School Committee Meeting - August 25, 2025

Governing Body: Somerville School Committee Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: August 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM Attendees: Emily Ackman, Andre Green, Leiran Biton, Laura Pitone, Ellenor Barish, Sarah Phillips, Ilana Krepchin, Rubén Carmona (Superintendent), Jessica Boston-Davis (Assistant Superintendent), Rich Reich (Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management), William Fisher (Director of Emergency Management), Yasmin Radassi (Legislative Liaison, Mayor's Office), Ralph Henry (Director of Capital Projects).

• The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
• Roll Call:
  • Ms. Pitone: Present (initially technical difficulties, later confirmed)
  • 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 quorum was established.
• Interpreters introduced themselves: Brianna Toole (Spanish), Vanusa Teixeira (Portuguese), Angie Supri (Haitian Creole).

• Motion: To approve the June 16th minutes.
  • Moved by: Dr. Ackman
  • Seconded by: [Unidentified]
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carried.

• Instructions: Speakers were allotted three minutes. Comments were not a discussion with the committee. Personal complaints against school personnel were not permitted.
• Sabrina Vahid (Rising 8th Grader, Winter Hill at Edgerly):
  • Expressed deep appreciation for the Breakthrough Program, highlighting its role in gaining confidence and providing college opportunities.
  • Shared a positive experience with a science project (solar oven) and urged Somerville to continue the program.
  • Quote: "I sincerely hope Somerville will find a way to keep Breakthrough going. I cherish the memories I've had so far and I hope that they will continue until I graduate."
• Arwa Ramadan (Rising 8th Grader):
  • Described Breakthrough as a "second home" where she made friendships and learned significantly.
  • Praised the program's authentic environment where students felt comfortable making mistakes.
  • Thanked Kim (program director) and the teaching fellows for their support and dedication.
  • Quote: "Breakthrough became more than just a summer program for me. It became a second home."
• Sakshi Hastir (Somerville Resident, Tufts University Student, Breakthrough Alumna):
  • A first-generation college student who credited Breakthrough with her academic success and acceptance to Tufts University.
  • Served as a teaching fellow, observing the positive impact on current students.
  • Criticized the decision to shut down the program without consulting students or parents, emphasizing that students are the "results of this program."
  • Quote: "If you needed results, you can just look at me and you can look at them. We are the results of this program."
• Joe Buzon (85 Concord Ave, Somerville, Parent):
  • Proud father of two sons (rising freshman and junior at SHS) who benefited from Breakthrough.
  • Highlighted the program's structure, organization, and academic/social benefits, contrasting it with unstructured summer activities.
  • Expressed disappointment over the lack of transparency and communication regarding the program's discontinuation.
  • Quote: "I just look, like many of us, for transparency, for communication. I never got a text or an email saying that Breakthrough was gonna be gone."
• Jaideep Vaid (34 Marshall Street, Somerville Resident, Parent):
  • Parent of a teenager who showed significant improvement through Breakthrough.
  • Challenged the Superintendent's claim of the program being "ineffective," citing student testimonials.
  • Questioned the lack of alternative plans and called the decision "impulsive" and an "abandonment" of young learners.
  • Quote: "Why would you cancel a great program for Somerville's aspiring youth and not have a replacement plan in place."
• Jeremiah Hill (11 Rose Street, Ward 2, Foster Parent):
  • Spoke on behalf of a rising 8th grader who gained math, civics, and self-advocacy skills through Breakthrough.
  • Emphasized the program's social and emotional support, including conflict resolution.
  • Reiterated the need to reinstate the existing, effective program rather than vague "notional replacements."
  • Quote: "We have a solution. there is a program that is effective that does great things for these kids that already exists that should come back that needs to come back."
• Priyadoshini Kumar (34 C. Marshall Street, Ward 7, Parent):
  • Parent of Sabrina Vahid, expressed frustration and anger over the "unilateral decision" to sunset Breakthrough.
  • Challenged the Superintendent's claims of "more enhanced and cost-effective services" and lack of program effectiveness, demanding data and evidence.
  • Accused the district of "authoritarian practices" and abandoning students midway through a six-year program without a plan.
  • Quote: "If this claim were true, where is the data? Where is the evidence of the lack of program effectiveness and sustainability?"

