School Committee Meeting - November 17, 2025

Executive Summary:

The Somerville School Committee convened on November 17, 2025, for a hybrid meeting. Key discussions included a comprehensive report on student wellness and social-emotional learning initiatives, highlighting significant improvements in student behavior and mental health support. The committee also approved revisions to the Competency Determination policy, a second reading of the CTE program admissions policy, and sections H and L of the policy manual. Updates were provided on the MSBA school building project, with a focus on the upcoming recommendation for a larger school at the Sycamore site.

Meeting Details:

• Governing Body: Somerville School Committee
• Meeting Type: Hybrid Meeting
• Meeting Date: November 17, 2025
• Attendees:
  • Emily Ackman, School Committee Member
  • Andre Green, School Committee Member
  • Leiran Biton, School Committee Member
  • Lance Davis, School Committee President
  • Katjana Ballantyne, Mayor
  • Sarah Phillips, School Committee Member
  • Ilana Krepchin, School Committee Chair
  • Laura Pitone, School Committee Member
  • Ellenor Barish, School Committee Member
  • Rubén Carmona, Superintendent
  • Liz Doncaster, Director of Student Services
  • Nadia (Manager of Social Workers)
  • Darrell (Communications Department)
  • Courtney Goslin (Winter Hill School)
  • Principal Ames
  • Rich Wright
  • Nikki (CAG Member)
  • Amara (CAG Member)
  • Ed Bean (Finance Director)

• The meeting was called to order by Chair Krepchin.
• Roll Call:
  • Ms. Pitone: Present
  • Dr. Ackman: Present
  • Mr. Green: Present
  • Mr. Biton: Present
  • President Davis: Present
  • Mayor Ballantyne: Present
  • Dr. Phillips: Present
  • Chair Krepchin: Present
• Quorum was established.

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

• Thanksgiving Pep Rally:
  • Scheduled for the upcoming week, featuring traditional Highlander games (three-legged race, Highlander football race).
  • A raffle will be held, with proceeds supporting the school's food drive.
  • Winners will receive two Celtics tickets.
  • Student leaders, including class officers, are organizing the event.
• Fundraisers:
  • Junior class held a successful Thanksgiving pie fundraiser, selling over 200 pies. Proceeds will benefit the junior class.
  • Other programs and sports teams have also conducted successful fundraisers and bake sales.
• Music Department:
  • Recently took a field trip to see the Boston Symphony.
  • Currently raising money for a future trip to Chicago.
• Sports Update:
  • Transitioning from fall to winter sports seasons.
  • Most sports teams competed in playoffs.
  • Cross-country team were Greater Boston League champions and advanced to States.
  • Football and soccer teams also had strong seasons.
• Questions/Comments from Committee:
  • Ms. Barish inquired if the public could purchase raffle tickets for the food drive.
    • Student representatives stated the raffle was originally for students and staff but could potentially be amended for families.

• Motion: Mr. Biton moved to approve the minutes from October 20, 2025.
• Second: Dr. Ackman.
• Discussion: None.
• Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• No public comment was received.

