Winter Hill Community Innovation School Rapid Relocation

Mayor Ballantyne decided to close WHCIS as soon as she learned that it might be unsafe. Because there were only ten days remaining in the school year, she relocated 430 students and teachers in just a few days, over one long weekend. Because she made that move happen so quickly, the school was able to provide all required school days.

During the summer break, Mayor Ballantyne repurposed Edgerly Education Center as an interim home for grades 1-8, AIM, and Newcomer programs. The community started the new school year on time in August of 2023. Mayor Ballantyne brought the Pre-School back at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The entire WHCIS community is now together in their interim home, and Mayor Ballantyne has focused her efforts on opening an entirely new facility in 2031 (That’s only six years away, when a typical school building project usually takes ten years or more).

Highlights of Mayor Katjana’s leadership at WHCIS

Relocated 430 students and teachers over one long weekend. Her decisive leadership allowed the program to complete the school year without lost days
Repurposed Edgerly Education Center as an interim home for grades 1-8, AIM, and Newcomer programs during the summer break.
Brought the Pre-School back at the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
Focused efforts on opening an entirely new facility in 2031 (six years away, compared to a more typical ten-year term for MSBA school building projects).
Ensured that the WHCIS is one of only four schools accepted into the MSBA Eligibility Phase, to be considered for School Building Assistance funding, which would equal millions of dollars toward our new school.
Allocated $8M for building stabilization in her first budget for FY 2023, to include school building. Also in early 2023, she advocated for the school committee to submit a Statement of Interest (“SOI”) to start the MSBA’s program for school construction.
This project is a testament to Mayor Ballantyne's leadership and dedication to youth and education in Somerville. Her unwavering commitment to education and her ability to bring together diverse stakeholders have been instrumental in leading her vision of a new WHCIS toward reality. The relocation and reconstruction of WHCIS will not only be an investment in a building; it will be an investment in the future of our community.

Mayor Ballantyne’s vision for the new WHCIS

Modern Facilities: State-of-the-art classrooms and learning spaces equipped with the latest technology.
Accessibility: Improved accessibility for all students, including those with disabilities.
Community Spaces: Dedicated areas for community events and meetings.
Sustainable Design: Environmentally friendly features that reduce the school's carbon footprint.

The impact of this project will be felt for generations to come. The new WHCIS will provide students with the resources and environment they need to succeed, and it will serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the entire Winter Hill community. Mayor Ballantyne's vision is not just about building a school; it's about building a better future for Somerville.

Mayor Katjana’s support for the WHCIS shows one part of her profoundly strong support for schools, education and youth. Her budget priorities demonstrate her total commitment to Somerville youth and to our public schools.

Mayor Katjana's Historic levels of support for Somerville Public Schools

Mayor Katjana’s school budget for FY 2026 was passed by a unanimous vote of the school committee. Her budget includes a 7.4% increase in school funding, totaling nearly $8 million in new investments, which marks a 34% increase in school funding since Mayor Ballantyne took office, less than four years ago. Her budget will fund increased education services at a time when communities all around us are facing cuts.