion of an out-of-school time memo and a recommended K-5 ELA memo in the packets.
• Introduced two presentations by Chief of Staff and Strategy, Amara Onosike.

• Presenter: Amara Onosike, Chief of Staff and Strategy.
• Background: The CAG was convened by the Mayor to provide recommendations on the location of the new Winter Hill Community Innovation School and whether the project scope should include the Brown School.
• Scope Clarification: The presentation explores considerations raised by the CAG from the district's perspective and does not provide a definitive recommendation.
• Research Questions (with findings from Samuel Moulton, former Director of Data Science and Research at Panorama Education):
  1. Diverse Programming (MLE, Special Education, SEL):
     • Increasing student diversity may slightly benefit other learners if adequately supported (staffing, inclusive practices).
     • Inclusive practices show positive academic effects for students without special education needs.
     • More diverse schools can reduce prejudice and enhance empathy.
     • Caution: Without support, diversity may hamper instructional pace, cause disruption, reduce belonging, and dilute resources, negatively impacting all learners.
     • Note: Benefits depend on classroom integration.
  2. Distance from School:
     • Impact is complex and difficult to study, influenced by factors like urban vs. rural settings.
     • Increased distance may lead to decreased attendance, reduced sense of belonging, and hampered family engagement.
     • Finding: For Somerville, the increased distance under consideration is unlikely to significantly affect student outcomes due to relatively minor impact on commute time.
     • Discussion: Committee members (Mr. Green, Ms. Pitone) questioned the applicability of research on busing to Somerville's context, where most students walk. Concerns were raised about the practical impact of increased walking distance in Somerville.
  3. School Size:
     • Outcomes peaked for mid-size K-8 schools (400-700 students).
     • Very small or very large enrollments erode benefits.
     • Larger schools can leverage scale for specialists and broader programming.
     • Smaller schools often share staff but offer individualized attention, benefiting low-income and high-need students.
     • Gains reverse or flatten above 700 students.
     • Non-academic indicators (safety, attendance, engagement) favor smaller schools.
     • Finding: Districts often pursue a "best of both worlds" strategy, keeping enrollment in the mid-hundreds.
     • Discussion: Dr. Ackman noted that proposed school sizes might exceed the optimal range. Ms. Barish inquired about the possibility of a "school within a school" model for larger facilities. Superintendent Carmona highlighted the challenge of providing inclusion spaces in two-strand schools like Winter Hill.
  4. Facility Features (Auditoriums, Gyms, Play Structures):
     • Actively used facilities boost academics, behavior, and engagement.
     • Physical activity is linked to gains in attention and test scores.
     • Arts and assembly spaces lift creativity and morale.
     • Facilities can host after-school and summer programs, benefiting low-income students.
     • Large communal rooms deepen family engagement.
     • Finding: Somerville can expect academic and social benefits if spaces are actively programmed, inclusively scheduled, and properly resourced.
     • Discussion: Ms. Pitone emphasized the importance of sound control and flexible design in new facilities.
• Key Takeaways: Summarized findings across all research questions.
• Acknowledgements: Samuel T. Moulton, CAG members, Samantha Elogene, Danielle Berry.
• Committee Discussion:
  • Mr. Green requested data on busing implications for Somerville.
  • Ms. Pitone inquired about the School Committee's role in the CAG process and the timing of information sharing.
  • Dr. Ackman asked for clarification on student numbers for Winter Hill (397 current, 430 normal) and Brown (221 K-5).
  • Mr. Green clarified that the CAG is considering 700 seats, with MSBA potentially authorizing up to 905.
  • Ms. Barish questioned if a larger school could mitigate the impact of increased student numbers by having a "second administration" for middle grades.
  • Mr. Biton raised the broader implications of school consolidation on district-wide programming and the potential for a centralized middle school.
  • Ms. Pitone expressed concern about the financial viability of sustaining two schools if the Brown School requires significant investment.
  • Mr. Green acknowledged the "chicken and egg" problem of decision-making without full information.
  • Ms. Onosike clarified that the data points are not definitive and that strong schools exist across all sizes.