• Superintendent Carmona thanked student representatives for their report.
• Student Wellness and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):
  • Emphasized the importance of nurturing the whole child, including emotional well-being, social skills, and sense of belonging.
  • Highlighted housing instability as a significant issue impacting student learning, leading to lower academic achievement and increased absenteeism.
  • Identified 65 students as homeless or experiencing housing insecurity, with 31 on a prevention list.
  • Superintendent Carmona will represent the district at the State House to support a bill promoting rent stabilization in Somerville.
  • Thanked Senator Julian Cyr, Representative Richard Haggerty, and the Joint Committee on Housing for their efforts.
• Presentation by Liz Doncaster, Director of Student Services:
  • Role of Student Services: Supports social-emotional development, mental and behavioral health, and physical well-being across all schools, aligning with Strategic Plan Priority #3 (Wellness and Joy).
  • Three-Year SEL Growth Plan Initiatives:
    1. SEL Curriculum:
       • Implemented an updated version of Second Step curriculum after reviewing 30 options.
       • Features modern topics, small group activities, and user-friendly online onboarding for new teachers.
       • Includes six explicit bullying lessons, moved to October for National Anti-Bullying Month.
       • Unity Day is now an annual October event.
       • Supported by SEL specialists and a dedicated SEL block in K-8 schools for explicit teaching.
    2. Restorative Justice (RJ):
       • Fourth year of district-wide implementation of RJ practices, including community circles.
       • High school added 15 minutes to third period for circle practice, ensuring all high school students participate weekly.
       • Cynthia Massillon at the high school, certified by Suffolk University, runs peer circles.
       • K-8 schools have weekly SEL and RJ block time.
       • Internal circle keeper training developed this summer to ensure sustainability and consistency.
    3. SEL Specialists:
       • Present in every building.
       • Trained in all three levels of RJ by Suffolk University.
       • Trained in Second Step online portal to track teacher lesson progress and provide support.
       • Have a voice on the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) for professional development planning.
    4. Behavior Response System:
       • Developed a clear behavior response chart outlining teacher responsibilities (Tier 1), support protocols, and appropriate times for student removal from class.
       • Trained Assistant Principals and Deans on the system.
       • Streamlined over 100 behavior codes in Aspen to the low 20s for clearer data.
       • Data from last year showed disruptive behavior, class cuts, and leaving class as top conduct referrals.
       • High school is now providing professional development on Tier 1 interventions and classroom behavior management.
       • Results: District-wide conduct referrals are down 23%; K-8 referrals are down 18%.
    5. Social Emotional Behavior Response Team (SEBRT):
       • Composed of Kevin Van Horn (BCBA, RBT) and a social worker.
       • Supports students when Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions are insufficient but an evaluation is not yet needed.
       • Observes, gathers data, creates behavior plans, trains adults, and monitors implementation.
       • Results: 88% of 31 referred students last year showed decreased interfering behavior.
       • Noted a continued need for SEBRT support for K-2 students.
  • Embedded Health Services:
    • Partnerships with Riverside Home for Little Wanderers and Neighborhood Clinicians (no insurance barriers, multilingual support).
    • Covered 200 students in individual therapy last year.
    • Re-upped three-year contract with the Teen Center at the high school, supporting 792 mental health visits last year.
  • Social Workers:
    • Social worker in every building since 2022.
    • Supported 261 individual students and 298 in groups last year.
    • Safety assessments (for self-harm or threats) have dropped 74% since SY 2023.
  • Prevention and Intervention Specialist:
    • Second full-time specialist dedicated to the high school, allowing Kristen Strelitz to focus on proactive K-8 education.
  • Supervisors of Attendance:
    • Conducted 700 home visits last year, often accompanied by social workers or deans.
  • Mediation Program:
    • Doubled staff, supporting 660 students last year.
    • Increased student self-referrals for mediation.
    • Continues to train middle and high school peer mediators.
  • Bilingual Adjustment Counselors: Added more.
  • Overall Positive Data: Attendance rate above state average and climbing; chronic absenteeism down 6% and decreasing; students increasingly seek proactive support; behavior referrals down.
  • Proactive Measures Moving Forward:
    1. Partnership with Boston Children's Hospital (BCH):
       • Focus on Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and crosswalks between academics, SEL, and mental health.
       • Pilot program for universal screeners and surveys to identify intervention gaps.
    2. Bullying vs. Peer Conflict:
       • Addressing the disconnect in definitions between students, parents, and staff.
       • Last year: 79 bullying investigations, 25 confirmed bullying cases (less than 1% of student population).
       • Need for increased communication and education on the distinction.
    3. 504 Accommodation Plans:
       • Tripled since Liz Doncaster took the role.
       • Forming a working group to clarify roles, responsibilities, protocols, and procedures for counselors.
       • Exploring an online management program to better support counselors.
  • Summary: Department continues to strengthen SEL, RJ, mental health supports, and behavior systems; committed to aligning academic and social-emotional supports, maintaining student safety and well-being, and continuous data-driven improvement.
• Questions/Comments from Committee:
  • Ms. Barish asked if there are multilingual peer circle keepers. Liz Doncaster will follow up.
  • Dr. Ackman expressed strong support for continued investment in SEL work, especially with potential budget tightening.
  • Mr. Green asked how to effectively communicate the success of these strategies to the public, especially given past community concerns about behavior incidents. Superintendent Carmona acknowledged the challenge of social media narratives but emphasized the numbers speak for themselves and the need for advocates in the community.
  • Mr. Biton highlighted the 74% drop in safety assessments as a dramatic success and reiterated the importance of storytelling. He also asked for clarification on "Restorative Recess," which his son described as "detention." Liz Doncaster clarified it's a pilot in some buildings, intended for students to discuss conflicts in circles, not a district-wide practice.
  • Dr. Phillips requested disaggregated data (by race, ethnicity, English language status, special education status) for attendance and discipline to tell a more powerful story. Liz Doncaster agreed to provide it.
  • Ms. Pitone expressed interest in the next stage of the SEL plan and the complexities of tracking SEL data. She also inquired about the SEL block, confirming it's once a week in K-8s, led by classroom teachers, and tracked by SEL specialists.
  • Ms. Barish inquired about the city's $1 million commitment to hunger relief, carrot cards, and school markets. Superintendent Carmona confirmed family liaisons manage food requests and that the funding is a great contribution but significant need remains.
  • Mr. Green emphasized the increasing food insecurity due to SNAP cuts and other factors, urging systemic thinking about innovation and outreach to families who may not realize resources are available.
  • Ms. Pitone suggested exploring ways to encourage families to participate in school breakfast programs, acknowledging logistical challenges. Superintendent Carmona expressed concerns about adding to building leaders' logistical burdens but welcomed creative ideas.
  • Ms. Barish suggested that the Capuano school, with its history of parents bringing younger siblings, might be a unique opportunity for younger siblings to partake in breakfast, if federal rules allow.
  • Dr. Phillips requested school-by-school data on bullying investigations. Liz Doncaster agreed to provide it.
  • Chair Krepchin asked about educating the community on the difference between bullying and peer conflict. Liz Doncaster suggested parent curriculum nights, newsletter inclusions, and student circles.
• Weather Preparedness Memo: Superintendent Carmona noted the annual weather preparedness memo was in the packet, outlining district response to winter emergencies.
• Thanksgiving Holiday: Superintendent Carmona wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, reminding them of early school closure on November 26th, no school on November 27th and 28th, and resumption on December 1st.
• Youth Health Survey: The city was unavailable to present the Youth Health Survey data. The committee expressed interest in rescheduling.
  • Dr. Phillips asked if there were changes to snow/inclement weather plans. Superintendent Carmona stated the memo contains the same information, but a new city emergency preparedness person is more systematic.
  • Mr. Green asked if the city is considering the impact of climate change on snow plans (e.g., equipment, parking). Superintendent Carmona suggested this could be a topic for the building facilities committee.
  • Ms. Pitone flagged the ongoing issue of plowing playgrounds with rubberized surfaces, which cannot be shoveled and impact student access.
  • Mr. Davis clarified that the issue of rubberized surfaces prevents playground use, not school closure.
  • Ms. Barish noted the Kennedy Playground redesign project should consider winter accessibility.
  • Ms. Pitone cautioned that climate change could lead to more frequent and intense snowstorms in New England.
  • Dr. Ackman suggested that playground equipment choices should consider long-term repair costs and maintenance packages, not just initial price.
  • Ms. Pitone clarified the Youth Risk Behavior Survey is now called the Youth Health Survey, likely a statewide change.
  • Mr. Green suggested the name change might be a proactive measure by the state in response to federal executive orders.
• FY26/27 Calendar Draft: Not yet ready, will be presented at the next meeting.
• November Personnel Report:
  • Retirements: Jackie Lawrence, Special Education Teacher at Capuano School and former SEU president, retiring June 30, 2026, after 38 years.
  • New Hires: Nurse at Healy School, paraprofessional for Argentinian School, Assistant Site Director for OST at East Somerville School.
  • Promotions: Crystal Legaski, former Kennedy School Secretary, promoted to Accounts Payable Specialist in Finance Office.

