The Hingham School Committee convened on Monday, January 26, to review the initial Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal, a complex financial plan shaped by rising costs, projected enrollment growth, and a 3.5% budget cap established in a multi-year agreement with the town. Superintendent Katie Roberts opened the lengthy presentation by acknowledging the pressures of the season. "Budget season can be a stressful time for our community and staff," Roberts said. "It is an important process though... so we can land on a budget that best supports student learning and student success." The administration detailed its strategy of using "budget levers" such as retirements, reallocations, grants, and fees to maintain level services, noting that over 26 secondary school positions have been cut in the past three years to meet budget targets. The proposed budget avoids further cuts to elementary staffing but includes several significant changes at the secondary and district levels. A retiring guidance counselor position at the high school would be reallocated to create a new secondary 504 coordinator role, a move Executive Director of Student Services Dr. Chris Panaresi said would allow counselors to focus more on students. "I'd rather use our guidance counselors... to be more student-facing supports in the schools at the middle school and the high school," she explained. The budget also recommends not filling the recently vacated Communications Specialist position, a proposal that drew concern from the committee. "I worry that for a savings of $75,000 it may be a little bit pennywise pound foolish," said committee member Carrie Knee. Other members voiced concerns about the cumulative effect of staff reductions. Michelle Ay commented, "I think we are getting to a bit of a danger zone here where we're not replacing positions that are leaving." Highlighting the district's appeal, John Mooney added, "I wish this budget... could be more aspirational as what what is the best for the kids, not oh we cut 26 people in the past three years." Beyond the budget, the committee enthusiastically approved new academic offerings for the 2026-2027 school year. For Middle School Principal Derek Smith, a key change is "to offer Chinese 1A again next year." At the high school, Interim Principal Dr. John Bucky called the Program of Studies the "blueprint or the road map, if you will, for the Hingham High School experience," highlighting new courses like Strength Training Fundamentals, AP Business, and a senior English seminar on fantasy literature. **Motion Made by Chair Jen to approve the 2026 program of studies for the Hingham Middle School and Hingham High School as presented. Vote Passed 7-0.** The committee also acted on several other items, including an agreement with the teachers' union to formally add clubs like the Jewish Student Union and Mindfulness Club to their contract. **Motion Made by Carrie Knee to approve the proposed memorandum of agreement with Hingham Education Association unit A relative to C1 and C2 of the current collective bargaining agreement. Vote Passed 7-0.** The committee also approved requests from the Hingham High School Robotics Team for upcoming out-of-state competitions. Co-head coach Paula Flanigan explained the need for advance approval for a potential championship event in Springfield, "so that it's not a rush thing come April." **Motion Made by a committee member to approve the proposed field trips for the robotics team to attend competitions at University of Rhode Island, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and the potential championships at Eastern States Exposition. The motion was seconded by John Mooney, with Tim Miller Dempsey voting "I" in favor as part of the unanimous approval. Vote Passed 7-0.**