• Presenter: Amara Onosike, Chief of Staff and Strategy.
• Purpose: To report on progress towards School Committee goals (SY23-end of SY24) and alignment with the SPS Strategic Plan (2030 timeline).
• Goal 1: Whole Child Learning (Literacy & Math)
  • Target: 75% of students meeting or exceeding defined formative assessment in 3rd, 6th, 10th grades.
  • Progress:
    • 3rd Grade (I-Ready): Significant growth in ELA and Math, especially in students meeting growth targets (e.g., ELA: 48% to 60%; Math: 46% to 57%). Attributed to new curriculum rollout.
    • 6th Grade (I-Ready): Significant jump in ELA growth targets (48% to 60%). Attributed to new curriculum.
    • 10th Grade (MCAS): Average student growth percentile of 54 (moderate growth).
  • Takeaway: Increased growth in each grade/subject, positive impact of new curriculum and common planning time.
• Goal 2: Whole Child Learning (Social-Emotional)
  • Target: 50% reduction in conduct referrals (compared to 2021-2025 baseline), improved ratings on Conditions for Learning survey, improved Youth Risk Behavior Survey results.
  • Progress:
    • Conduct Referrals: 22% reduction in K-8s, 17% reduction in high school.
    • Conditions for Learning Survey: Steady increases in students reporting ability to manage emotions and having a trusted adult at school.
  • Takeaway: Meaningful progress in supporting positive behavior and improving school climate.
• Goal 3: Whole Child Learning (Post-Secondary Readiness)
  • Target: 80% student participation in Early College/AP/CTE, 5% increase in 4-year graduation rate, 90% of graduates with post-secondary plan.
  • Progress:
    • CTE Enrollment: 48% increase since 2021.
    • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 3% dip (ongoing exploration of causes).
    • Post-Secondary Plan: 93% of Class of 2024 with a defined plan (exceeded target).
  • Takeaway: Significant increase in CTE enrollment, need to regain ground in graduation rate.
• Goal 4: District-Wide Systems
  • Target: Conduct enrollment study, develop school building strategy, create assignment/programming strategy aligned with equity policy.
  • Progress:
    • Enrollment Study: City conducted in SY23-24.
    • School Building Strategy: Collaboration with city on MSBA process for Winter Hill/Brown. Onboarded new facility safety/transportation coordinator. Improved maintenance tracking.
    • Assignment/Programming: Rules Committee reviewing policies impacting assignment.
  • Takeaway: Ongoing progress in facilities, continued city collaboration needed, policy changes require broad community input.
• Goal 5: Workforce Diversity
  • Target: 6% increase in staff of color by SY25 (compared to SY22).
  • Progress:
    • Diversity & Recruitment Fair: 25% increase in registrants since 2022.
    • Data Dashboard: Launched for transparency on demographic data.
  • Takeaway: Groundwork laid to increase staff diversity.
• Goal 6: Equitable Resource Allocation
  • Target: Implement student-based budgeting by 2025 or identify alternatives.
  • Progress:
    • Partnering with ERS on a resource audit via grant.
    • Surveyed leaders on budget process to inform improvements.
    • Finance team aims to draft test funding formulas this summer.
    • Timeline Shift: Student-based budgeting planning to continue in SY25-26, potential implementation in SY27-28 due to leadership transition.
• Strategic Plan Alignment:
  • Strategic Plan (2030) is a continuation of School Committee goals, developed with community input.
  • Shared vision: student-centered learning community, empowering students to thrive.
  • Key areas of alignment: Mission, Vision, Values; Data-driven decision-making; Family and Community Engagement.
• Next Steps: Implement Strategic Plan (school improvement plans, PD, progress monitoring), use data to drive decisions, periodic progress reports to School Committee, continued stakeholder engagement.
• Committee Discussion:
  • Ms. Barish inquired about the significance of green-highlighted numbers (highlights, not statistical significance).
  • Ms. Barish asked if the district tracks which K-8 schools students who don't graduate attended, for root cause analysis.
  • Mr. Biton requested direct data on the 6% staff of color increase target, noting the recruitment fair registrant increase is not a direct measure.
  • Ms. Pitone suggested a conversation about using more timely and useful data points than MCAS growth for the dashboard.
  • Mr. Green noted the Class of 2024 graduation rate dip likely reflects starting high school remotely and requested data for 2023-2025 to assess trends.
  • Mr. Green emphasized the importance of revisiting student-based budgeting for inter-school equity.
  • Committee members agreed to revisit School Committee goals with new members in January 2026.

