Somerville Civics OnlineSomerville Civics Handbook coverView the Somerville Handbook →
HomeMayor’s OfficeCity CouncilSchool Committee
Home›Somerville›School Committee

City Government

School Committee & Superintendent

The Superintendent

Superintendent Dr. Rubén Carmona

Dr. Rubén Carmona

About 4,876 Somerville students start their day in this district, and one person answers for all of it. Dr. Rubén Carmona has led Somerville Public Schools as Superintendent since July 2023. He runs a system of 11 schools, proposes the school budget, sets academic priorities, and answers to the elected School Committee. The Superintendent is hired by and reports to the School Committee, which evaluates his work each year.

Role Superintendent of Schools
In office Since July 2023
District Somerville Public Schools, 11 schools
Students About 4,876

The School Committee

Somerville’s School Committee has nine voting seats: seven members elected by ward to two-year terms, plus the Mayor and the City Council President, who both serve as ex-officio voting members under the city charter. The committee sets district policy, approves the school budget, and hires and evaluates the Superintendent who runs the schools day to day. Emily Ackman of Ward 1 chairs the committee, and Leiran Biton of Ward 7 is vice chair.

Chair · Ward 1

Emily Ackman

Vice Chair · Ward 7

Leiran Biton

Ward 2

Elizabeth (Liz) Eldridge

Ward 3

Michele Lippens

Ward 4

Andre L. Green

Ward 5

Laura Pitone

Ward 6

Emma Stellman

Ex-Officio · Mayor

Jake Wilson

Ex-Officio · Council President

Lance L. Davis

The District at a Glance

  • Enrollment: 4,876 students across 11 schools.
  • High school: Somerville High School on Highland Avenue, rebuilt and reopened in 2021.
  • Languages: 23.5% of students are English learners, reflecting Somerville’s large immigrant community.
  • State data: DESE district profile for Somerville Public Schools.

Meetings & Participation

  • When: the committee meets in public session, and agendas are posted on the district website.
  • Public comment: residents may address the committee. Check the agenda for sign-up details.
  • Watch: meetings are streamed online and available to view afterward.
  • Subcommittees: much of the detailed work on budget, policy, and facilities happens in subcommittees.

Curious how a bill becomes law, or how students can take on a civics project?

The Civics Project Guide

Back to Somerville Civics Online