In June, the City initiated an additional building assessment of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School (WHCIS). Today, our consultant informed the City, who immediately informed Somerville Public Schools, of the unexpected presence of asbestos in material not typically found to contain asbestos. The City closed the building, which has not been currently holding classes, and it will remain closed to all until further notice as we work to investigate the findings and remediate the material. We will continue to keep our staff, families, and community updated.

Somerville has been named a Purple Heart Community by the Military Order of the Purple Heart organization, joining more than 100 municipalities in Massachusetts and hundreds more nationwide in recognizing those wounded or killed in combat for their country. The Military Order of the Purple Heart awards the designation to cities and towns, schools, teams, and other entities committed to honoring and commemorating Purple Heart medal Recipients and their families.