• Superintendent Rubén Carmona:
  • Thanked families and students for their feedback, acknowledging the importance of their pleas.
  • Welcomed everyone to the new academic year, focusing on academic excellence, wellness, joy, equity, and family engagement.
  • Summer Programming:
    • Over 1,700 Somerville students participated in summer programs.
    • Examples: Robotics and 3D printing at East Somerville, Calculus Project (60 students, grades 7-12), Adventure Summer Program (K-6, leadership training for grades 7-9), CTE sessions at Somerville High School (graphic design, culinary arts, cosmetology, carpentry).
  • Breakthrough Program Sunset:
    • Acknowledged the sunsetting of the partnership with Breakthrough.
    • Decision followed a multi-year programmatic assessment and fiscal constraints, including the elimination of ESSER funds.
    • Factors informing the transition: reduction in service hours, limited services for high school students, challenges in measuring academic outcomes, and significantly higher cost per student compared to other out-of-school time programming.
    • Committed to improving communication and confident in the decision.
    • Announced an RFP process for college and career readiness for historically underserved students, with results in the fall.
    • A full report from the out-of-school time department will be presented at the September 29th meeting.
  • Facility Updates:
    • Collaboration with city partners to improve school buildings.
    • Argenziano School: New 5th-grade classroom (IAM, Principal Soto, Vice Principal Candelora, Danielle Barry), new production kitchen (IAM, Lauren Mancini, Amara Anosike) for K-8 meals.
    • Winter Hill School: New accessibility ramp and parking space on Bonaire Street (IAM, Public Space and Urban Forestry, Amara Anosike, Principal Gosling).
    • District-wide: DPW conducted extensive repairs, maintenance, and deep cleaning (Commissioner Latham, Facilities Supervisor Mike Bowler, Building Superintendent Matt Bennett).
    • Future Updates: Memo for next School Committee meeting on MSBA school building project for Winter Hill and potentially Brown School.
    • Cummings School: Discussion on potential use as a warming center, balancing community need with district's need for swing space.
• Assistant Superintendent Jessica Boston-Davis:
  • Back-to-School Fair: Successful event by SFLC, over 1,000 community members, 100 hosts/vendors.
  • Staff Welcome: Welcomed administrators and 70 new SPS staff members.
  • New Admin Appointments: Isabel Barrows (Interim Principal, Capuano), Darrell Nash (Chief Communications Officer).
  • All-Staff Convocation: Planned for Wednesday afternoon.
  • Upcoming Academic Update (September 8th meeting): New curriculum rollout, grants summary.
  • Federation for Children with Special Needs Apple Institute: District accepted into 2026 cohort (Advancing Parent Professional Leadership in Education) in partnership with DESE and CPAC to enhance collaboration and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Questions on Superintendent's Report:
  • New Argenziano Classroom: Questioned where 5th-grade students would be housed during construction.
    • Response (Superintendent Carmona): Principal Soto has planned to integrate classes with other teachers in regular classrooms due to a delay.
  • Building Management System (BMS): Questioned by Ms. Barish.
    • Response (Ralph Henry, Director of Capital Projects): BMS is a computerized system to monitor building functions (temperatures, alarms, boiler/cooling issues). Enhancements at John F. Kennedy School. Transitioning from proprietary Honeywell system to an open protocol system for greater vendor flexibility. High school BMS monitors thousands of points.
    • Follow-up (Ms. Barish): Who monitors the system?
    • Response (Ralph Henry): Combination of Capital Projects staff and Department of Public Works.
  • High School Solar Panels: Questioned by Ms. Barish regarding 330.65 megawatt hours.
    • Response (Rich Reich): Will follow up with specific details, but confirmed the system supplements electrical usage at the school, especially for cooling demand.
  • Argenziano Production Kitchen: Questioned by Mr. Biton regarding operational status and timeline.
    • Response (Ralph Henry): Fully functional.
  • Future Roof/Boiler Work: Questioned by Mr. Green about city's plan for major projects without spare space.
    • Response (Yasmin Radassi): Will be discussed in depth at the School Building Facilities Maintenance (SBFM) Committee meeting.
  • Brown School Boilers: Questioned by Ms. Barish regarding readiness for heating season.
    • Response (Rich Reich): DPW confirmed Brown boiler is on track to be online for heating season; no temporary boiler needed.
  • SBFM Meeting Date: Mr. Biton announced the first SBFM meeting on September 15th.

