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The Full Story

The meeting began with a packed chamber as Police Chief John Bonney detailed the chilling events of early March [01:11]. In the final hour of an overnight shift, Sergeant Stephen Marquardt responded to reports of a woman walking in the middle of Plymouth Street. The situation escalated when the woman moved onto the train tracks just as the gates descended and lights began to flash.

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The Full Story: Budget Crisis and the 28.1 FTE Reality

The primary focus of the evening was a sobering update on the FY27 budget. Director of Finance and Operations Sarah Gainey reported that the district was able to trim $141,843 from the initial budget increase projected in January [01:14:20]. These savings were realized through a reduction in out-of-district collaborative placements, a decrease in projected transportation cost increases (from 20% to 15%), and a slight rise in the circuit breaker reimbursement rate from 72% to 75% [01:14:49].

However, Gainey emphasized that these adjustments do not restore any of the positions currently on the “reduction in force” list [01:15:34]. The remaining $1.62 million gap represents the amount that will be presented to residents at the Town Meeting on May 4, 2026, and at the ballot box on May 16, 2026 [01:16:02].

Superintendent Dr. Felicia Moschella detailed the “significant impact” these cuts would have on students if the override fails [01:16:34]. The proposed reduction of 28.1 FTE positions would result in:

• Increased class sizes across multiple grade levels [01:17:28].

• Elimination of reading specialists and math interventionists, diminishing the district’s ability to provide early foundational support [01:17:36].

• Reduced mental health and behavioral supports for the student body [01:18:02].

• Mandatory Academic Labs (study halls) for most middle and high school students due to the loss of electives in wellness, computer science, English, and science [01:18:09].

• Operational Strain, including decreased custodial and IT support, and the elimination of the district’s interpreter for community engagement [01:18:44].

“These cuts will have an impact. They will hurt kids. I’ve been able to lay these positions out again, and if anyone has questions about how they will impact our students, please reach out to me.” [01:19:06] — Dr. Felicia Moschella, Superintendent

English Department: AI Challenges and Curriculum Shifts

Earlier in the meeting, Dr. Elizabeth Gonsalves, the high school’s English Department Chair, provided an update on academic standards and the department’s evolving response to Artificial Intelligence [01:54].

To ensure grading equity and accuracy, the department has implemented a common grade calculation formula where academic writing constitutes a minimum of 60% of a student’s grade [03:16]. Dr. Gonsalves explained that “shots in practice” (homework and participation) shouldn’t drive the final grade; instead, the “game” (summative academic writing) must be the primary metric [04:22].

The committee also engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding AI. Dr. Gonsalves described herself as a “human lie detector” for student writing but noted that the district is increasingly relying on lockdown browsers to prevent internet access during assessments [38:50, 44:22]. Many teachers have even reverted to “old school” handwritten essays to ensure student authenticity [41:40]. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Christopher Basta added that the district is forming a committee to develop formal guidelines and policies regarding AI use by both students and staff [42:10].

Summer Programming and Student Surveys

The committee reviewed plans for the 2026 summer session, which is scheduled to run from July 6 to July 30 [01:00:51].

• Middle School Summer Academy: Will focus on STEM and Humanities to help students close learning gaps before rising to grades 7 and 8 [58:12, 01:01:07].

• Extended School Year (ESY): Dr. James Robbins detailed the special education program designed to prevent skill regression for eligible students with IEPs [01:03:36]. The program will run Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 12:15 PM, at the Middle High School facility [01:09:04].

Finally, Dr. Basta announced two upcoming student surveys in April: a state-mandated School Climate and Culture survey for grades 3-12 and a Youth Risk Behavior Survey for grades 9-12 [50:00, 54:38].

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Why It Matters

The upcoming May votes represent a “fork in the road” for Abington Public Schools. If the $1.6 million override is rejected, the district will see a fundamental shift in its educational model, moving toward larger classes, fewer specialized interventions, and more “study hall” time for students. Residents must decide if they are willing to bear the tax impact to maintain the current level of service and specialized staff.

