HINGHAM - November 10 - The Hingham School Committee voted 5-2 Monday night to lease electric school buses from Highland Capital, committing to a seven-year deal that promises $225,000 in first-year savings but offers little financial certainty beyond that.
The Full Story
The decision marks a major shift toward zero-emission transportation, with substantial upfront savings but considerable uncertainty about costs in years two through seven. Projected deficits in later years don’t exceed $25,000 annually, but committee members questioned whether the savings projections account for volatile fuel prices and unknown maintenance issues with the new technology.
Executive Director of Business Services Aisha Oppong presented comparative analyses showing electric buses deliver the bulk of their financial benefit immediately. “In the first year, we have approximate savings of $225,000,” she told the committee. “In the out years, even where we don’t have as much of an increase, the deficit from what we’re showing doesn’t exceed $25,000 in any one year.”
When asked about diesel projections, Oppong acknowledged fuel pricing is the biggest unknown. “I can’t predict that one,” she said, though she noted the district gets competitive rates through collective purchasing.
Committee member Michelle Ayer warned against overstating the financial benefit. “I don’t want people to think we’re saving $200,000 every year. It’s literally all in year one. And then the out years, it’s a little bit deficit one year, a little bit up the next year.”
Committee member Matt Cosman voiced the central concern: “I’m not convinced electric is the wrong way financially. But this is not a clear cut story that it will be financially better. Year one looks significantly better. But the out years, it’s not clear.”
Despite financial uncertainty, several members emphasized health and environmental benefits. Committee member John Mooney made an impassioned case: “Zero emissions vehicle is healthier for everyone. There’s no cardiovascular side effects. There’s no increased cancer risk... There’s no asthma or allergy triggers... Diesel fuel and vehicles are 20th century technologies.”
Superintendent Katie Roberts said feedback from districts further along in their electric transitions has been overwhelmingly positive, helping shift initial skepticism. Transportation Supervisor Padraig Cunningham noted warranty coverage for major mechanical components—like braking systems that can cost $5,000 to replace on diesel buses—reduces long-term maintenance risks.
The Highland Capital lease covers all electricity costs and infrastructure expansion. When resident Diane DiNapoli asked about municipal light plant rate increases, Oppong clarified the electricity “is absorbed into the contract price.”
High school environmental science teacher Jacqueline Beaupre added that electric buses eliminate idling emissions where children wait. “When diesel buses are idling, we would not have those emissions like in the place where all the kids are going to be waiting. That’s one very clear obvious difference in air quality.”
Committee member Tim Miller-Dempsey framed the decision in terms of fiscal responsibility: “As we enter negotiations, we need to make a good faith argument that the money we have is the money we have. It’s our responsibility to minimize costs that are truly under our control.”
The committee voted 5-2 to approve the lease, with Chair Jen Benham and Cosman dissenting. The district currently operates three electric buses and will purchase seven new diesel buses this year while expanding the electric fleet.
World Language Program Shows Dramatic Biliteracy Gains
Interim World Language Director Stacy reported that 74% of students who took the Seal of Biliteracy exam in 2024-25 qualified for either the seal or seal with distinction—a 37-percentage-point jump from 37% in 2019-20.
Of 140 students tested from the class of 2025, 103 earned recognition, representing 36% of the 283-student graduating class. This outpaces comparable DESE districts. Twenty students earned the seal with distinction for demonstrating particularly high proficiency.
DESE grant funding now allows testing beyond seniors, expanding to eighth grade and grades 9-11. Students are assessed on reading, writing, listening and speaking, with reading and listening scores typically higher as “receptive skills” develop before “expressive skills.”
Data showed consistent or improved performance across Spanish, French, Chinese and Latin programs, with AP Chinese showing notable gains. The district encourages English language learners to test in their native languages—one student recently inquired about Lithuanian.
Students must demonstrate intermediate high proficiency, meaning they could use language skills professionally. Those who don’t initially qualify in all areas can retake specific assessments within 90 days.
Committee Advances MCAS Alternative for Graduation
The committee conducted a first read of a competency determination policy replacing MCAS testing as the graduation requirement. Assistant Superintendent Erica Pollard presented alternative pathways for students to demonstrate math and English proficiency.
Students with disabilities can demonstrate competency through portfolio-based approaches spanning multiple years. Students in small group math classes might complete requirements over three years, while Collaborative Learning Center students may need four years, stretching algebra and geometry standards across extended timeframes.
Pollard said the approach will be individualized, with transition planning beginning in eighth grade and tracked through tools like Goalbook. “Students in small group math might be stretching out those algebra standards over a year and a half, then stretching out geometry standards over a year and a half,” she explained.
