School Finance Professional Appointed to Whitman-Hanson School Committee Amidst “Crisis”
Action taken at joint meeting of the Hanson Select Board and remaining Hanson members of the School Committee following Kara Moser's resignation
HANSON - December 16, 2025 - Facing a looming $2.4 million town deficit and an ongoing financial crisis in the regional school district, the Hanson Select Board, acting jointly with the Hanson members of the School Committee, appointed a seasoned school finance official to fill a vacancy on the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee Tuesday night. Warren MacCallum, currently the Director of Finance, Operations, and Technology for Norwell Public Schools, was unanimously selected from a field of four highly qualified candidates to help navigate the district’s fiscal turbulence.
The Full Story
The joint meeting’s primary focus was filling the School Committee seat left vacant until the May election. With the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District still navigating a budget deficit discovered earlier this year, the Select Board and current Hanson School Committee members made it clear they were looking for technical expertise.
Warren MacCallum, a Hanson resident with over 22 years in education finance, emerged as the clear favorite. During his interview, MacCallum did not mince words about the district’s situation or his ability to help.
“I feel like we are in the middle of a crisis... I’m not convinced based upon the meetings I’ve attended that the problem has yet been resolved and that people actually understand fully where the problem has come from.” — Warren MacCallum [34:40]
MacCallum emphasized his deep familiarity with the complex state reimbursement formulas and operational audits that drive school budgets. “I know where the bodies are buried in that sense when it comes to school finance,” he told the Board [33:50]
His stated goal was to “pull back the curtain” to understand exactly how the deficit occurred so the district could rebuild trust.
The Board also interviewed three other impressive candidates: Anthony Delmonaco, the CFO of Weymouth; Tom Gordon, a data analyst with the USDA; and Robert Huebner, a Director of Security in Boston. While all were praised for their willingness to serve, the Board ultimately decided MacCallum’s specific experience with school finance software and state reporting made him the “plug and play” candidate needed immediately.
“He is the most qualified... working in a school district as a CFO,” said School Committee Member Hillary Kniffen. “We can’t do better than him.” [01:18:16]
Budget Outlook: “Not Structurally Balanced” Earlier in the meeting, Town Accountant Eric Kinsherf delivered a sobering preliminary forecast for the town’s FY27 budget. He projected a $2.4 million shortfall, noting that the budget is “not structurally balanced” at this early stage [18:09]
Kinsherf warned that while contracts are settled, providing some certainty on salary costs, the town might need to make difficult decisions or utilize reserves to balance the books. He also noted that debt service costs are dropping, which could open a window for a debt exclusion vote to fund a new highway building without significantly raising the tax rate [21:50]
Why It Matters
The appointment of a professional school business manager to the School Committee is a strategic move for Hanson taxpayers. With the district facing potential service cuts or requests for tax overrides to fix its budget holes, having a representative who can independently audit the numbers and challenge administrative assumptions is critical. MacCallum’s presence gives the town a “check and balance” from within the system as budget season heats up.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To appoint Warren MacCallum to the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee for a term expiring in May 2026.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: Roll Call (Select Board & School Committee members) [01:23:24]
Motion: To approve annual license renewals (Liquor, Common Victualler, Entertainment, Auto) with specific contingencies for McDonald’s, Ignite Auto, and First Baptist Church regarding fire/zoning compliance.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [01:49:11]
Motion: To approve the side letter of agreement with the Highway Union regarding pay rates for employees performing higher-grade work during snow and ice events.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [01:16:45]
Public Safety & Recognition
Police Commendation: Chief Casey and the Board recognized Sgt. Peter Calogero, Officer Mario Thompson, and Officer Cameron Carpenter for their heroism during a November 16th mental health call. The officers breached a barricaded door to save a woman suffering from a self-inflicted knife wound.
“[Officer Carpenter] did what only 1% will do and he saved this woman’s life.” — Chief Casey [10:02]
Other Business
Library Project: Library Director Karen Stolfer presented a preview of two warrant articles for the May Town Meeting. One will request to set aside ~3 acres of the Maquan School property for a potential future library/senior center, and the other to accept a state construction grant if awarded.
License Crackdown: The Board took a stricter stance on license renewals this year, enforcing fire safety and zoning checks. Several licenses were approved conditionally, requiring businesses like McDonald’s (fire alarm testing) and First Baptist Church (sprinkler testing) to prove compliance.
Insurance Savings: Town Administrator Lisa Green announced that due to low loss ratios (fewer claims), the town will see a 0% increase in liability insurance rates for FY27.
What’s Next
Warren MacCallum will be sworn in immediately to attend the School Committee meeting on December 17th.
Budget Hearings: The Select Board and Finance Committee will begin detailed reviews of department budgets in January to address the projected shortfall.
Maquan Planning: The Library Foundation will proceed with schematic designs to meet state grant deadlines.
Source Video: WHCA Hanson Government TV