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: To approve the meeting minutes for March 3, March 10, and the Executive Session of March 10.

  • Vote: Unanimous [01:30]

• Motion: To approve the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Abington Education Association (AEA) and the School Committee regarding educator evaluations.

  • Vote: Unanimous [49:24]

• Motion: To appoint Dr. Felicia Moschella to the Board of Directors for the READS Collaborative and the North River Collaborative for the 2026-2027 school year.

  • Vote: Unanimous [01:14:05]

Public Comment

No visitors approached the podium for public comment during the designated period [00:42].

What’s Next

• Trivia Night Fundraiser: Saturday, March 28, at 6:30 PM (Knights of Columbus) [01:20:17].

• Annual Town Elections: Saturday, April 25, at Beaver Brook Elementary [01:21:02].

• Next Regular Meeting: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM [01:19:49].

• Annual Town Meeting (Budget Vote): Monday, May 4, 2026 [01:16:08].

• Override Ballot Vote: Saturday, May 16, 2026 [01:16:08].

Source Video: Abington CAM

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The Full Story

The Abington-Rockland Joint Water Works (ARJWW) currently operates with virtually no excess capacity, a reality that has stalled commercial and residential growth at the massive “Union Point” redevelopment site (the base) within Abington and Rockland. While a long-term connection to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is planned, it is not expected to deliver water for at least eight years [15:04].

John Twohig, representing master developer New England Development, warned that without an interim water solution, the developer would be forced to focus exclusively on the Weymouth portion of the base, where water is already available. This would leave Abington and Rockland waiting nearly a decade to see any fiscal benefit from the project [14:13].

Twohig presented two primary options to the commissioners:

1. System Optimization: A $300,000 developer-funded study to determine if the existing Myers Avenue wells can be upgraded to increase flow through regulatory or infrastructure improvements [16:28].

2. The Brockton Connection: A $8.5 million project to run a mile of 12-inch pipe from Center Street in Brockton into Abington. This connection would utilize excess water from Brockton’s system, sourced partly from the Aquaria desalination plant [20:04].

Under the Brockton plan, the developer would pay for all capital costs, including a $3.5 million connection fee to Brockton [26:02], [33:01]. Of the 350,000 gallons per day provided, 75,000 gallons would be reserved for the towns of Abington and Rockland to use outside of the base. “It is getting gallonage into the Abington-Rockland system that, if it can’t come from its own system, would come from outside,” Twohig explained [24:01].

Tony Omobono of Tetra Tech detailed the technical challenge, noting that a mile of existing 6-inch pipe would need to be replaced with 12-inch pipe [21:03]. He emphasized that while the plan is “optimistic,” hydraulic and water quality studies are required to ensure the Brockton water is compatible with the existing local supply [22:19].

The proposal received strong backing from town leadership. Abington Town Manager Mike Maresco and Rockland Assistant Town Administrator Courtney Bjorgaard both urged the commission to pursue the viable options [54:15], [56:03]. Bjorgaard noted that the project represents a “rare opportunity” to reduce pressure on residential taxpayers while improving public safety and schools [55:05].

“We think this solves it. We’re willing to fund it because we think getting development in Abington and Rockland sooner rather than later is good for us... and it benefits the community outright right away.” [29:37] — John Twohig, New England Development

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Why It Matters

For residents, the stakes involve both the tap and the tax bill. The ARJWW is a self-sustaining enterprise fund, meaning it relies on rates rather than property taxes. However, the lack of water has led to persistent seasonal restrictions. The proposed 75,000-gallon “gift” to the towns’ water bank would provide immediate relief for the system. More significantly, the ability to start development on the base in 2.5 years instead of 8 years means millions of dollars in new tax revenue could hit town coffers much sooner, potentially funding schools and infrastructure without increasing the burden on local homeowners.