The policy addresses transfer students through principal-conducted transcript reviews, and establishes individualized pathways for English language learners. Credit recovery will use Edgenuity, a DESE-approved online mastery-based program.
Hingham Education Association President Jacqueline Beaupre raised implementation concerns, particularly for one-year courses like biology where multi-year portfolios aren’t feasible. She questioned equity if college prep students fail final exams while CLC students pass through portfolios.
Roberts clarified that passing final exams isn’t required—only passing courses—and DESE approves Edgenuity for credit recovery without retaking entire courses.
Parent Diane DiNapoli urged professional development for staff on data collection and suggested establishing standard practice for discussing graduation progress at every IEP meeting from eighth grade onward. “This could be challenging for most parents walking into IEP meetings,” she said, requesting written clarity and strong data fidelity.
The committee will conduct a second read at their November 24 meeting, with the policy required to be in place by the end of the year per DESE mandate.
Four Projects Accepted into MSBA Program
Roberts announced that four projects have been accepted into the Massachusetts School Building Authority Accelerated Repair Program: roof replacements for South and Plymouth River schools, plus a roof replacement and heat pump conversion for the high school. MSBA typically reimburses 30 to 40 percent of project costs.
Acceptance allows the district to develop schematic designs and bring proposals to future town meetings. The 2025 School Building Committee held its first meeting November 6.
Committee Debates Financial Literacy Mandate
The committee reviewed two remaining MASS resolutions: personal financial literacy requirements and regional school assessment reserve funds.
Committee member Kerry Ni reported that bills moving through the legislature include funding mechanisms, addressing unfunded mandate concerns. “The bills have funding attached. One creates a trust and the other creates a fund.”
Members expressed mixed views. Ayer questioned fitting new requirements into the 180-day calendar: “Who is teaching this? How is it getting fit in? We only have 180 school days. That hasn’t changed since 1852. Are we getting rid of something?”
Cosman countered: “Kids make probably one of the largest financial decisions of their entire life right out of high school in terms of how they’re going to pay for college. Financial literacy is much more important than square dancing, which was started by Henry Ford as a way to protect people from the evils of jazz music.”
Roberts suggested DESE should adjust math standards to integrate financial literacy rather than add standalone requirements. “We’ve already seen the impact of civics, which is a worthy endeavor that squeezed out American history. It would be great if DESE would help inform where in the standards this might fit.”
Policy Updates Advance Through First Read
The committee reviewed numerous policy updates including streamlined curriculum development policies, student discipline procedures aligned with state law, bullying prevention updates, and revised student health services policies. Notable changes included removing obsolete policies like corporal punishment, spelling out acronyms, and modernizing emergency contact procedures. All policies return for second reads November 24.
Committee Accepts $30,000 for Wellness Equipment
The committee unanimously approved a $30,000 anonymous donation for additional equipment at The Dock, the high school wellness space that opened this fall. The committee also approved a $1,200 Hingham Arts Alliance grant for East School photography equipment and a $203 Chipotle donation for soccer boosters’ yoga stretching training.
Meeting Opens with Memorial Tribute
Committee member John Mooney opened the meeting honoring Annie Krog, a Kids in Action teacher who died after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Krog served 24 years as team lead for the integrated preschool at Plymouth Elementary.
“She got a shy boy who only talked to his dog to get into school and start talking to other people,” Mooney said of his son Patrick. “When kids started going to the new Foster school and were upset about the change, she told all the kids that this school was built for you. It’s your school. And they were so proud of that.”
Krog was diagnosed in August. Mooney urged the community to “always remember to say thank you to the teachers and everyone that interact with your kids.”
Resident Raises Unanswered Meeting Request
During public comment, a resident said three months have passed since requesting a meeting with the superintendent’s office without response. The speaker cited policy manual provisions about parent communication and accountability, asking “What do I need to do to make an appointment with the superintendent’s office? Can someone please communicate with me?”
The committee did not respond during public comment, consistent with established practice.