• Joint School Building Facilities and Maintenance Subcommittee Meeting (October 20, 2025):
  • Motion: Ms. Barish moved to accept the report.
  • Second: Dr. Phillips.
  • Discussion: Ms. Barish clarified that the Mayor's continued voice on the MSBA school building committee refers to the title of Mayor, not specifically Katjana Ballantyne.
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.
• Finance and Facilities Subcommittee Meeting (November 5, 2025):
  • Motion: Dr. Phillips moved to accept the report.
  • Second: Ms. Barish.
  • Discussion: None.
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Policy: Revised draft of the Competency Determination policy.
• Revisions presented by Dr. Boston-Davis:
  • Page 2:
    • Added an overview definition of competency determination.
    • Added sentences: "While assessments may be used to measure student mastery, it is not the intent of the Somerville Public Schools to create or institute any additional high-stakes testing mechanisms." and "When possible, various measures should be used to demonstrate mastery."
    • Added a definition of "equivalent course."
    • Struck through "and by meeting the school attendance standard for that course" from the definition of "satisfactorily completing coursework." Dr. Boston-Davis clarified that attendance is still a factor in successfully completing coursework per the high school attendance policy, which states five unexcused absences result in a grade no higher than 59.
  • Page 3 & 4:
    • Shifted language to ensure students have "as many opportunities as possible to demonstrate mastery before they would become eligible for graduation."
  • Page 4 (Students with Disabilities):
    • Clarified language in the third bullet: "A department shall develop an alternative method for demonstrating mastery for an individual student if the student's disability and accommodations require this."
  • Late Enrolling Students: Competency determination review will happen at the time of course registration.
• Questions/Comments from Committee:
  • Mr. Davis asked for clarification on whether MCAS can still be used for competency determination. Dr. Boston-Davis stated that MCAS cannot be used for competency determination per state law, but districts can choose to use it as a local high school graduation requirement.
  • Ms. Pitone suggested a friendly amendment to the sentence "When possible, various measures should be used to demonstrate mastery" to "various measures should be used to assess mastery or various activities should be used to demonstrate mastery."
  • Ms. Pitone also recommended cross-referencing the attendance policy in the footer of the finalized policy.
• Motion: Dr. Phillips moved to approve the policy with Ms. Pitone's friendly amendments.
• Second: Mr. Biton.
• Discussion: Committee confirmed that administrative edits for wording could be made by administration.
• Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.
• Deadline: Policy needs to be uploaded to the state by December 31st.

