HULL - September 8 - Principal Kyle Shaw reported that the Jacobs Elementary and Middle School achieved high student satisfaction scores that beat most surrounding South Shore communities, placing second only to Hingham among local districts, as the consolidated school begins its second year with renewed energy and confidence.
The Full Story
The Hull School Committee received an extensive update on the Jacobs School's successful start to the 2025-26 academic year, with Principal Shaw expressing unprecedented confidence in his building's readiness. Using a boat metaphor from staff professional development, Shaw said he chose the "aircraft carrier" option for the first time, describing his staff as "strong, well-prepared, tactical, determined and resilient."
Shaw reported that all vacant teaching positions were filled just before the school year began, though the school is still seeking additional paraprofessional staff to meet unforeseen student needs. The opening went smoothly despite some bus issues that are still being resolved.
The most significant news centered on embargoed MCAS results and student climate survey data. Shaw revealed that Jacobs students scored in the "favorable perception" range on the state's View of Climate and Learning (VOCAL) survey, which measures whether students feel safe and happy at school. This represents a reversal of the statewide declining trend in student satisfaction since COVID-19.
"Of all the surrounding South Shore towns, Scituate, Norwell, Marshfield, Weymouth, Quincy, and my favorite, Cohasset, the Jacobs data was only second to Hingham, beating all the others," Shaw told the committee. "This of course is not a surprise to me, but it's nice to see on paper."
The school has adopted "elevate" as its theme for the year, building on established traditions and practices. Shaw emphasized the school's differentiated instruction approach, where teachers use beginning-of-year assessments to group students and meet them "exactly where they are" rather than teaching one lesson to the whole class.
The middle school continues its house system with Monday meetings featuring restorative circles, while elementary students participate in spirit day assemblies. Both schools use a "pirate gold" positive reinforcement system, with middle schoolers earning points for their houses.
Shaw also announced that all staff, including administrators, will be evaluated using new 2024 teacher rubrics containing 30 indicators, with nine designated as focus areas chosen collaboratively by the district, school, and individual educators.
Superintendent Dr. Michael Jette praised Shaw's team for their smooth opening, noting that "when the end of the first day comes and the phone hasn't been ringing and things are just smoothly working, it's because the team just pulled together to do that."
In other business, the committee addressed several administrative matters. Dr. Jette reported that a memorial music award will be established in honor of former faculty member Mr. Cochran, who was instrumental with the marching pirates program, rather than pursuing other memorial options like naming rooms.
The committee confirmed that six candidates have applied for the vacant school committee position left by Regan Yakubian’s resignation. Chair expressed gratitude to Regan for her service and congratulated her on her new career opportunity. A joint meeting with the Select Board is scheduled for September 17th at 7 p.m. at Town Hall to interview candidates and make the appointment.
Dr. Jette provided updates on school safety planning, reporting that emergency planning meetings with police, fire, and school administrators are ongoing. Staff training is planned for October, and the first fire drill has already been successfully completed.
The committee also learned that the dog park committee has recommended locating the proposed dog park at the site of the former windmill at the other end of town, rather than on school property. The windmill is expected to be removed within a month.
Why It Matters
The strong student satisfaction scores indicate that Hull's school consolidation is succeeding in creating a positive learning environment where students feel safe and engaged. This foundational element is critical for academic achievement and suggests the district's investment in the Jacobs School reconfiguration is paying dividends for families.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve meeting agenda. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:56)
Motion: Approve minutes from June 12th budget subcommittee, July 10th budget subcommittee, June 23rd regular meeting, August 11th retreat, and August 14th remote meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 5:33)
What's Next
Joint meeting with Select Board on September 17th at 7 p.m. at Town Hall to interview and select new school committee member. Open houses scheduled for middle school families on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and elementary families on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. High school principal will present at the next school committee meeting.