Cohasset School Committee Advances Three Student Travel Experiences and Sets Course for Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
COHASSET - November 19 - In a two-hour meeting November 19, the Cohasset School Committee unanimously approved three educational travel opportunities for students spanning multiple grade levels, from middle school to high school, and finalized budget priorities and procedures for the fiscal year 2027 budget development process. The committee also received detailed financial reports showing careful spending oversight as the district navigates a challenging fiscal environment while maintaining level service for students.
The Full Story
The school committee meeting, which took place on November 19, 2025, began with a significant personal acknowledgment as Chair Jen Lesky congratulated Superintendent Sarah Shannon on completing her doctoral degree. “Throughout this past year, Sarah has not only led our ship, steered our ship through a full academic school year and summer and into this school year, but has also completed her doctoral degree,” Lesky said, recognizing Shannon’s dedication to both the district and her professional development.
The committee then turned to the heart of the evening’s business: approving three distinct student travel experiences designed to provide educational enrichment beyond the classroom. The first presentation came from Cohasset High School teachers Aleisa Gittens-Carle and Jenna Blouin, who recounted a recently completed civil rights history trip to Washington, D.C. The trip brought students through an intensive itinerary that included visits to the Freedmen’s Cemetery, the African-American Heritage Park in Alexandria, Virginia, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, George Washington’s home, and numerous war memorials including the World War II, Martin Luther King Jr., Vietnam, Korean War, and Lincoln memorials. Students also toured Howard University and Morgan State University, both historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The trip faced some challenges, including a nor’easter during travel and a government shutdown that prevented access to some buildings. Despite these obstacles, the experience proved transformative for the students in attendance. “I thought this was super informational just because I learned a lot of history that I didn’t know,” one student participant told the committee. “We had a lot of time to reflect on everything that happened throughout American history.” Another student highlighted the visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where they witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: “Honestly, it was amazing to see all the people that have either fought for this country in war, but also politically, and it impacted me, and I’m sure it impacted all of us standing over here.”
Gittens-Carle noted that the trip was made possible in part through a fourteen-thousand-dollar grant from the Cohasset Education Foundation, which allowed the district to provide financial assistance to any student who needed it. The trip cost was $1,485 per student. She also shared lessons learned from the experience, particularly about scheduling. “I think, too, because our itinerary was so jam-packed, I mean, we were going from minute to minute to minute, and it was just, by the time we got back to, like, we were too exhausted to think about doing anything other than sleep,” Gittens-Carle explained. For future trips, she suggested having more structured downtime in the evening to allow students to debrief and connect with each other.
The second travel opportunity presented was the Cohasset Middle School Quebec trip, scheduled for April 2026. This trip represents a continuation of a well-established tradition in the French language program. Teacher Bob Erlandsen, supported by retired teacher Madam Sandra, outlined plans to take all 21 eighth-grade students to Quebec City during April vacation. The trip will include cultural experiences such as visiting a sugar shack to learn about maple sugar processing, touring the Citadel and Old Quebec, and potentially attending a First Nations light show at Wendake.
The trip is being coordinated in partnership with Scituate’s French program to achieve economies of scale with bus transportation. “We did partner with Scituate the last couple of years, and it’s been great with them,” explained Madam Sandra. “The kids, you know, been wonderful. The kids intermingle and just nice to connect with the teachers too.” Students will stay in a hotel within the walled city of Quebec and are expected to pay around $700 and potentially less, depending on final enrollment numbers from Scituate. The teachers emphasized the educational components, including student research presentations before the trip, journaling during the experience in French, and post-trip writing assignments using past tense conjugations.
The third and final travel opportunity approved was a girls lacrosse trip to South Carolina scheduled for April vacation 2026. Athletic Director Steve Rotondi and Coach Kara Connerty presented plans to take the varsity girls lacrosse team to Charleston to play against two competitive high school teams: Bishop England High School (coached by former Cohasset coach Billy Bitter, who now lives in Charleston) and Oceanside Academy. The trip would span Sunday through Wednesday of April vacation and include sightseeing opportunities such as visiting Patriot Point Naval and Maritime Museum (including the aircraft carrier), Sullivan’s Island Beach, and potentially a Charleston ghost tour.
