Roberts Named Permanent Superintendent for Hingham Schools
Committee cites deep community ties and leadership skills in unanimous decision
HINGHAM - December 2 - The Hingham School Committee unanimously appointed Kathyrn Roberts as the district's new permanent superintendent Monday night, pending contract negotiations. Roberts, who has been serving as interim superintendent, received strong support from committee members who praised her leadership and deep ties to the community.
"I think Katie just envelops all of the things that we need in a leader. She is intelligent both intellectually and emotionally. She is confident. She is compassionate. She is such a great communicator," said committee member Michelle Ayer.
Committee members highlighted Roberts' longstanding connection to Hingham as a key factor in their decision. Tim Miller-Dempsey noted, "We could open up the search to everybody in the entire world, and there is not a single other person on the planet that has that capability for us."
The appointment comes after a period of leadership transitions for the district. Miller-Dempsey pointed out that Roberts is the fourth superintendent he has worked with in his four years on the committee.
Roberts expressed gratitude for the committee's support, stating, "I felt very supported by the school committee and very grateful for your confidence. And I'll continue to earn it."
In other business, the committee approved a motion to propose a warrant article for the replacement of the high school turf field. The current field, installed in 2013, is showing signs of wear and safety concerns.
Matthew Meehan, Director of Facilities, presented data on the field's condition, focusing on GMAX ratings, which measure impact absorption. Several areas of the field exceeded the recommended maximum value of 165, with one spot reaching 242.
"Fields should not have a maximum value above 165," Meehan explained, citing standards from the Synthetic Turf Council and other organizations.
The field also shows significant wear in its synthetic fibers, with Meehan noting, "This is what our field looks like over, I would say, 95% of the field. It is completely matted."
Committee members expressed concern about potential safety risks and the impact on athletic programs if the field were to be closed due to poor conditions.
Jim Quatromoni, Athletic Director, commented, "When we start getting into 6780 actual repairs, as we are, that it's reported that the life of the field starts to really incrementally accelerate and decline."
The committee hopes to secure funding through a combination of a warrant article and potential naming rights sponsorship. They emphasized the desire to minimize the financial impact on the town budget.
"We would want to have as much funds fundraised through the naming bylaw as possible," said committee member Jen Benham.
The estimated cost for field replacement ranges from $750,000 to $850,000, with $250,000 already set aside in a revolving account for this purpose.
In other financial matters, the committee approved keeping kindergarten fees constant at $2,950 for the upcoming year and increased preschool and pre-K fees by 3.5%.
The committee also adjusted its budget meeting calendar for January, adding an additional session on Jan. 16 to allow more time for budget discussions.
The next regular school committee meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m.