HINGHAM - September 15 - The Hingham School Committee voted unanimously September 15 to approve a $535,000 contract to completely overhaul the theatrical lighting, sound, and rigging systems at Hingham High School's auditorium, marking one of the largest infrastructure investments in the facility's performance capabilities in years.
The Full Story
The committee authorized Superintendent Dr. Katie Roberts to execute a contract with Barbizon, the sole bidder on the project, to upgrade the aging theatrical equipment. The project will be funded through the district's previously budgeted capital account.
Vice Chair Michelle Ayer, who chaired the meeting in the absence of Chair Jen Benham, emphasized the broad community impact of the upgrade. "While this is called a theatrical agreement, I think it should be noted that this is used at school. It's used at town meeting. Dance recitals," Ayer said. Roberts and Committee members added that the space hosts "dance recitals, rentals, professional development presentations."
The comprehensive upgrade addresses years of deferred maintenance on the auditorium's technical systems. "The amount of the project definitely reflects the amount of work and how far past due we are on the sound and lighting at the high school auditorium," Ayer noted during the discussion.
The meeting also featured several other significant agenda items. Dr. Roberts presented her draft goals for the 2025-26 school year, highlighting a three-year focus on elementary mathematics curriculum adoption following the district's recent emphasis on literacy improvements. "For the last three years as a district, we've had a laser-like focus on literacy, and now it is math's turn," Roberts explained.
The committee approved their own goals for the year, which they had refined during a Saturday workshop session. These goals focus on measurable outcomes for student achievement, communication, and district operations.
Enrollment data provided encouraging news for the district. Total enrollment stands at 3,599 students, representing a much smaller year-over-year decline than in recent years. Particularly notable was a significant jump in kindergarten enrollment to 279 students, up from 256 the previous year. "We were very gratified about the increase in K and one. So families are choosing Hingham," Dr. Roberts said.
The middle school saw a net increase of 18 students, with HMS enrollment at 819 students. A large incoming sixth-grade class of 296 students prompted seventh-grader observations about the crowded hallways. High school enrollment decreased by 35 students to 1,032, primarily due to a smaller incoming ninth-grade class of 245 replacing a graduating class of 263.
Committee member Matt Cosman noted the overall enrollment trend was "super encouraging" after several years of steady decline, particularly during COVID. "This is like the effective level, all this netted out to like 18 less than last year's total. So that's super encouraging," he said.
The committee also approved out-of-state athletic trips for the cross-country team to Rhode Island and the crew team to Connecticut, both traditional annual competitions. A Model UN trip to Harvard in January was also approved for 20 high school students.
World Language Director Stacy Turner presented news of a successful grant application to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The $19,993 grant will fund continued standards-based language assessment testing for students in grades 8-12 using the STAMP (Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency) exam.
The committee approved Policy KE regarding public complaints procedures, which underwent minor revisions to clarify the proper channels for filing complaints and allow for investigation by either the superintendent or assistant superintendent.
Dr. Roberts also reported on recent ribbon-cutting ceremonies for both the high school's new outdoor basketball court and the Foster Elementary School renovation project. She announced that Hingham High School received National Banner Recognition from Special Olympics North America for the second consecutive year, making it one of only 17 schools in Massachusetts to achieve this distinction.
Why It Matters
The theater upgrade represents a significant investment in a facility that serves far beyond student theatrical productions. The improved sound and lighting systems will benefit town meetings, community events, dance recitals, and professional development sessions, making it a true community asset. For students, the modern equipment will provide enhanced learning opportunities in technical theater and improve the quality of performances.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve minutes from August 18, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:34)
Motion: Approve minutes from August 27, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:46)
Motion: Approve school committee goals for 2025-2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 14:57)
Motion: Approve updated school committee subcommittee functions. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 15:49)
Motion: Approve high school cross-country team trip to Warwick, Rhode Island. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 17:28)
Motion: Approve high school crew team trip to Glastonbury, Connecticut. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 17:46)
Motion: Approve Model UN trip to Harvard. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 18:47)
Motion: Approve Policy KE Public Complaints. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 34:33)
Motion: Award theatrical lighting, sound, and rigging contract to lone bidder Barbizon for $535,000. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 37:21)
Motion: Accept DESE grant for world language assessment in amount of $19,993. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 48:49)
Motion: Declare surplus food service equipment. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 50:20)
Public Comment
Brian Stack asked questions about enrollment data, seeking breakdowns between regular education and special education programs, as well as out-of-district placements. The superintendent clarified that current enrollment figures represent all students and that more detailed special education data will be presented in an upcoming meeting.
What's Next
The superintendent's goals will be finalized at the next meeting after the new Executive Director of Student Services, Dr. Christine Panarese, presents her entry plan for student services. The fiscal year 2027 budget planning process is beginning, with department meetings scheduled for late September and early October. The next school committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 29th at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.