Connerty emphasized the multiple benefits of the trip: “It’s terrific competition, but beyond that, it’s a chance of team bonding to travel.” The estimated cost is approximately $1,400 per student, with the lacrosse boosters planning fundraising activities to help offset costs and make the trip more affordable for families. The trip would be supervised by three adults: the varsity coach, the junior varsity coach, and the assistant varsity coach, supervising approximately 20-24 players. Committee member Craig MacLellan requested that organizers arrange for security personnel to be stationed in hotel hallways overnight, a request that administrators assured would be addressed.
All three trips received unanimous approval from the school committee. Committee members praised the experiential learning opportunities and the dedication of staff members willing to lead students on these adventures. “We are blessed as a district to have teachers who committed so much that they even come out of retirement to continue to help our students,” said committee member Lance Dial, referring to Madam Sandra’s continued involvement with the Quebec trip.
In her superintendent’s report, Dr. Shannon addressed the challenging budget environment facing districts across Massachusetts. She reported that she had participated in one of Governor Healey’s five listening sessions held across the state to gather input on underfunded school budgets. “Though we are always grateful for the ongoing collaborative efforts for the town of Cohasset in funding our schools, the problem is much bigger than what is happening in our singular community,” Shannon stated. “I have hope that the governor will hear us and start to make some changes.” Shannon thanked Senator O’Connor and Representative Meschino for their advocacy work on behalf of public education funding.
Shannon also announced that the district leadership team has been working since early October on a comprehensive district-wide field trip handbook, which will be presented to the committee in late January. The handbook will outline the purpose of field trips, types of field trips, guidelines and expectations for different grade levels, and all necessary forms and processes. She noted that Principal John Scopelleti has begun basic data gathering to explore the possibility of establishing an eighth-grade Washington, D.C. trip as a regular district offering, starting with assessing staff interest.
Assistant Superintendent Leslie Scollins presented updates on several teaching and learning initiatives. She introduced a new Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy, required by the state, which ensures that middle school students have opportunities to explore alternative programming options such as South Shore Vocational Technical High School and Norfolk County Agricultural High School. Scollins explained that while the district was already providing these opportunities informally, the policy formalizes compliance with state requirements. She detailed the various ways students learn about these options, including school visits, bus tours to South Shore Vocational Tech, presentations within the curriculum, and career exploration activities using the MassHire 360 survey tool.
Scollins also reported on the district’s partnership with Dr. Richard, a psychologist and professor from Brown University, funded through a Cohasset Education Foundation grant. Dr. Richard has been providing professional development to elementary teachers on behavior strategies and hosted a parent presentation attended by approximately 25 parents and caregivers on self-care and creating positive home environments conducive to education. He will continue working with guidance counselors and therapists during a professional development day in December.
The assistant superintendent described an enhanced approach to learning walks, the classroom observation process that has been a district practice for seven years. Rather than conducting learning walks only during scheduled meeting times, the math specialists conducted their first full-day learning walk, allowing for more comprehensive classroom observations and richer discussions about instructional practices. The focus for math learning walks includes two main areas: learning community (ensuring all students are included in mathematical conversations and have opportunities for meaningful discourse) and student-centered approaches to instruction (students sharing discoveries and strategies, engaging in think-pair-share activities, and collaboration). Scollins indicated that two more full-day math learning walks are planned, followed by similar full-day walks with reading specialists.
Director of Finance and Operations Susan Owen presented the monthly budget update through October and into early November. The district’s total approved budget of $24,830,589, supplemented by a one-time allocation of $150,000 for special education costs, showed expenditures of approximately $6.2 million with total encumbrances and purchase orders of just over $18 million, resulting in approximately 99.64% budget utilization. Owen emphasized that the large encumbrances are primarily due to payroll commitments through June and conservative estimates for utilities based on previous overages.
Owen highlighted several areas requiring close monitoring. The district currently has two open positions: a high school special educator position covering a one-year leave of absence and a bus driver position to replace an upcoming retirement. Utility costs remain a significant concern, exceeding budget projections across all buildings despite an additional $180,000 allocation in the fiscal year 2026 budget to address fiscal year 2025 shortfalls. “If we have a mild winter, you may see that those utility costs go down,” Owen noted, but acknowledged that a clearer picture won’t emerge until after the winter months.