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: To open the public informational meeting. [00:11]

  • Vote: Unanimous ([00:15])

• Motion: To adjourn the meeting. [01:14:52]

  • Vote: Unanimous ([01:15:07])

Note: As this was an informational forum, no official votes were taken regarding the water supply proposals. [01:04]

Public Comment

• Labor Support: Frank Baxter, a union representative from Weymouth, spoke in favor of the project, citing the “thousand men and women” who would benefit from the jobs created by the base’s growth [33:36].

• Revenue Concerns: Resident Lori Childs (also a Rockland Select Board member) highlighted the importance of the $4M–$5M annual revenue, noting that waiting 8 years would mean losing out on nearly $45 million in cumulative revenue [34:52].

• Water Quality: Resident Mary Parsons questioned “wheeling fees” from Brockton and the complexities of blending different water sources [32:22].

• Independence: Resident Steve O’Donnell (also a Rockland Select Board member) confirmed with the board that the towns own their primary water source, Big Sandy Pond in Pembroke, outright [58:14].

What’s Next

ARJWW Superintendent Kristel Cameron outlined the immediate roadmap:

1. MOU Negotiation: Finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the developer [01:07:00].

2. Technical Studies: Launching hydraulic and water quality parameter studies to ensure no “detrimental” effects on the existing system [01:07:05].

3. Financial Analysis: Evaluating the budget impact of purchasing water from Brockton and potential ratepayer effects [01:07:26].

The board indicated a desire to move “sooner than later” on a decision to either move forward with the studies or “get it off our plate.” [01:06:09]

Source Video: Abington CAM

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The Full Story

The meeting, rescheduled from February due to a recent blizzard, was dominated by a stark presentation on the town’s fiscal health and its direct impact on the schools. Town Manager Mike Maresco opened the discussion by framing Abington’s situation as a “revenue problem” shared by at least 40 other Massachusetts communities. According to Maresco, state aid (Chapter 70 and Unrestricted Local Aid) has failed to keep pace with the rising costs of healthcare, pensions, and utilities.

Maresco detailed a “menu” approach for the upcoming override, which will present residents with six or seven separate ballot questions for different departments, including schools, police, and fire. If the override fails, the town will be forced to operate on a “level-funded” budget, which Maresco characterized as a functional cut given fixed-cost increases. For the school department, this translates to a $1,763,957 deficit.

Superintendent Dr. Felicia Moschella presented the proposed reduction in force (RIF) list, emphasizing that 21.1 of the 28.1 impacted full-time equivalent (FTE) positions are currently filled by staff members who have already been notified. “I can say that in my tenure as superintendent, this is the hardest meeting that I’ve had to have,” Moschella stated.

“Every single one of these cuts represents a person and represents somebody that impacts the children of Abington. ... We wanted to be upfront and transparent with people, but that also causes another level of angst.” [01:37:40] — Dr. Felicia Moschella, Superintendent

The proposed cuts span every level of the district:

• Elementary Schools: Beaver Brook would lose a second-grade teacher, causing class sizes to rise, and three special education paraprofessionals. Woodsdale is slated to lose both of its reading specialists, a school adjustment counselor, and multiple math tutors.

• Middle School: Grade 5 and 6 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) classes would be eliminated. World Language instruction would be halved, with Spanish I taught over two years instead of one. Grade 5 and 6 class sizes are projected to reach nearly 30 students.

• High School: The plan eliminates popular electives in digital art, photography, and computer science. The Physical Science course would be removed entirely, and ELA and science class sizes would swell as staff are reduced.

• District-wide: Perhaps most significantly, the district proposes eliminating all stipended Department Head positions (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Wellness, and World Language). These roles are critical for curriculum alignment and teacher support.

Earlier in the meeting, the committee received a department update from Meg Doherty, the 7-12 Math Department Head. She discussed the department’s transition to a 90/10 grading split at the high school, where 90% of a student’s grade is derived from assessments to ensure grades reflect “authentic work” rather than homework completed with the help of AI or online tools. Committee members expressed concerns about how the proposed RIF would impact the very curriculum alignment work Doherty described, noting that the loss of department heads would likely “pause” these essential improvements.

