HINGHAM - January 26, 2026 - Superintendent Katie Roberts presented a preliminary FY27 operating budget of $72,847,183 to the School Committee. The proposal adheres to a strict 3.5% growth cap mandated by a town-wide Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), necessitating creative “levers” such as energy savings from the new Foster School and fleet electrification to maintain level services without major staff reductions. While academic performance remains at the top of state benchmarks, officials warned that the district is reaching a “tipping point” after cutting over 26 positions in the last three years.
The Full Story
The Hingham School Committee’s first look at the Fiscal Year 2027 budget was a study in balancing high achievement with tightening fiscal constraints. Superintendent Katie Roberts emphasized that while the district aspires to provide “level services,” the 3.5% cap on annual operating increases creates structural challenges. [16:19], [20:26] To close an initial gap, the administration has leaned into efficiencies, including the “green” features of the new Foster School—which utilizes geothermal and solar power—and the transition to electric buses, which together provide significant utility and maintenance savings. [23:07], [23:42]
“We have over the past several years really leaned into what we call efficiencies... but we are reaching a tipping point where we’ll overcorrect with regard to our average class sizes.” [21:53], [34:18] — Katie Roberts, Superintendent
The district’s “Return on Investment” was highlighted by Assistant Superintendent Erica Pollard, who presented data showing Hingham ranking first among 11 benchmark districts in 5th-grade MCAS scores for English, Math, and Science. [43:55], [45:00] Despite these gains, the district faces pressure from rising Special Education costs. Dr. Christine Panarese, Director of Student Services, noted that 20% of the student population now has an IEP, with the Foster School seeing one in four students requiring specialized support. [52:28], [53:06]
Secondary schools have borne the brunt of recent staff reductions, with 17.6 positions lost at the High School and 8.4 at the Middle School over the last three years. [36:55] This year’s proposal includes a controversial recommendation to not fill a vacant Communications Specialist role, reallocating those duties to central office staff to save $75,000. [01:41:41], [01:43:39]
Why It Matters
For Hingham residents, the 3.5% MOU helps stabilize taxes but requires the school district to find internal savings to cover contractual salary increases (ranging from 3% to 7%) and soaring special education costs. Families may also see continued reliance on fees and tuitions; Hingham remains one of only 15 districts in Massachusetts charging for full-day kindergarten, a “lever” the administration admits is necessary to keep the operating budget afloat.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the 2026-2027 Program of Studies for Hingham Middle and High School.
Vote: Unanimous (7-0) ([02:26:29])
Motion: To approve the Memorandum of Agreement with HEA Unit A regarding Schedule C1 and C2 (Clubs).
Vote: Unanimous (7-0) ([02:31:49])
Motion: To approve the minutes of the January 12, 2026 meeting.
Vote: 6-0-1 (Mooney absent at time of vote) ([03:50])
Public Comment
No members of the public offered comments during the dedicated portions of the meeting.
What’s Next
Joint Meeting with Capital Outlay Committee: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM. [02:43:40]
Second Budget Working Session: Thursday, January 29, 2026, focusing on Technology, Facilities, Athletics, and Transportation. [01:48:47]
Source Video: Harbor Media