Scituate Elementary School Project on Track and Under Budget
Scituate's Hatherly Elementary School construction to begin this fall, while district expands STEM offerings through Project Lead the Way
SCITUATE - March 10 - The Scituate School Committee receives positive news about the new Hatherly Elementary School project, which remains on time and under budget as it approaches groundbreaking this fall. Construction of the new facility is expected to take approximately 18 months, with students moving in for fall 2027 occupancy.
"Two things you'd like to hear on a school project is on time on or under budget, which it's a very healthy place on both those fronts," Superintendent Bill Burkhead tells the committee.
Don Walter of Dore + Whittier Architects presents the latest updates on the project, which has seen significant cost savings without sacrificing educational quality.
"As we promised back then, we would work to try to continue to bring the cost down without sacrificing any of the quality or educational experience within the building," Walter says.
The project has realized approximately $10.4 million in savings since the schematic design phase, representing about an 8% reduction from the original budget. These savings come from various sources, including market corrections in steel, windows, roofing, and mechanical architecture.
The school's design includes dedicated spaces for each grade level, with kindergarten and first grade on the lower level, second and third grades on the ground level, and fourth and fifth grades on the upper level. Shared facilities include a library, gymnasium, art and music rooms, and administrative offices.
The site plan includes 176 parking spaces, an increase from the originally planned 147 paved spaces. The additional parking uses structural grass turf that can support vehicles while maintaining a green appearance.
"You want to try to maximize your parking because there's always those events where you're going to say, 'Gosh, we wish we had more parking,'" Hartley explains.
The committee approves a list of 11 proprietary specifications for the project, including specialized materials like thermal insulation, safety glass, and technology systems that match district standards.
In a separate presentation, Patrick Newton, science department head, updates the committee on the district's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, highlighting the expansion of Project Lead the Way curriculum.
"Science is a verb. It is a thing that we do. It is not just memorizing a series of definitions," Newton emphasizes, underscoring the hands-on approach of the curriculum.
Currently, the district offers two Project Lead the Way courses and plans to expand to four next year. The program provides project-based learning experiences with potential college credit opportunities.
"It is a fairly diverse and large organization at this point," Newton explains. "The easiest way for me to describe it to folks is in some ways it's a competitor to College Board."
Project Lead the Way courses focus heavily on projects rather than traditional tests. For example, in the biomedical science course Newton teaches, "every unit ends with a project and it's a different project every time."
The district pays a membership fee to access the curriculum and instructional materials, with teachers receiving specialized training to deliver the content.
Newton also reports on the district's environmental stewardship pathway, one of the state-recognized Innovation Career Pathways. Five students, including the student representative to the school committee, are expected to complete the pathway this year.
The pathway requires students to complete two technical courses, earn eight additional STEM credits, and complete a 100-hour internship or capstone project.
Other highlights from the meeting include:
- AP exam results show strong performance in biology with a 93% pass rate, while physics results have prompted curriculum adjustments.
- The district is preparing for changes to the state's science MCAS test, which will place greater emphasis on practical skills and problem-solving.
- ConvenientMD has donated 20 free youth physical vouchers worth $50 each to the school district through their school nurse partnership program.
- The high school boys and girls hockey teams both won their Patriot League titles, with the boys team advancing to the semifinals of the tournament.
- Wyllys Ames has been selected as the 2025 MSSABA Scholar-Athlete Essay Award winner and will represent Massachusetts in the selection process for the National Institute of Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete of the Year award.
The next steps for the Hatherly Elementary School project include continued work with the Conservation Commission and Planning Board, with meetings scheduled for March 17 and March 27, respectively.