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Why It Matters

If the override is rejected by voters, the Abington Public Schools will see a significant reduction in student support services and academic rigor. The loss of reading and math specialists means students struggling to meet grade-level standards will lose targeted, small-group intervention. Furthermore, the elimination of STEAM programs and high school electives limits the “enrichment” that school committee members identified as a primary reason families choose Abington. Larger class sizes—some approaching 30 students in the middle school—will also likely impact individual student attention and teacher retention.

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: To approve the January 6, 2026, Executive Session minutes.

  • Vote: Unanimous ([01:21])

• Motion: To approve the January 27, 2026, regular meeting minutes.

  • Vote: Unanimous ([01:44])

• Motion: To approve the Home Education Program request for the 2025-2026 school year.

  • Vote: Unanimous ([34:54])

• Motion: To adjourn.

  • Vote: Unanimous ([01:52:26])

Public Comment

There was no public comment offered during the designated period at the start of the meeting.

What’s Next

The School Committee will hold a special budget-focused meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. to finalize the override figures for the town.

Source Video: Abington CAM

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The Full Story

The meeting was dominated by a stark FY27 budget presentation that laid bare the town’s financial “budget busters”: health care, pensions, and collective bargaining agreements. Town Manager Michael Maresco explained that while a “level-funded” budget—maintaining the same dollar amount as the previous year—sounds stable, it is actually a reduction because it does not cover the rising costs of doing business.

To bridge the gap and maintain “level services,” the Board approved a “menu approach” for a special election on May 16, featuring seven distinct ballot questions. The requested override amounts include:

• Schools: $1,763,957

• Police: $841,313

• Fire: $275,514

• DPW: $261,094

• Town Hall/Related: $463,130

• Library: $15,964

• Council on Aging: $6,468

The consequences of failure were described in harrowing detail by department heads. Police Chief John Bonney stated that losing six officers would force him to pull all School Resource Officers (SROs) and return the force to staffing levels not seen in years. Fire Chief Jack Glynn warned that while he is fighting to keep the second ambulance in service, the lack of funding for equipment maintenance and training would put the department “right down to the edge”. Superintendent Felicia Moschella noted that 30 positions, including teachers and paraprofessionals, are at risk in the school department.

“This is not sky is falling. These are true, real numbers... These cuts would be just crushing, crushing.” — Police Chief John Bonney

In a lighter but still safety-focused moment, the Board voted to rescind the permit for the March 15 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Selectman Kevin Donovan cited “horrific visions” of children standing on massive, 24.5-inch snowbanks along narrowed roads. The Board suggested a reschedule for April, noting that snow removal costs for a March event were simply not in the budget.

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Why It Matters

This meeting marks the beginning of a defining moment for Abington’s infrastructure and quality of life. If the override fails, residents will see immediate changes starting July 1, including potential mid-day closures of Town Hall and a significant reduction in public safety response capacity. The decision moves the town from administrative planning to a public referendum on what “essential services” truly mean to the community.

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: To recommend approval of the FY27 “Level-Funded” operating budget.

  • Vote: Unanimous

• Motion: To approve the seven override ballot questions for the May 16 special election totaling $3,625,439.

  • Vote: Unanimous

• Motion: To rescind authorization for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15 due to snow and safety concerns.

  • Vote: Unanimous

• Motion: To recommend favorable action on a “Right to Farm” bylaw for the Town Meeting warrant.

  • Vote: Unanimous

Public Comment

Public input was minimal but focused on fiscal transparency. Town Moderator Shawn Reilly questioned the status of free cash reserves (approximately $300,000 remains available after budget allocations) and the necessity of grant “seed money,” which the Board ultimately recommended not to fund due to the current crisis.

What’s Next

• School Committee Meeting (March 4): The Town Manager will present the budget to parents and the committee.

• Deadline for Papers (March 9): Final date for candidates to file for elected town positions. The Select Board is watching to see if there is a competitive race for a vacant Board of Health seat before considering appointing someone to finish the term.

• Override Special Election (May 16): Residents will vote on the seven individual departmental funding questions.

