School Committee names Dr. Emily Ackman chair and Liron Biton vice chair; adopts rules and subcommittees

The Somerville School Committee convened its 2026 organizational meeting and, after a roll call establishing quorum, moved through nominations for leadership. The committee nominated Emily Ackman for chair; after the vote the clerk announced that Dr. Emily Ackman had been elected chair and the clerk administered the oath of office.

Why it matters: The school committee’s leadership and subcommittee assignments determine oversight priorities for the district, committee agendas and who chairs panels that will review programs, facilities and finances in the coming year.

During the meeting the committee also opened nominations for vice chair. Liron Biton was nominated, nominations were closed, and the committee voted to elect Biton as vice chair for 2026. The clerk announced the results and prepared the oath for the newly elected vice chair.

The committee adopted the rules and regulations governing its conduct for 2026 (the motion referenced adopting the 2025 rules for the coming year), and the members completed a public seat-drawing to determine seating order. The school committee then appointed members and chairs for subcommittees: the Educational Programs and Instruction subcommittee (Laura Petone, Michelle Lippins, Liz Eldridge; Petone chair, Lippins vice chair), Finance & Facilities (Andre Green, Leiram Beaton, Emma Stellman; Green chair, Beaton vice chair), Rules Management (Leiram Beaton, Emma Stellman, Michelle Lippins; Beaton chair), Joint Building subcommittee (Leron Betone, Laura Betone, Liz Eldridge; Mr. Betone chair), and Long-Range Planning (Laura Betone, Liz Eldridge; committee-wide participation noted).

With no further business, the school committee adjourned and the committee’s chair encouraged members and guests to attend subsequent inaugural events.

Actions at a glance: Emily Ackman elected chair; Liron Biton elected vice chair; school committee rules for 2026 adopted; subcommittee rosters and chairs selected. Quorum was recorded as 9 present; votes were taken and announced on the record. The clerk administered oaths to newly elected officers.