Hanover School Committee Celebrates Override Success, Welcomes New Member
Committee Chair Highlights Community Effort in Passing Critical Funding Measure
HANOVER - May 28 - The Hanover School Committee convenes with renewed optimism following the successful passage of a critical override vote, welcoming a new member and celebrating the community's collective effort in securing essential funding for the district's schools.
"In case anybody's been on the planet Mars for the last year, I have to tell you that the override passed," announces Committee Chair Peter Miraglia at the May 28 meeting. "I think there's a lot of people to thank. I don't think anybody can take particular credit. It was really a community effort. Everybody had a role to play."
The successful override represents a significant achievement for the district, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
"We've been through COVID. We've been through culture wars. We've been through cuts. We've been through overrides. And we have persevered, and we have prevailed," Miraglia says. "Not for us, but for our students."
The meeting marks the first for new committee member Chris Tracy, who joins after serving on the advisory committee where he played a significant role in the override's success.
"Chris has been right alongside us the whole way from the beginning of this year. He did a whole year with the advisory committee where they had a very major role to play in the successful passing of the override," Miraglia says, welcoming Tracy to the team.
The positive financial impact of the override is already evident in the district's staffing plans, as detailed in a report from the finance department.
"Though brief, I can say with certainty this is my favorite report of the finance department of this school year," says Mike Oates, Director of Finance and Operations. "We are pleased to announce that following the successful override vote, we have been actively working to staff our schools at more appropriate levels for the 25-26 school year."
The district has already approved six transfers of existing staff to better utilize their skills, welcomed back two staff members through the recall process, and made its first new hire for the upcoming fiscal year.
"We are reinstating positions that were previously affected by budget constraints. So far, we have posted 15 reinstated positions, demonstrating our commitment to restoring essential staffing levels," Oates states.
An additional 12 to 15 postings are anticipated in the near future to fully address staffing needs across the district.
The override's impact will be felt throughout the district, with projected improvements including reduced class sizes at the elementary level, enhanced specialist offerings at the middle school, and more appropriately sized classes with restored elective programs at the high school.
Superintendent Matt Ferron notes the improved recruitment environment following the override's passage.
"The candidate pool that we have available to us is radically different than 12 months ago," Ferron says. "Some of it is because of the misfortune of other communities, but some of it is because people who were concerned in the past are now taking a renewed interest."
The finance department reports that several recent job postings have already attracted significant interest, with over 200 applicants in the first week for counselor, elementary teaching, and social studies positions.
Community member Seth Pritikin expresses gratitude during public comment for the committee's efforts over the past year.
"Just the difference a year makes in terms of feeling, in terms of effort, in terms of outcome. I just could not have asked for more," Pritikin says. "We showed that we care and that this is a place to borrow from Mr. Ferron, a place people should be proud to work and to raise their kids."
Committee member Ryan Hall echoes this sentiment, highlighting the community's collective effort.
"It's just another testament to how our community has stepped up for our schools. They do it in organized ways through PTA. They've done it in grassroots ways this year with the override," Hall says. "Our community really has come together."
Other significant items discussed at the meeting include:
* The Hanover Parent Teacher Association reports raising over $34,000 through donations and fundraisers, investing nearly $25,000 in student programs and $11,000 in staff appreciation initiatives.
* Administrators present 2024 MCAS results showing Hanover students consistently outperforming state averages across all subject areas.
* The committee reviews proposed changes to student handbooks for the 2025-26 school year, with discussions focusing on physical education requirements and search policies.
* Superintendent Ferron announces that Ingle Bus Company, a long-time transportation provider for the district, has been sold to Lucini Bus Company, though operations are expected to continue smoothly.
The meeting reflects a district turning the page after a challenging period, with the successful override providing a foundation for rebuilding and strengthening educational programs across Hanover schools.
"A completely different year that is going to be ahead and a chance to really do some great things," as Pritikin puts it during public comment, capturing the renewed sense of possibility permeating the meeting.