School committee appoints two community commissioners; students describe inclusive college program

The Arlington School Committee unanimously confirmed two community appointments and heard a student presentation from the district’s inclusive postsecondary program on June 11.

The committee voted to appoint Dr. Savonerith Korm to the Arlington Human Rights Commission for a term beginning June 11, 2026 and ending Oct. 31, 2027. The subcommittee noted Dr. Korm’s research affiliation with Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School and described his interest in leading a project to improve immigrant and multilingual families’ access to educational rights; the committee approved the appointment and staff will provide swearing‑in instructions through the town clerk.

The committee also appointed Megan Rising to a three‑year term on the Rainbow Commission (June 11, 2026–June 11, 2029). The subcommittee noted Rising’s background as a longtime Arlington resident, town meeting member and national advocacy professional; the motion passed with no opposition.

Earlier in the meeting, transition coordinator Anelise Abdelnor introduced two students in the MAPY (Massachusetts inclusive postsecondary education) program, Baron de los Angeles and Willow Sandlin Brown, who described how the program provided academic supports, an ed coach, college coursework at Middlesex Community College, and job experience. Staff confirmed the district pays tuition and provides an ed coach and said two students are slated for next year’s program.

No committee member opposed either appointment.