COHASSET - December 17, 2025 - Superintendent Dr. Sarah Shannon revealed that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has officially invited Cohasset High School into its “Eligibility Period.” This move marks the start of a potential 5-to-7-year process to renovate or replace the collocated Middle-High School facility, with the state potentially reimbursing over 30% of eligible costs. The committee also reviewed a stellar Spring 2025 data report showing Cohasset ranked among the top districts in the state, while simultaneously implementing a “soft freeze” on non-essential spending to address a projected $237,000 utility shortfall.
The Full Story
The December 17 meeting opened with a major victory for the district’s long-term infrastructure goals. After years of statements of interest, Superintendent Dr. Sarah Shannon announced that on December 12, the MSBA Board of Directors voted to bring Cohasset High School into the “Eligibility Period”. This 270-day phase, beginning April 1, 2026, requires the town to form a building committee, complete educational profiles, and secure a local vote for feasibility study funding.
The project is expected to include both the middle and high schools due to their shared location. While the process is a “marathon, not a sprint,” Dr. Shannon noted that the town could receive a 30% to 34% reimbursement on eligible costs from the state. Vice Chair Craig MacLellan, credited for spearheading the initial vision, cautioned that the final outcome depends on community participation and multiple local votes.
Shifting to academic performance, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Leslie Scollins presented the Spring 2025 data report. Cohasset was one of only 13 districts in Massachusetts to meet or exceed 2019 (pre-pandemic) MCAS scores in both ELA and Math for grades 3 through 8. Notably, the high school was ranked #4 in the state by Boston Magazine, making it the top-ranked school on the South Shore. The report highlighted significant growth in 7th-grade math and strong performance in the newly counted 8th-grade civics exam.
Despite the academic success, the district is tightening its belt. Director of Finance and Operations Susan Owen reported a projected $237,928 shortfall in utility costs for the current fiscal year. To maintain a balanced budget, the district has implemented an immediate “soft freeze” on all non-essential expenditures. Essential items for safety and critical instruction remain exempt. Owen did share a bright spot in transportation: the acquisition of new 77-passenger buses has already saved the district approximately $4,200 by reducing the need for outsourced athletic trips.
Finally, the committee adjusted its FY27 budget calendar at the request of the interim Town Manager to allow for more proactive collaboration with the Select Board. The preliminary budget presentation is now scheduled for January 21, 2026.
“There is nothing more exciting for a school community and a town community than engaging in this building process. It is creative. It is student-centered. It is something that brings people together and it is also lengthy.” — Dr. Sarah Shannon, Superintendent
Why It Matters
The MSBA invitation is a “monumental” step that could resolve decades of facility concerns at the Middle-High School. For taxpayers, the state’s 30%+ reimbursement rate represents a significant offset to the costs of modernizing aging infrastructure. However, the immediate “soft freeze” on spending reminds residents that while the district is high-performing, it remains vulnerable to volatile utility costs and must manage daily operations with strict fiscal discipline to avoid a year-end deficit.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the amended FY27 budget calendar (moving the preliminary presentation to Jan 21).
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous (5-0) []
Motion: To approve updated Graduation Requirements (Policy IKF) and Competency Determination (Policy IFE) in response to state MCAS changes.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous (5-0) []
Public Comment
No residents provided comment during the public session, though the committee noted a “robust” online audience.
What’s Next
Winter Break: Schools are closed from December 22 through January 2. Staff have been encouraged to “unplug” and disconnect from email for wellness.
Director Search: The Superintendent expects to bring a recommendation for the new Director of Finance and Operations on January 7, 2026, following the retirement of Susan Owen.
Budget Presentation: The preliminary FY27 budget will be presented on January 21, 2026.
Source Video: Town of Cohasset - School Committee Meeting - 12/17/2025