Why It Matters
The electric bus decision commits the district to zero-emission transportation with substantial first-year savings but uncertain long-term costs, reflecting ongoing tension between fiscal caution and environmental goals. The MSBA acceptance could bring millions in state reimbursement for critical infrastructure projects. The competency determination policy fundamentally changes graduation certification, particularly for students with disabilities who previously struggled with high-stakes MCAS testing. Combined, these decisions shape both the district’s physical infrastructure and its approach to ensuring all students can demonstrate readiness for graduation.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To authorize the executive director of business services to enter into a seven-year lease agreement with Highland Capital for electric school buses as outlined in the attached spreadsheet. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 5-2 (Benham and Cosman opposed). (Timestamp: 1:03:10)
Motion: To accept private donation of $30,000 to support purchase of phase two equipment for The Dock at Hingham High School. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:51:09)
Motion: To accept grant of $1,200 from Hingham Arts Alliance to fund three cameras and supporting equipment for East School photography unit. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:52:18)
Motion: To accept donation of $203.39 on behalf of Hingham High School soccer boosters to purchase guided yoga stretching training. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Approved with one abstention (Benham). (Timestamp: 1:53:08)
Motion: To adjourn to executive session not to return to open session for purposes of minutes of executive session held October 27, 2025, and to conduct strategy session with respect to collective bargaining. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:58:35)
Presentations & Reports
Superintendent’s Report: Roberts announced MSBA acceptance for four projects, Hingham Ed Foundation spelling bee results and continued support for Thinking Classrooms initiative, Veterans Day ceremonies, upcoming high school drama production of The Drowsy Chaperone, and fall athletics tournament successes. (Timestamp: 9:22)
World Language Assessment Data: Stacey Turner presented comprehensive data showing 74% of test-takers earned seal of biliteracy or distinction in 2024-25, up from 37% in 2019-20. Detailed breakdown by language, course level, and comparison with worldwide test-taker averages. (Timestamp: 14:25)
Electric Bus Lease Update: Executive Director Oppong and Transportation Director Patrick presented cost comparison analysis between electric and diesel bus options over seven years, including fuel, maintenance, and infrastructure costs. (Timestamp: 29:06)
Competency Determination Policy First Read: Assistant Superintendent Pollard presented new graduation requirements policy implementing MCAS alternative with portfolio-based approaches for students with disabilities, credit recovery pathways, and individualized timelines. (Timestamp: 1:20:22)
MASS Resolutions Discussion: Committee member Kerry Ni led discussion of two remaining resolutions: personal financial literacy mandate and regional school assessment reserve fund. (Timestamp: 1:05:26)
Policy Updates First Read: Committee member Alyson Anderson presented multiple policy updates including handbook approval procedures, curriculum development streamlining, student discipline updates, bullying prevention, and student health services modernization. (Timestamp: 1:44:01)
Public Comment
One resident spoke during the public comment period expressing frustration about three months of unanswered requests for a meeting with the superintendent’s office, citing school policy manual provisions about parent communication and accountability. During agenda item discussions, resident Diane DiNapoli asked questions about electric bus electricity rates and municipal light plant costs. Environmental science teacher Jacqueline Beaupre raised questions about competency determination implementation challenges and equity concerns for general education students versus special education students.
Subcommittee Reports
School Building Committee: Committee member Ayer attended the November 6 kickoff meeting for the newly formed 2025 School Building Committee. Original 2017 School Building Committee meeting scheduled for this week to wrap up that committee’s work. (Timestamp: 1:54:31)
High School Council: Ayer reported the council discussed increasing vocational training opportunities and co-op programs. (Timestamp: 1:54:31)
Student Advisory Council: Chair Benham and Ayer met with student advisory council which discussed vocational/co-op opportunities, positive school climate and spirit, tardy policy implementation, and parent parking blocking assigned student spots during morning drop-off. (Timestamp: 1:54:31)
Salary Negotiations: Ni reported initial meeting with bus and van drivers association was productive, next meeting November 19. Also met with HVA Unit E (food services) with follow-up meeting November 19. Strategy session held today with next meeting November 24. (Timestamp: 1:56:25)
Hingham Ed Foundation: Ni reported successful spelling bee, capital campaign launching with letters/emails/social posts forthcoming, and spring event scheduled for April 11, 2026 at Barrel House Z with college theme. (Timestamp: 1:56:25)
DESE Chapter 70 Study: Ni noted DESE conducting fiscal year 2026 Chapter 70 local contribution study with virtual public listening session November 18, 4-7 PM. (Timestamp: 1:56:25)
Human Rights Commission: Committee member Cosman reported meeting scheduled for next Monday. (Timestamp: 1:54:19)
SNAPBOARD: Cosman reported meeting scheduled for next Tuesday. (Timestamp: 1:54:19)
What’s Next
The School Committee will meet Monday, November 24 at 6:30 PM for second reads on the competency determination policy and multiple policy updates. December meeting scheduled for December 15 at 6:30 PM. The 2025 School Building Committee will continue meeting to develop schematic designs for the four MSBA-accepted projects. Salary negotiations continue with bus/van drivers and food services unions on November 19 and November 24. Highland Capital will proceed with infrastructure expansion for electric bus charging. The committee adjourned to executive session to review October 27 executive session minutes and conduct strategy session on collective bargaining.
Brilliant. This article perfectly captures the complex trade-offs involved in transitioning to new sustainble tech.