• Superintendent Carmona highlighted key personnel changes:
  • Retirements:
    • Nancy Egan-Trikomi (Skilled Teacher, 34 years)
    • Mary Foreman (High School Principal, 27 years)
  • Resignations:
    • Principal Caravallo (Capuano)
    • Kathleen Baylor (Director of Early Childhood, 4 years)
    • Caitlin Kelly (Wellness Coordinator, 11 years)
  • Promotions:
    • Kayla Coleman (AFAS Grade 1 Teacher, Provisional to Permanent)
    • Gina Natali (Paraprofessional to Teacher, Capuano)
    • Nicole Brunley (Principal Clerk to Head Clerk)
    • Belkisosa (Skilled Teacher to Program Coordinator)
    • Cody Turgeon (Winter Hill Paraprofessional to Teacher)
    • Isabel Barros (Assistant Principal, Winter Hill to Principal, Capuano)
    • Sampel Bayou (Teacher to Dean of Students, Healy)
    • Elizabeth Dignan (Paraprofessional to Teacher, Kennedy)
    • Kelly Lopez (Lead Teacher to Assistant Site Director)
    • Maria Henriquez (Lead Teacher to Assistant Site Director, Winter Hill)
    • Julie Phillips (Principal to Cleric, High School)
  • New Hires:
    • Chief of Communications (Darrell Nash)
    • K-12 Supervisor of Health and Physical Education
    • 44 new staff in August (Accounts Payable, Payroll Coordinator, Speech and Language Pathology, Substance Abuse Counselor, OST Assistant Director, Plumbing Instructor, Cosmetology Instructor).
    • 233 staff hired for summer school programming.
  • Commended HR team for their work on SEU contract implications, hiring, onboarding, and retention strategies.

• Motion: To accept the June 18, 2025 Finance and Facilities Report and the July 15, 2025 Rules Management Report.
  • Moved by: Dr. Phillips
  • Seconded by: Dr. Ackman
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carried.

• First reading of a resolution from the Mayor's office.
• Ms. Pitone suggested an additional "whereas" clause to acknowledge the city's historical commitment.
• Discussion:
  • Mr. Green and Ms. Pitone supported adding a clause about historical commitment.
  • Dr. Phillips suggested waiving rules for immediate passage due to non-controversial nature.
  • Mr. Green, Mr. Biton, and Ms. Barish preferred waiting for the second reading at the next meeting to allow for proper amendment and avoid "in-horseshoe editing."
  • Ms. Barish questioned the date "week of September 12th" if it meant Friday.
• Outcome: Will be on the agenda for the next meeting for a second reading with proposed amendments.

