Resident Kevin Rafferty urges Somerville board to limit take‑home student devices and applies for vacancy

Kevin Rafferty, a Somerville resident, used the public‑comment period to urge parents and the Board of Education to reconsider the district’s optional take‑home device policy and to announce his application for a current board vacancy. Rafferty said he observed several children using devices at a restaurant and believes at least three were district Chromebooks based on asset tags.

Rafferty, who identified himself as having 13 years in educational technology and earlier work training at Apple, said the district’s optional take‑home policy (available up to second grade, he said) creates temptations for young children and raises cybersecurity risks when a school Chromebook is the only internet device in a household. "We’re opening ourselves up as a district to a lot of cybersecurity threats by providing this optional take home," he said. He asked parents who can avoid taking devices home to do so and urged the board to consider further limiting take‑home eligibility.

Rafferty also said he has personal experience with the IEP process and is transitioning his child to a 504 plan; he said that background would help him serve other families navigating special‑education services. "I believe that I am the right person for this vacancy," he told the board, and said he had dropped off a letter of intent and his resume with Board Clerk Miss Boyce.

Board members and the superintendent thanked Rafferty for his comments and for submitting application materials; the Board President directed residents with technology questions to begin with district administration. The board did not take immediate action on device policy during the meeting; public comment closed after a motion and roll call.