Transportation costs have improved due to adjustments in transportation fees and the addition of new buses, including one to replace the electric bus. The multi-use mini bus is being used almost daily for athletics and other activities. The athletics revolving account, which began the year with a significant deficit of $154,392, has been reduced to $77,890 and is expected to reach a positive balance before the end of the spring sports season, aided by approximately $15,000 in recent deposits. The food service revolving account maintains a healthy positive balance of $124,000, with state reimbursements for free meals still pending.
The committee engaged in discussion about the food service surplus and whether it might provide opportunities to reduce costs for families. Committee member Lance Dial asked whether the district should consider lowering fees for à la carte items if the program consistently runs a surplus. Superintendent Shannon explained that federal regulations prohibit selling second lunches at costs lower than the state reimbursement rate, limiting flexibility in that area, though à la carte items like snacks and fresh fruit could potentially be examined.
Committee member Corey Evans clarified for the public that revolving funds, by design, carry balances that are then drawn down as expenses are incurred. “The whole point of these funds is that you collect a balance and you draw down that balance as you expend it,” Evans explained. He noted that maintaining positive balances in revolving funds is fiscally responsible and that eliminating deficits in these accounts frees up municipal free cash, benefiting the town’s overall financial position.
The school committee unanimously approved the fiscal year 2027 budget calendar, which Dr. Shannon revised to provide both a detailed calendar with specific dates and times, and a budget process overview organized by season (fall, early winter, midwinter, early spring, and spring). The overview emphasizes opportunities for family engagement throughout the budget development process, including school committee meetings that are open to all families and a dedicated budget hearing in the spring before the final vote, which is scheduled for April 1, 2026.
Shannon noted that the interim town manager has expressed interest in accelerating some of the budget timeline, and the district will work to accommodate that request while managing the substantial work involved. “She and I had a great meeting the other day and we’re gonna try and accommodate her as best we can knowing that there’s a lot of work to do on our end as well,” Shannon said.
The committee also approved revised fiscal year 2027 budget priorities, which Shannon reformatted based on feedback from the previous meeting to align with a new budget book format the district is developing. The overarching priority is to maintain at least level service for students. Within the district’s four compass points from the strategic plan, specific priorities include: maintaining interventions and supports for students in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process; providing professional learning for project-based learning implementation; supporting new program structures for wellness and belonging; investing in systems that support enhanced community engagement; maintaining appropriate staffing levels; rebuilding the professional development budget; enhancing curriculum and instruction funding; providing necessary facility repairs; and committing to minimizing fees in a fiscally responsible manner.
Shannon emphasized the critical distinction between level service and level funding. “Level service means that we go into FY27, the 26-27 school year with all of the same services that we currently have and can provide those same services to students next year,” she explained. “If we were level funded... that would mean that we have the same amount of money for 26-27 school year for FY27 that we had this year, which means we would be going into FY27 with a significant number of reductions. Because in order to have level service, we actually need an increased budget.”
The budget priorities document also includes a set of assumptions underlying the priorities: that interventionists, specialists, and counselors are essential to academic success and well-being; that professional development is essential for meeting strategic objectives; that staff are exceptional and deeply dedicated to students; that the community values small class sizes and secondary course offerings that support career pathway exploration; that maintaining and improving facilities provides clean, safe, and inspiring learning environments; and that as a public school, the district must work to minimize fees passed on to families.
Committee member Corey Evans praised the new format, noting that it provides clear thinking and effective communication not just for school committee members but for community members and for advocacy purposes when the committee presents to the Select Board and Advisory Committee in March. “Taking that philosophy of trying to explain it to others is really important,” Evans said. Committee member Jacob Squatrito echoed this sentiment, noting that the documents would be particularly effective when advocating for the budget before other town boards.
Dr. Shannon also presented an updated capital budget prioritization list, color-coded to indicate different categories of requests. The highest priorities include ongoing lease payments for buses and a multi-use vehicle, followed by year four of a four-year interactive board installation project, year two of a two-year security enhancement project, and the annual $35,000 allocation for furniture replacement that was established in consultation with the capital planning board last year. The district is awaiting cost estimates for security cameras and has prioritized performance risers for fiscal year 2027, while moving art display boards to fiscal year 2028 and instruments to fiscal year 2029. The turf field fence remains a priority, with the athletic storage shed potentially moving to fiscal year 2028 and a permanent netting system for the turf field being considered for fiscal year 2029, possibly as a Community Preservation Committee request.