Source Video: Abington Community Access & Media

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The Full Story

The meeting began with Chair Aaron Christian outlining strict ground rules for a public hearing split into two segments: one for stable regulations and another for general outdoor animal regulations. The Board established that while they have the legal authority under state law to enact such rules, they would accept written testimony until February 13, 2026, before making a final decision.

The opposition was swift and multi-faceted. Joshua Kimball, a recognized subject matter expert in animal control law and former municipal animal inspector, led the testimony by challenging the legal and fiscal foundation of the proposal. Kimball argued that the regulations significantly expand the health agent’s workload without a defined plan for training or funding, especially as the town faces potential budget cuts. “I respectfully oppose the stable regulation because this raises serious concerns about legal authority, enforcement, fiscal impact, and constitutional protections,” Kimball stated [10:29].

The town’s own Animal Control Officer, Joe Kenney, joined the chorus of dissent. Kenney, who also operates a business involving exotic animals, argued that the state already performs voluntary barn inspections and that a public registry of what residents keep in their backyards is an invasion of privacy. He specifically targeted the proposed ban or strict regulation on “exotic” animals, noting it would unfairly impact established businesses and hobbyists keeping common pets like turtles or bearded dragons [41:27].

Several residents voiced emotional pleas regarding the impact on children and 4-H participants. Meghan Gundal, a fourth-generation farmer, cited state laws that protect agricultural operations from being deemed a nuisance by local boards. She noted that new owners are unlikely to seek advice from an “uneducated board” and warned that such lists could lead to harassment from outside activist groups [33:31].

A letter from the Abington Select Board, read into the record by Chair Christian, urged the Board of Health to postpone or reject the regulations. The Select Board expressed concerns that the enforcement would put an “undue burden” on the health agent and could generate significant legal expenses for the town [58:34]. They revealed plans to add a “Right to Farm” article to the May 4th Town Meeting warrant, suggesting that the residents—not the Board—should decide the town’s agricultural future [01:00:13].

Not all testimony was negative. Resident Renee Solimini spoke in favor of some form of regulation, citing her 18-year struggle with a neighbor’s unmanaged livestock. She described odors, noise, and animals frequently escaping onto her property as a nuisance that current laws have failed to address [30:21]. Another resident, Donna Gendreau, suggested that a simple registry might help the town manage an ongoing rat problem, provided it wasn’t overly burdensome [43:18].

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Why It Matters

For the average Abington resident, these regulations represent a significant shift in how private property can be used. If passed, even families with just a few backyard chickens would be required to pay annual fees, submit detailed manure and pest management plans, and potentially subject their property to unannounced inspections. For the town, the conflict highlights a growing tension between suburban residential expectations and traditional agricultural practices, with thousands of dollars in potential enforcement and legal costs hanging in the balance during a difficult fiscal year.

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: To allow written testimony regarding the proposed regulations until Friday, February 13, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.

  • Vote: Unanimous ([05:25])

• Motion: To open the public hearing for rules and regulations governing horses and stables.

  • Vote: Unanimous ([08:58])

• Motion: To close the public hearing for stable regulations.

  • Vote: Unanimous ([20:01])

• Motion: To open the public hearing for general animal regulations.

  • Vote: Unanimous ([21:20])

• Motion: To close the public hearing for general animal regulations.

  • Vote: Unanimous ([01:29:19])

Public Comment

Public comment was overwhelmingly negative. Residents raised concerns about the Fourth Amendment and illegal searches, the lack of agricultural expertise among Board members, and the financial burden of site plans and registration fees [51:01, 01:23:31]. A minority of residents expressed support for regulations to curb neighborhood nuisances like odors and rodent attractions [31:03, 44:04].

What’s Next

The Board of Health will continue its discussion of the regulations and the testimony received at its next meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. No vote is scheduled for that date; the Board will announce a future meeting for the final deliberation and vote after reviewing all evidence [01:29:40].

Source Video: Abington CAM

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The Full Story

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Candidate Nicole Emery was successful in her bid to join the Select Board. The vacancy she fills has nearly three years r…

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