Somerville SEPAC Report

SSEPAC shared a report to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) on August 13th, 2025 regarding the upcoming district review of Somerville Public Schools (SPS) for the 2025-2026 school year.

Key findings:

Leadership and Governance: A significant disconnect exists between SPS’s strategic plans and their implementation. Despite a stated commitment to equity, students with disabilities face declining academic outcomes and unmet legal mandates.

Curriculum and Instruction: The district’s inclusion model is under-resourced, leaving students without the necessary support to access grade-level curriculum.

Assessment and Evaluation: Between 88-90% of special education students are NOT meeting grade level expectations. The district’s data collection does not translate into meaningful action and potential violations of federal law.

Human Resources: Chronic staffing shortages in special education have led to missed services, educator burnout, and IEPs written based on staff availability rather than student need.

Student Support: Widespread non-compliance with Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has resulted in the denial of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for many students. Educators report unsafe environments, missed services, and procedural barriers.

Financial and Asset Management: Budget decisions have failed to prioritize the needs of students with disabilities. The district’s budget does not meet existing legal obligations.

In addition to DESE, this report was also sent directly to Superintendent Dr. Carmona, Director of Special Education Mr. Arellano, the entire School Committee, all current elected officials, and all current candidates for the upcoming municipal election.

To continue this discussion and push for a change to our special education system, please

reach out to your elected officials and to those running and express your concern.

Use this to look up your legislator: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

A full list of City Councilors check out: https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/city-council

If you would like to email the full School Committee at once, you can email

SchoolCommittee@k12.somerville.ma.us.

Sample letter here.