• Yasmin Radassi (Legislative Liaison, Mayor's Office):
  • Thanked the committee for approving Cummings School as a warming center last winter.
  • Introduced Director William Fisher (Emergency Management) and Director Rich Raich (Infrastructure and Asset Management).
  • Acknowledged a draft MOU was shared but not fully vetted by the City.
• William Fisher (Director of Emergency Management):
  • Thanked all involved for recognizing and responding to a critical human need.
  • After-Action Assessment: Conducted surveys (clients, staff, community) and a listening session. Report in final stages, to be presented to City Council, School Committee, and community.
  • Client Testimonials: Shared three impactful quotes highlighting the center's positive effect on individuals.
  • Statistics: Averaged 32 clients/night, 3 pets/night, 3,692 total overnight stays.
  • Services Provided: Warm meals, cots, blankets, hygiene kits, socks, Narcan, on-site clinical staff, transportation, shelter waitlist assistance, mobile clinical services, health screenings, personalized referrals, entertainment, holiday treats.
  • Conclusion: Cummings Warming Center is the best facility to meet needs, with identified areas for improvement.
• Discussion on Emergency Plan and MOU:
  • Ms. Krepchin: Noted a draft MOU from the School Committee's lawyers was in the packet, still being worked on.
  • Mr. Green: Reminded the City of a motion passed almost a year ago requiring a public plan for hosting students in an emergency. Expressed concern that the plan still doesn't exist.
  • Director Fisher:
    • Acknowledged the importance of continuity of operations for schools as critical infrastructure.
    • Stated his budget proposal includes developing a comprehensive City and Business Continuity of Operations Plan.
    • Formed the Somerville Emergency Management Group (including school members) that meets monthly for planning, training, and response.
    • Emphasized that the plan needs to be written collaboratively with schools as subject matter experts.
    • Acknowledged frustration but committed to moving forward.
  • Yasmin Radassi: Stated that in previous displacements, the entire city worked to find alternative spaces, and commitment remains to mitigate interruptions.
  • Dr. Phillips: Highlighted the September 2024 motion and the draft MOU's Section 7, which allows 12 months after signing for the City to create the emergency plan. Called this "unacceptable" given past school failures (Winter Hill closure).
  • Yasmin Radassi: Apologized for the delay in the MOU draft from SPS and noted the City is also not comfortable with the current draft. Highlighted IAM's proactive efforts to prevent emergencies.
  • Mr. Green: Expressed feeling "lied to and dismissed" by the administration's failure to meet obligations from a year ago. Demanded an apology and a commitment to "be better."
  • Director Fisher: Apologized on behalf of the administration for past communication issues, reiterated commitment to moving forward collaboratively.
  • Mr. Biton: Acknowledged Director Fisher's personal commitment but emphasized the need for a concrete plan, not just goodwill. Stressed the importance of a "minimum viable product" plan for the 25-26 school year.
  • Director Fisher: Suggested providing a "framework" or "strategic plan" with benchmarks for the continuity of operations plan as an interim step.
  • Dr. Ackman: Shared a personal story about the warming center's value but expressed concern about the lack of a student displacement plan, especially since Tufts (a past solution) is no longer available.
  • Mr. Green: Reiterated the need for an apology and a clear plan for student displacement, not just a promise.
• Outcome: No action taken. Discussion will continue at the next meeting with a revised MOU.

• Rich Reich (Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management):
  • Update on the MSBA process for a new school building.
  • Owner's Project Manager (PMA) has been hired.
  • Next step: Hire the designer (architects, engineers).
  • Designer Selection Panel (DSP): 13 members (10 from MSBA, 3 from Somerville).
  • Somerville's three seats: Mayor/designee (Rich Reich), Superintendent (Dr. Carmona), and one selected by the School Committee.
  • Six proposals received, review underway.
  • Timeline:
    • September 9th: First meeting with MSBA to shortlist three firms.
    • September 23rd: Interviews and selection of the firm.
  • Recommendation: Courtney Koslow (Winter Hill parent, School Building Committee member, construction field experience, environmental advocate) for the School Committee's representative. Her resume was provided.
• Discussion:
  • Mr. Green: Supported Courtney Koslow's appointment but criticized the late notice for the decision, requesting a proactive timeline for future input needs.
  • Rich Reich: Acknowledged the concern, committed to providing a timeline, and explained the DSP dates were not available until after summer recess.
  • Mr. Biton: Supported Ms. Koslow, noting her expertise and commitment.
  • Ms. Pitone: Expressed high-level support for Courtney Koslow, highlighting her thoughtfulness, commitment, and professionalism.
• Motion: To nominate Courtney Koslow as the School Committee representative to the Designer Selection Panel (DSP).
  • Moved by: Mr. Green
  • Seconded by: Mr. Biton
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carried.

• Ms. Barish: Presented a revision to File JCA, clarifying it as a temporary/interim correction.
• Mr. Green: Confirmed that a working group/task force will be formed in January with the new School Committee to further address this policy.
• Mr. Biton: Thanked Ms. Barish and Ms. Rodriguez for their work, noting the revision provides greater clarity and definition of terms (e.g., "proximity school") and reflects current practice.
• Outcome: Will be on the agenda for the next meeting for a second reading.

