Dear Colleagues and Families:
It is with a very heavy heart that we share the devastating news that our colleague and friend Leo DeSimone died unexpectedly this evening.
A long-time member of the Somerville High School leadership team, Leo was most recently Associate Principal and Director of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at SHS. More importantly, he was a trusted, much-loved, and highly respected colleague, mentor, teacher, and friend. His compassion for his students was evident in the way he interacted with them on a daily basis; he was quick to offer a smile, a high five, and a word of encouragement. He took great pride in the exceptional work of his staff, his students, and his colleagues and was the ultimate team player, always putting the best interests of his school community ahead of his own. Leo's work ethic and commitment to helping students find their professional passion was unparalleled. Under his leadership, the SHS CTE program was widely recognized as one of the best in the Commonwealth, drawing from a vast network of support from private industry partners who shared in his vision for our students.
We are devastated by his passing, and thankful to have had the opportunity to know him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. We have been in contact with his family and will continue to provide whatever support they may need. We will have additional support staff at Somerville High School tomorrow for any student or staff member who may need support. For those of you not at Somerville High School, please don't hesitate to reach out to your school principal and guidance counselor if you or one of your students need additional support.
We will share information about services as they become available. During the most difficult times, SPS is first and foremost a family, and we will be here to support one another.
Sincerely,
Mary Skipper, Superintendent of Schools and Sebastian LaGambina, Somerville High School Principal
November 26, 2019