• Policy: JFAAA, CTE Program Admissions Policy.
• Motion: Mr. Green moved to approve.
• Second: Dr. Ackman.
• Discussion: None.
• Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Policy: Sections H and L of the policy manual.
• Motion: Ms. Barish moved to approve policy manual sections H and L, including the reintroduction of employee rights language as in the memo.
• Second: Mr. Biton.
• Discussion:
  • Mr. Green supported reintroducing the language about teachers' rights (Policy HB: "Employees shall have the right of self-organization, etc.") to avoid any impression of diminished commitment to teacher rights.
  • Dr. Phillips asked if the language contradicted the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). It was clarified that the language is based on Mass General Law and affirms collective bargaining rights.
  • Amendment to Motion: Ms. Pitone suggested adding "except where it contradicts collective bargaining agreement" to the motion.
• Vote on Amended Motion: All in favor. Motion carries.
• Motion: Ms. Barish moved to accept the language recommended by Mr. Sumner's legal advisor for Policy HF, which would state: "to negotiate in good faith with recognized bargaining units to arrive at mutually satisfactory agreement on wages, hours, and working conditions of employees represented by the units and other mandatory subjects of bargaining," and changing "they" at the start of each bullet point to "the negotiator."
• Second: Dr. Phillips.
• Discussion: None.
• Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Superintendent Carmona provided an update on the MSBA construction project for Winter Hill and potentially Brown schools.
• CAG (Community Advisory Group) Work:
  • Recently met to finalize a recommendation to the Mayor.
  • Mr. Green provided an update: The CAG is leaning towards recommending a larger school at the Sycamore site to the Mayor, citing flexibility and more seats as primary reasons.
  • Mr. Green will send the draft recommendation memo to committee members and encouraged them to provide feedback before Monday's meeting.
• Program Designer Work (Perkins Eastman):
  • Convened an educational leadership team (including building principals, Rich Wright, OPMs, Superintendent, Dr. Boston-Davis, and department heads) to address programmatic needs of the building.
• Listening Sessions: Two listening sessions for educators and parents are planned for January to gather feedback.
• Committee Discussion:
  • Ms. Pitone inquired about the CAG's request for the School Committee to weigh in on the recommendation. Mr. Green explained that while he believes the School Committee should have been tasked with the process, the CAG has done the work. He stated that the district is confident in providing a world-class education regardless of the building chosen.
  • Timeline: Mayor Ballantyne, in consultation with Mayor-elect Wilson, plans to make a final recommendation this calendar year, which then needs MSBA approval.
  • Dr. Phillips requested a one-pager clarifying the powers of each body (School Committee, Building Committee, CAG, Mayor) throughout the process. Mr. Davis stated this was requested at the last building committee meeting and if not provided by December 1st, he would recommend the School Committee's lawyers produce it.
  • Mr. Davis clarified that the December 1st meeting refers to the new building committee.
  • Chair Krepchin suggested adding the CAG recommendation as an agenda item for the December 1st meeting to allow the School Committee to deliberate and potentially provide formal input to the Mayor.
  • Superintendent Carmona clarified the CAG's scope was to recommend location (Trump or Sycamore) and whether to combine or keep schools separate. The SBC will determine programmatic design.

