Special to the Record
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, 25th commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Pedro Martinez visited the Chelsea Public Schools for the first time. The Berkowitz Elementary School, a 2024 DESE School of Recognition, welcomed the new commissioner with an afternoon of visiting
classrooms and meaningful conversations with school administrators, teachers and students.
Martinez became the DESE Commissioner on July 1, 2025 after serving as the Chicago Public Schools CEO for four years. As part of his first year in the Commonwealth, he has been visiting different schools and districts across the state with Chelsea being the latest stop.
On Tuesday, Chelsea Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Almi G. Abeyta, the Chelsea School Committee and Chelsea Teachers’ Union joined the Berkowitz School team to give him a tour of
the elementary school and speak about CPS. State Senator Sal DiDomencio, State Representative Judith Garcia and Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez participated in the school visit too.
“We were honored to welcome our new Commissioner,” said Abeyta. “Our educators and students at Berkowitz Elementary School demonstrated their incredible dedication and passion for learning. It was truly a proud moment for me as superintendent.”
“We were honored to share our passion and love for teaching with the commissioner,” added William A. Berkowitz Elementary School Principal Blanca Restrepo. “In these challenging times, we are especially grateful for the opportunity to highlight the best practices of our staff, families, and students, and to elevate the strength and resilience of our community.”
The commissioner’s time at the elementary complex began with the Berkowitz School administration who shared a presentation about their school, highlighting their instructional
vision, student data and family engagement. He visited classrooms next where he observed student learning in the content areas of math and reading utilizing high quality instructional materials. His visit ended with a powerful discussion with Berkowitz educators who shared insights about the importance of collaboration in their work to support every student and using student data to understand and support every learner. The visit highlighted the district’s commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement, and provided an opportunity to share the name, strength and story of Chelsea Public Schools with state leadership.