COHASSET - December 3, 2025 - The Cohasset School Committee finalized its FY27 capital budget requests Wednesday night, unanimously supporting investments in technology and transportation while engaging in a sharp debate over a six-figure request for additional security cameras. Committee member Corey Evans abstained from the camera vote, citing privacy concerns and a lack of clear policy.
The Full Story
The committee reviewed a finalized list of capital requests to present to the Town Capital Budget Committee. The package includes $196,236 for bus leases, $127,689 to complete interactive whiteboard replacements at Deer Hill and Osgood schools, and funding for performance risers and football uprights [49:30].
However, a request for “security enhancements,” specifically a second phase of camera installations estimated at over $100,000, drew scrutiny. Member Corey Evans, participating remotely, flagged the item during the final read.
“I remain not entirely comfortable with this request... it’s $200,000 of cameras. It’s a lot of cameras, it’s a lot of money,” Evans said, referring to the total cost across two years. “I’d like to spend some time understanding and tightening up our policies before making another investment on that line” [01:00:24].
The disagreement led to a complex series of procedural motions to ensure the record reflected the committee’s specific views.
The Split: A motion to approve the cameras separately passed 4-0-1, with Evans abstaining.
The Consensus: The remainder of the capital slate—including buses, technology, and facility upgrades—passed unanimously (5-0) after a motion to reconsider an earlier, messier vote [01:14:28].
Frustration with State Mandates on Graduation The committee also tackled new state mandates following the repeal of MCAS as a graduation requirement. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Leslie Scollins introduced two policy updates—Competency Determination and Graduation Requirements—required by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) by December 31.
Officials expressed deep frustration with the state’s timeline and lack of clear guidance. Superintendent Dr. Sarah Shannon noted that DESE only released draft guidance on December 1, despite demanding district policies by the end of the month.
“They ask us to do things, then give us the guidance, and then have us come back. [It] doesn’t feel good and feels as though it undermines trust and legitimacy with the public.” — Dr. Sarah Shannon, Superintendent [19:43]
Member Craig MacLellan was more blunt, criticizing DESE as an “acting after-the-fact organization” that issued “half-baked” plans.
“It’s annoying and it’s frustrating to districts that are trying to operate in a successful fashion,” MacLellan said. He suggested the committee delay the vote until their December 17 meeting to allow for more review, a plan the committee agreed to [32:43].
Staff Attendance High Point Superintendent Shannon presented new data regarding staff attendance, a metric recently released publicly by the state. Cohasset’s data showed staff attendance rates higher than both the state average and all neighboring districts.
“We’re very proud of this... it shows us that we have something to be proud of here,” Shannon said [01:12:06].
Why It Matters
For taxpayers, the capital request represents the start of the budget season; these items will eventually require Town Meeting approval. The debate over security cameras signals a growing tension between safety investments and student privacy rights. Meanwhile, the graduation requirement overhaul confirms that while the “MCAS era” is ending, the replacement system remains in flux, leaving current students and families waiting for clarity on what exactly is required to earn a diploma.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Vote: Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy
Motion: To approve the policy as presented.
Moved By: Craig MacLellan
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: 5-0 [17:24]
Vote: FY27 Capital Requests (Excluding Cameras)
Motion: To approve the capital slate (buses, whiteboards, furniture, uprights, risers) excluding security enhancements.
Moved By: Lance Dial
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: 5-0 [01:14:28]
Vote: FY27 Capital Request (Security Cameras Only)
Motion: To approve the budget request for cameras as presented.
Moved By: Lance Dial
Outcome: Passed
Vote: 4-0-1 (Evans Abstained) [01:10:37]
Public Comment
Chair Jen Lesky noted there were no public comments offered in person or via Zoom. She wished the community a calm season during the busy weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter Break [02:36].
What’s Next
December 17: The committee will meet to vote on the new Graduation Requirement policies.
Office Hours Pilot: Starting in February, school committee members will pilot “Office Hours” one hour before the monthly meeting to allow for informal community engagement [01:23:39].