Committee member Corey Evans requested that the policy subcommittee review and update the district’s security camera policy to provide clearer guidance on what level of camera coverage the committee wants to establish as a goal, which would help support the capital request with a stronger narrative and policy foundation.
Additional items reported during the meeting included acceptance of a $40 donation from parent Megan Elder to support the Cohasset Middle School Student Council; congratulations to the National Honor Society inductees from the previous evening; recognition of fall sports teams for their accomplishments, particularly the football team advancing to the Division 7 semifinals against Northbridge on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.; and introduction of the Cohasset Community Assistance Fund, a new 501(c)(3) organization providing immediate short-term financial relief for Cohasset residents in need, which will partner with the schools to support families.
Toward the end of the meeting, committee member Craig MacLellan proposed the concept of school committee office hours, where committee members would be available at set times in a public location like the library community room for informal conversations with residents. The idea, which emerged from conversations with parents, aimed to reduce barriers for community members who might feel awkward reaching out directly or find the formal school committee meeting structure intimidating. Committee members expressed mixed reactions, with some concerned about the time commitment and logistics given that school committee service is essentially a volunteer position with already substantial demands, while others appreciated the goal of reducing friction for public engagement.
The committee discussed various alternative approaches, including rotating availability, utilizing scheduling software where community members could book time slots, having a committee member available 30 minutes before regular meetings, and increasing presence at community events like Opening Day at Milliken Field, football games, and the farmers market. Chair Jen Lesky suggested that quarterly office hours combined with visible presence at community events might be a workable solution. The committee agreed to continue the discussion at the next meeting, with committee members having time to consider various options and potentially pilot an approach starting in January.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 3, 2025, at which point the committee will vote on the final capital budget prioritization list and continue discussion of community engagement strategies including potential office hours.
Why It Matters
The approval of multiple student travel experiences demonstrates the district’s commitment to experiential learning beyond traditional classroom instruction, exposing students to different cultures, historical sites, competitive athletic experiences, and educational institutions. These trips provide opportunities for team bonding, personal growth, and real-world application of language skills and historical knowledge. The detailed budget development process and clear prioritization of maintaining level service for students signals to the community that despite significant fiscal challenges facing Massachusetts school districts, Cohasset is working systematically to preserve educational quality, staffing levels, and programs while managing resources carefully. The emphasis on community engagement throughout the budget process, including multiple opportunities for public input and potential office hours, reflects the committee’s recognition that transparent communication and accessible leadership are essential for building community support during challenging financial times. For families, the budget priorities indicate that the district intends to maintain current class sizes, course offerings, specialist positions, and support services for the 2026-2027 school year, though achieving level service will require an increased budget allocation from the town.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the Cohasset Middle School Quebec trip for April 2026 as presented. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (5-0). (Timestamp: 40:24)
Motion: To approve the Cohasset High School Girls Lacrosse South Carolina trip for April 2026 as presented. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (5-0). (Timestamp: 51:23)
Motion: To accept gift/donation from Megan Elder in the amount of $40 to support Cohasset Middle School Student Council. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (5-0). (Timestamp: 1:08:01)
Motion: To approve the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy (second reading). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (5-0). (Timestamp: 57:49)
Motion: To approve the FY27 budget calendar and supporting document of the FY27 budget process, with the caveat that the FY27 budget vote will occur on April 1, 2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (5-0). (Timestamp: 1:42:41)
Motion: To approve the FY27 budget priorities with the stated assumptions. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (5-0). (Timestamp: 1:52:52)
Public Comment
No public comment was offered during the designated public comment period at the beginning of the meeting. Community members were reminded that public comment can be made in person or via Zoom during regular school committee meetings.
What’s Next
The budget subcommittee will meet Friday, November 22, 2025, with liaisons from the Capital Planning Board to continue prioritizing capital budget requests for fiscal year 2027. The final capital budget prioritization list will be presented for a vote at the December 3, 2025 school committee meeting. The policy subcommittee will schedule a meeting to review and update the district’s security camera policy to provide clearer guidance on camera coverage goals. District leadership will complete the field trip handbook and present it to the school committee in late January 2026. The school committee will continue discussion of office hours and community engagement strategies at the December 3 meeting. The district will hold its dedicated budget hearing in spring 2026 before the April 1, 2026 vote on the fiscal year 2027 budget. Schools will be closed for Thanksgiving recess beginning Wednesday, November 27 (early release), with no school Thursday and Friday, November 28-29, 2025.