• Motion: Dr. Phillips moved to approve the October bill rolls.
• Second: Mr. Biton.
• Discussion: None.
• Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Motion: Mr. Biton moved to approve the following field trips:
  • January 4, 2026: 31 Somerville High School chorus students to Dunkin' Donuts Center, Providence, RI, to perform at Providence Bruins game. Travel via bus. Student cost: $20.
  • January 22, 2026: 12 Next Wave Full Circle students to Pat's Peak, NH. Travel via van. Student cost: $25.
  • February 26, 2026: 12 Next Wave Full Circle students to Pat's Peak, NH. Travel via van. Student cost: $25.
• Second: Dr. Ackman.
• Discussion:
  • Ms. Barish raised a concern about the Pat's Peak field trip, which stated students could complete chores to work off the $25 cost. She questioned the equity of this approach (creating two tiers of students) and potential conflicts with collective bargaining agreements. Dr. Boston-Davis agreed to investigate and get an update from the school.
  • Ms. Pitone requested that in the future, copies of all field trip forms be included in the packet, as they often contain information about accommodations for students who cannot pay.
• Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Motion: Dr. Ackman moved to approve three state grants from Mass Cultural:
  • Capuano School: $5,000
  • Winter Hill School: $5,000
  • Somerville High School: $5,000
• Second: Mr. Biton.
• Discussion: None.
• Vote: All in favor. Motion carries.

• Commissioner of Education Visit: Dr. Ackman inquired about the upcoming visit from the Commissioner of Education. Superintendent Carmona confirmed he advocated for the visit to showcase Somerville's programs, particularly CTE and dual language, and to allow students to have a voice. He noted that the Commissioner often focuses on MCAS data, but he wanted to highlight other successes.

• The School Committee extended its deepest condolences to the family of Maria A. Parabello, mother of Rosanna Parabello, Director of Out of School Time.

• The meeting was adjourned.