HANOVER - August 25 - The Hanover School District successfully filled 27 of 28 new or reinstated teaching positions for the upcoming school year while coming in $58,393.52 under budget, Finance Director Mike Oates reported to the School Committee Monday night. The district budgeted new positions at an average of master's degree with five years experience, but most hires came in at lower salary levels, creating significant savings.
The Full Story
After facing significant staffing challenges last year, the district reversed course with what Oates called "very efficient" hiring this summer. The 28 positions included reinstated positions cut during budget difficulties, new positions required by compliance, and additions due to enrollment growth. Only four teaching positions remain unfilled - one from a resignation, two from internal transfers, and one new reading position.
"This time last year, resignations were a major issue for us, but this year it is not," Oates told the committee. The district saw only two total resignations during June, July, and August, compared to much higher numbers the previous summer. One resignation was due to a family relocation.
Superintendent Matt Ferron highlighted the positive energy at new teacher orientation earlier Monday, where over 32 new teachers gathered at Hanover Middle School. "There have been times in recent years where we haven't even had this event," Ferron said. "Today, we walked into the cafeteria at the middle school and there were over 32, 33 new teachers and there's a few more to come."
The hiring success represents a dramatic turnaround from the district's staffing struggles following budget cuts in 2024. The committee restored many positions after receiving additional funding through a subsequent Proposition 2 1/2 override.
The meeting opened with recognition of the Hanover High School rugby team, which won the state championship last spring. Athletic Director Scott Hutchinson praised the team's 50-member roster and their support of a teammate diagnosed with lymphoma during the season. "They're back in the finals again last season, and they just had a great game," Hutchinson said. "Not just dominant on the field, there were times where the ball was distributed so many times to people, so other people could have their moment."
In other business, the committee approved $8,338.68 in final donations for fiscal year 2025, bringing the annual total to $103,834.78. The majority came from the Hanover Parent Teacher Association for year-end activities including fourth grade celebration, field day, and senior day events. "Our HPTA just continues to make the end of the year very, very special for so many of our students," Oates said.
The committee also approved 14 homeschool requests covering 25 students, including 12 renewals and two new plans. Student activity accounts for the upcoming year were reauthorized, with several new accounts added and inactive ones removed.
Ferron provided updates on upcoming events, including the Boston Bruins Fan Fest coming to Sylvester School on September 5th, which is expected to draw 3,000-4,000 people and coincides with the first home football game. The district is also partnering with the YMCA to offer free swim lessons to all second graders through a water safety leadership initiative grant.
The superintendent noted infrastructure challenges ahead, particularly with HVAC systems at the high school that have reached end of life. "Some of the parts and equipment are no longer available," Ferron said. "The reality is we might start this year here without the air conditioning and HVAC systems in place that we want."
Student Services Director Kaitlin Morelli reported on the summer Extended School Year program, which served 130 of 190 recommended students. The program saw increased participation from Hanover staff, with two speech pathologists, all Orton-Gillingham providers, and site coordinators coming from the district's own teachers. "ESY was a place where kids were excited to come and sad to leave," Morelli said.
Committee members discussed timeline planning for the coming year, with Policy Working Group focusing on social media policy review, cell phone policies, and artificial intelligence integration. The Academic Working Group will schedule presentations on topics including MCAS scores and advanced placement results.
Why It Matters
The successful hiring within the approved budget signals the district has stabilized after a turbulent period of budget cuts and staffing losses, a result of the successful override campaign in 2025. Students will benefit from smaller class sizes and restored specialist positions.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve FY25 final donations of $8,338.68. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 10:48)
Motion: Approve 14 homeschool requests for 25 students. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 11:39)
Motion: Approve FY26 student activity account reauthorization. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 15:10)
What's Next
The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for September 10th at 6:30 PM. Agenda items will include detailed budget transfers showing staffing changes, capital budget discussions to align with town planning, and the beginning of policy working group presentations. The committee may add additional meetings if needed to accommodate budget timeline requirements.
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