HULL - September 22 - Hull High School has launched a groundbreaking business pathway program this fall, marking the first of what officials hope will be multiple “innovation pathways” designed to provide students with alternative routes to graduation while connecting classroom learning to real-world applications.
The Full Story
The new entrepreneurship course, taught by Ms. Galluzzo, transforms the traditional classroom experience by arranging desks in an oval boardroom configuration and conducting daily meetings with prepared agendas. Senior Chris Resnick described the class as “very much a creative class” where students collaborate and “bounce ideas off each other” while working toward creating their own hypothetical companies by the end of the term.
Principal Shaw explained that the program is supported by a state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education innovation pathway grant, which provides planning funds to develop a comprehensive sequence of business courses. The current introductory course is available to students in grades 9-12, though officials expect it will eventually become primarily a foundation course for underclassmen as more advanced offerings in marketing, accounting, and financial literacy are developed.
The grant structure includes two phases: the current planning grant supports curriculum development and community partnership building, while a second implementation grant would fund the actual program expansion beginning in 2026. Shaw emphasized the program’s goal of creating meaningful alternatives for students while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
This business pathway responds directly to feedback from students and families who identified business education as a priority area. The school committee expressed strong enthusiasm for the program, with members offering to connect students with guest speakers and real-world business experiences.
The meeting also featured extensive presentations from Hull High School students showcasing various programs. Student representatives reported strong engagement across activities, with the theater department preparing for their December musical “Once Upon a Mattress” and student council planning homecoming festivities for early October.
Football captains Jaden McCarthy and Nate O’Hare shared their experience at a South Shore League leadership workshop, describing how competing alongside usual opponents taught them valuable lessons about teamwork and collaboration. The Hull Teachers Association reported successful open house events and praised the high school’s advisory kickoff day, which included a senior trip to paintball that drew positive feedback from staff.
In other significant business, the committee approved the Project Humanitarian Involvement (PHI) club’s request to pursue an international service trip, though not without debate. Ms. Wall presented a comprehensive proposal for a Peru service trip focused on sustainability work around Lake Titicaca, emphasizing the program’s three pillars: service, leadership development, and cultural immersion.
The proposal generated extensive discussion about the ethics of international volunteerism. Committee Chair Kyle Conley expressed serious concerns about potential harm from well-intentioned service programs in developing countries, advocating instead for cultural exchange trips without service components. Member Brendan Kilroe countered with personal testimony about transformative international experiences, emphasizing accessibility concerns about the $5,200 per-student cost.
After debate, the committee voted 3-1, with Conley opposed, to approve PHI’s pursuit of an international trip, with the understanding that specific details and service components would be refined based on the discussion.
Superintendent Dr. Jette presented a draft strategic framework document outlining five key focus areas for the district’s next five years. The framework emphasizes excellence for every child, community engagement, learning for life, organizational excellence, and resource stewardship. The document will undergo extensive stakeholder review throughout the fall before finalization.
Dr. Jette also reported successful completion of custodial contract negotiations, staying within school committee guidelines, with ratification expected in the coming weeks. The district has scheduled comprehensive safety training for all staff on November 4th, featuring updated protocols developed with Hull Police and Fire departments.
Why It Matters
The new business pathway program represents Hull’s commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities that connect directly to career readiness and local economic development. With 90% of Hull residents commuting outside town for work, the program aims to help students understand local business opportunities while developing entrepreneurial skills applicable anywhere. The innovation pathway model, if successful, could expand to other career areas, fundamentally changing how Hull High School prepares students for post-graduation success.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve meeting agenda. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:54)
Motion: Approve September 8, 2025 meeting minutes. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 6:25)
Motion: Approve Phi club pursuit of international trip with accessibility considerations. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 3-1 (Conley opposed). (Timestamp: 1:00:17)
Motion: Adjourn meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:20:15)
What’s Next
The committee will meet jointly with the Select Board on Wednesday to select a fifth member to replace Regan Yakubian through May 2026. The strategic framework document will return for further discussion at the next meeting after committee review. Custodial contract ratification is expected for the October 6th meeting. District-wide safety training is scheduled for November 4th.