COHASSET - February 25, 2026 - Facing a daunting $1.3 million deficit to maintain level services, the Cohasset School Committee reviewed a “devastating” list of recommended staff and program reductions during a remote session on February 25. Superintendent Dr. Sarah Shannon presented a plan that includes the elimination of multiple teaching positions at the middle and high school levels, a reorganization of central office administration, and the “sunsetting” of several athletic co-ops. While the town has offered a 3.62% budget increase, it falls far short of the 8.82% required to keep pace with rising special education, transportation, and utility costs.
The Full Story
The meeting, held via Zoom due to recent inclement weather, was dominated by a sobering presentation on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Superintendent Dr. Sarah Shannon explained that despite rigorous “fine-tuning” that brought the initial level-service request down from 11.88% to 8.82%, the district still faces a massive gap between what is needed and what the town can provide. The town manager confirmed an expected increase of $898,905, leaving the schools with a nearly $1.3 million deficit.
Dr. Shannon attributed the crisis to “structural shortfalls” in how Massachusetts funds municipalities, noting that rising costs in special education, energy, and transportation are “budget busters” affecting districts statewide.
The proposed reductions hit every level of the district. At the middle school, one English Language Arts (ELA) and one Math position are slated for elimination, which is expected to drive average class sizes up from 14-15 students to approximately 21-22 [46:04]. The High School faces reductions in Math, Technology, Art, World Language, and Social Studies departments [48:38].
“Every one of these reductions that is not a supply or something like that is a person that cares about our kids and is a person that we care about. ... There’s absolutely no other way we can close this gap without doing this work.” [36:50] — Dr. Sarah Shannon, Superintendent of Schools
Administrative cuts include a central office reorganization and the removal of a school front office assistant [39:31]. Even smaller operational changes were proposed, such as a “shift to only using appliances available in common spaces,” which involves removing individual microwaves and refrigerators from classrooms to save an estimated $100 per room in electrical costs [50:37].
Committee members expressed profound distress over the human impact of these decisions. Vice Chair Craig MacLellan refused to “roll up the white flag,” suggesting an unconventional plan to seek independent community donations to bridge the gap before the final budget vote in March [01:31:30]. Member Corey Evans described the list of cuts as “heartbreaking,” while Jacob Squatrito warned that the district is reaching a “breaking point” where spending can no longer be considered “healthy” if it continues to erode student-facing services [01:05:06].
Earlier in the meeting, the committee addressed more routine business, including a report on the current FY26 budget. Dr. Shannon reported that the district remains on track to end the current year with a level budget, thanks in part to a budget freeze implemented several months ago [21:26]. The committee also voted to approve the 2026-2027 school calendar, opting for a half-day session on Good Friday (March 26, 2027) based on prior survey data showing mixed opinions on whether the day should be a full holiday [01:16:03].
Why It Matters
For Cohasset residents, these cuts signal a potential shift in the quality and intimacy of the local education system. The loss of teaching positions will result in larger class sizes—up to a 50% increase in some middle school subjects—and a reduction in elective offerings at the high school level [01:05:50]. Furthermore, the “sunsetting” of athletic co-ops and reduction of coaching staff may limit extracurricular opportunities for students [41:20]. The committee warned that without a long-term structural solution, such as a future tax override, the district may face even more severe cuts in subsequent years [01:07:17].
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the 2026-2027 School Calendar “Draft 1” (Half-day for Good Friday, March 26, 2027). [01:16:03]
Vote: 5-0 ([01:16:20])
Motion: To accept two gifts from the PSO ($715 for a middle school trip and $46.25 for math materials). [01:19:05]
Vote: 5-0 ([01:19:15])
Public Comment
Public feedback focused heavily on the budget. Residents questioned whether opening the district to “school choice” would provide more revenue; the committee responded that prior analysis suggested the costs of additional special education and resources could outweigh the gains [01:24:05]. Other comments inquired about the process for “bumping” teachers with seniority if their positions are cut and the prioritization list for recalling staff if funding is restored [01:21:24], [01:27:15].
What’s Next
Regular Meeting: Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Full Budget Hearing: March 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Final FY27 Budget Vote: March 25, 2026.
Annual Town Meeting: May 1, 2026. [57:12]
Source Video: Town of Cohasset