The Hingham School Committee opened its February 26 session under the dual strain of a looming fiscal shortfall and an infrastructure crisis that forced the temporary relocation of students earlier that day. Chair Jen Pelizzari began the meeting by addressing an incident at Plymouth River School where excessive snow accumulation on the roof necessitated moving students to Foster Elementary. I want to commend the administration, the facilities team, and the staff for responding quickly and calmly, keeping student and staff safety at the center of their decisions, Pelizzari said, noting that the facilities crew has worked continuously throughout a difficult winter stretch.

The primary focus of the evening was the public hearing for the proposed $72.8 million FY27 operating budget. Superintendent Katie Roberts characterized the proposal as a statement of public values, even as the district grapples with the town’s 3.5% spending cap. Roberts highlighted a looming tipping point for staffing, noting that while enrollment has been lower post-pandemic, new NESDEC data projects an increase of 417 students over the next decade. To meet current fiscal constraints, the district has already cut 26.2 full-time equivalent positions at the secondary level over the past three years. Executive Director of Business and Support Services Aisha Opong explained that the district faced an initial $431,736 deficit, which was narrowed through the elimination of a Central Office communications position and reductions in professional development and technology supplies. Our allocation remains fixed at the 3.5% increase, Opong said, adding that because 80% of the budget is personnel-related, there is very little flexibility for contracted services or utilities.

The district’s aging infrastructure took center stage as Director of Facilities Matthew Mian detailed critical failures at the High School. Mian reported that 27-year-old fire tube boilers cracked for the fifth time the previous night, while recent cold weather caused a pipe burst and HVAC failure. Our fire tube boilers at the High School are 27 years old and beyond their functional life, Mian told the committee, adding that the district has already spent $312,000 from its extraordinary repair fund this year. The report prompted Member John Mooney to call for a more robust funding request at the upcoming Town Meeting. I'd rather be out in front of this at town meeting. Everyone else in town is asking for the max amount they want. I don't see anything more important than the schools, Mooney said, suggesting the current $500,000 warrant article estimate should be increased. Committee members M. Cosman and T. Miller-Dempsey joined the consensus in directing Mian to seek a more comprehensive engineering estimate before a March 3 joint meeting with town boards.

Significant changes are also planned for student services, as Dr. Chris Panaresi reported that nearly 20% of Hingham students now require IEPs, up from 13.6% in 2021. To address this, the district plans to move the RISE program from South Elementary to the newly built Foster Elementary to take advantage of purpose-built spaces. This proposal met with concern from parents during public comment. Ashley Baliconus of Liberty Pole Road argued that consistency is vital for vulnerable students. I worry we're going backwards in inclusion by moving them, Baliconus said. Resident Mike Kerwin echoed those sentiments, stating, It feels like things are happening to us instead of being included in what is best for the kids. Parent Kate McCarthy also spoke in favor of keeping the program at South, noting that her daughter is finally regulated and participating with peers in that specific community. Ann, a resident of William Street, asked if the Plymouth River roof would be replaced before the next school year; Roberts clarified that while the project is on the MSBA timeline, a Town Meeting vote is still required for full funding.

Regarding the overall budget, Roberts presented an aspirational budget that would restore math interventionists and secondary electives at a cost of an additional $2 million to $3 million. Member Carrie Knee challenged the terminology, stating, I don't think that's 'aspirational'; most of that is needs-based. Michelle Ayer advocated for delaying the final budget vote to allow for more public input. I'd like to wait to vote on the budget. The public hearing was just tonight, and it gives people time to email or call with feedback, Ayer said. The committee agreed to delay the vote until March 9.

In other business, the committee moved forward with several facility and operational contracts to maintain progress on long-term projects. Motion Made by M. Ayer to approve Superintendent Roberts entering into contracts for the Hingham High School OPM and Designer up to the amounts of $154,856.40 and $463,700 respectively. Motion Passed (7-0). The board also addressed immediate transportation needs. Motion Made by M. Ayer to authorize a six-year lease agreement for one diesel bus with annual payments of $22,327 for the first five years. Motion Passed (7-0). To support ongoing curriculum shifts, the board cleared out older materials. Motion Made by A. Anderson to declare as surplus Everyday Math materials to be replaced by the Bridges curriculum. Motion Passed (7-0). Additionally, the board recognized community contributions and student opportunities. Motion Made by A. Anderson to accept a $3,200 Innovation Grant from the State Treasurer to support the 'Credit for Life' fair at the High School. Motion Passed (7-0). A student trip to Italy for February 2027 was also authorized. Motion Made by M. Ayer to approve the student trip to Rome and Sorrento in February 2027. Motion Passed (7-0).