Hi, I’m Jessie Ratey, and I’m running to represent Ward 3 on the Somerville School Committee.

As a 20-year resident of Somerville and mom of two kids at the Argenziano, with a family business (Gracie’s Ice Cream) in Union Square, I am deeply invested in this vibrant city and its public schools. 

I bring the knowledge, experience and dedication required to tackle many of the most critical issues facing the families and people of Somerville. 

I have an MBA in social policy and my career has focused on building networks for early childhood services and strategies to close K-12 opportunity gaps. 

I am committed to supporting immigrant communities – a priority informed by my early career leading a nonprofit for adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) education.

I have also served on the Argenziano school improvement council for four years and am running for School Committee because now – more than ever – our education systems are at risk. 

Together, I know we can defend the shared value of public education.

As your Ward 3 committee member, I will focus on: 

• Communication and Coordination: Strong school-to-family communication is key for educators and parents to be partners in supporting students, especially with ESOL communities. Increased efforts to coordinate across the varied city programs serving our students and families in and out of school will go a long way toward providing clarity for families.

• Safety and Wellbeing: All members of our school community, kids and adults, deserve to feel safe and welcome at school. Somerville’s commitment to inclusivity is an opportunity to reinforce these values in our classrooms.

• Positive Learning Experiences: Students need a blend of challenge and support in school to facilitate learning. I want to look at ways to press on both levers to ensure all students are making progress and finding inspiration in their classrooms.

I see so much promise in our schools and know we can make Somerville schools better together. 

Please join me!