• Motion: To approve the subcommittee reports of Finance and Facilities, Educational Programs, and Rules.
  • Moved: Dr. Ackman
  • Seconded: Ms. Barish
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• For informational purposes only; no vote required.

• Motion: To approve the May bill rules.
  • Moved: Mr. Green
  • Seconded: Dr. Ackman
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Motion: To authorize the Superintendent to transfer funds from the salary account to the specialization account in the amount of $350,000.
  • Moved: Mr. Green
  • Seconded: Dr. Ackman
  • Discussion:
    • Mr. Green appreciated the transparency of the process and requested more detailed line items in the future.
    • Ms. Pitone clarified that these are unspent funds from the salary account (due to unfilled positions or positions filled at lower levels) being transferred to the special education account, often for prepaying tuition for the following year.
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Motion: To approve the scale diploma request for Genora Pineda and Anthony Lopez, both from Somerville, Massachusetts.
  • Moved: Dr. Ackman
  • Seconded: Mr. Green
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.
  • Outcome: Diplomas approved.
• Motion: To approve the FY25 (Class of 2025) Somerville High School Diploma for Tucker Calley.
  • Moved: Mr. Green
  • Seconded: Ms. Pitone
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.
  • Outcome: Diploma approved.

• Motion: To accept all federal entitlement and continuation grants and all state continuation grants awarded to the Somerville Public Schools; a private Tufts University grant of $3,000 for the MLT department for field trips; and a Tufts University grant for $3,000 for the library department for a second-grade literacy program.
  • Moved: Ms. Pitone
  • Seconded: Dr. Ackman
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.
  • Outcome: Grants accepted.

• MSBA Project Update: Superintendent Carmona reported that the city met with the community at the Winter Hill site to discuss the development of the Cox Brothers site and general updates.

• Ms. Pitone:
  • Inquired about a final update on the pool program, specifically regarding make-up programming for students who missed swimming due to pool closures and the city's response.
  • Suggested the city offer free summer pool slots to families affected by the closures as a goodwill gesture.
  • Ms. Onosike reported ongoing conversations with the Parks and Recreation Department and the Mayor's Chief of Staff. No make-up dates for third graders this year, but a solid plan for future years is being developed. She will explore the summer slot recommendation.
  • Mr. Green emphasized ensuring that make-up opportunities reach students who rely on school programs for swimming instruction.
• Ms. Barish:
  • Announced another meeting about the MSBA process at the Brown School on Friday at 8:30 AM (coffee hour).
  • Ms. Pitone acknowledged the frustration expressed by families at the Winter Hill meeting regarding the lack of a decision on school scope and location.
• Ms. Pitone:
  • Provided an update from the Multilingual Learner Parent Advisory Council (MLPAC) meeting: Educators and families reviewed ML education FAQs for next year. Next year's MLPAC goal is to support at-home learning, connect to community resources, and build parent leadership.
• Mr. Biton:
  • Announced office hours on Saturday, June 14th, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at CALA (1060 Broadway) with City Councilor Judy Pineda-Neufeld, Rep. Christine Barber, and Senator Pat Jalen.

• The School Committee extended condolences to the families of:
  • David Hinckley, Bangs Jr., father of Liz Cortiello (Director of School Health Services).
  • Joseph B. Mello, father of Maria Tully (School Nurse at Somerville High School).
  • Beverly Finnegan, mother of Wanda McLaren (Special Education Teacher at Arthur D. Healy School).

• Meeting adjourned.