HINGHAM — Oct. 29, 2026 — Hingham Special Town Meeting on Thursday approved, by unanimous voice votes, roof replacements at South Elementary and Plymouth River Elementary schools, both still contingent on Nov. 3 debt exclusion votes, and added $1,115,000 to keep design of a high school roof and heating and cooling project moving. That vote does not approve the high school project, now estimated at $90 million to $110 million.
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Elementary school roofs. Article 1 authorizes $8,576,727 for the South Elementary roof, including $320,000 already approved for design; Article 2 authorizes $16,370,436 for Plymouth River, including $370,000 for design. Updated state figures read on the floor lower the town’s share from the printed warrant. South’s estimated Massachusetts School Building Authority grant is now $3,054,678, leaving a town share of $5,522,049; Plymouth River’s grant is $4,624,911, leaving $11,745,525.
Both passed unanimously by voice vote, but each also needs a majority at the Nov. 3 town election. Superintendent Katie Roberts said rain from a recent storm was collected in barrels in hallways at the high school and near the gym at South. Angela Thedinga, chair of the 2025 School Building Committee, said Plymouth River’s gravel roof is extensively deteriorated, with vegetation growing in places.
High school design money. Article 3 increases a 2025 design appropriation by $1,115,000 and expands its allowed uses to include detailed design, construction documents and early bid packages. It passed by more than two-thirds on a voice vote. Because it is not excluded debt, it does not go to the ballot.
