Resident urges stronger district response to antisemitism and school climate concerns

Mark Jeramaletti of Concord told the school committee during public comment that his family experienced repeated incidents of antisemitism, racism, homophobia and misogyny tied to a high school class and criticized district responses as insufficient.

Jeralmetti said he first raised concerns with CCHS co-principals on May 3, 2024, and that a May 10 response from a co-principal felt like an attempt to placate rather than meaningfully address problems. He said another incident occurred in November and that a January 15 meeting with co-principals was cordial but did not produce tangible commitments. He said the Jewish community has formed a task force and cited examples of other districts that have taken stronger approaches.

Jeralmetti referenced the Emerson Youth Risk Behavior Survey and said its results show increases in bullying and depression and that, in his reading of the data, at least nine students self-reported bringing a gun to school; for comparison he said a neighboring district reported two. He called for the district to seek help from groups with experience addressing antisemitism and to work collaboratively with community partners and the state representative’s committee that addresses these issues.

The committee did not take action during the public comment period. Chair and staff acknowledged the comment and noted the district’s ongoing work on climate and inclusion; some committee members invited collaboration with the town DEIB commission and other community resources. No committee member disputed the commenter’s account. The committee did not announce specific next steps at the March 11 meeting, though members encouraged continued community dialogue.