• Motion: To approve a field trip from September 17-19, 2025, for 66 6th-grade students from the Argenziano School to Nature's Classroom in Groton, MA. Travel by bus. Student cost: $310, with PTA funding for students unable to pay.
  • Moved by: Dr. Phillips
  • Seconded by: Dr. Ackman
• Discussion:
  • Mr. Biton: Commended the PTA for funding support.
  • Mr. Green: Requested the district collect data on all field trips (offered, cost, funding) to better understand "field trip equity."
  • Superintendent Carmona: Confirmed the district is working on aligning field trips with curriculum and addressing funding mechanisms.
  • Dr. Jessica Boston-Davis: Stated data from last year is being analyzed, and the district is creating at least one recommended curricular field trip per grade level.
• Vote: All in favor. Motion carried.

• Motion: To accept the following grants:
  • Private Grants:
    • BU Consortium, SFLC grant: $3,500
    • UNIDOS grant: $5,639.50
    • Nellie Mae grant (Navigating Now, District Support for College and Career Readiness): $100,000
    • Harvard Mentor Program (Districtwide): $6,000
    • Barr Foundation Grant (Strengthening School Leadership, Driving Instructional Improvement): $200,000
  • State Grants:
    • Coordinated Family Community Engagement, SFLC grant: $371,477
    • Commonwealth School Health Districtwide Grant: $85,500
    • Partnership for Reading Success Massachusetts Prism Grant: $338,000
    • High Equivalency Test Centers Scale Grant: $11,268
    • MassHire MetroNorth Scale Grant: $33,500
    • Commonwealth Preschool Grant for Early Childhood Programming: $1,000,000
    • Computer Science Engage Grant (District-wide): $23,500
    • Revolving Grant for Friends of Scale: $43,720.15
  • Federal Grant:
    • Secondary and Post-Secondary Program Improvement and Equipment for CTE: $5,000
  • Total: Over $2.1 million
  • Moved by: Ms. Barish
  • Seconded by: Dr. Ackman
• Discussion:
  • Dr. Ackman: Expressed deep appreciation for securing these funds, especially after Superintendent Skipper's departure.
  • Mr. Green: Requested detailed information on how the $2.1 million will be spent in future finance subcommittee meetings and for the interim CFO to develop transparent grant spending systems.
  • Ms. Barish: Asked if these grants are one-off or likely to continue year-over-year.
  • Dr. Phillips: Noted upcoming finance meetings will include more on grants. Asked for a 30-second blurb on Nellie Mae and Barr Foundation grants.
  • Dr. Jessica Boston-Davis:
    • Nellie Mae Grant: District support grant for college and career readiness, specifically for college counseling and tours, with a focus on first-generation and underrepresented students, replacing lost BU College Corps program support.
    • Barr Foundation Grant: Competitive grant for strengthening school leadership and driving instructional improvement. Will expand Lynch Leadership Academy coaching (currently for principals) to assistant principals, department heads, and teacher leaders, centering academic instructional leadership.
  • Superintendent Carmona: Commended Dr. Jessica Boston-Davis and other staff (finance, HR, SCALE) for their extensive work in securing grants, noting Somerville's positive reputation for collaborative grant work.
• Vote: All in favor. Motion carried.

• Covered under MSBA Designer Selection Panel discussion.

• Superintendent Carmona: Praised Courtney Koslow's commitment and expertise for the DSP role.
• Mr. Green:
  • Suggested improving timekeeping mechanisms for visually impaired individuals during public comment.
  • Proposed making an exception to the no-applause rule for student public speakers to encourage civic engagement.
• Simultaneous Interpretation: Chair Krepchin announced that simultaneous interpretation will no longer be provided at every meeting but will be available with 48 hours' notice due to lack of use. Superintendent Carmona confirmed this aligns with practices in other communities.

• Dr. Phillips read the following condolences:
  • Thomas Gallaghani: Retired Somerville High School Headmaster.
  • Claudia Issa Wernick da Cruz: Sister of ESL Specialist.
  • Bridget Moran Travers: Retired Paraprofessional at Michael E. Capuano Early Childhood Center.
  • Ramona Catesuca Santiago: Sister of Manuel Manny Santiago, Technology Specialist at ESCS and Capuano School.
  • Catherine Santiago: Former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Chief of Staff, daughter of Roxana Reyes, former Paraprofessional at the Michael E. Capuano School.
  • Angelina and Angela Grassi: Grandmother of John Breslin, Director of Technology.

• The meeting was adjourned.