Scituate Prioritizes Stability and Safety: School Budget and New Sidewalk Plan Take Center Stage
SCITUATE, MA — February 3, 2026 — Amidst a region grappling with significant municipal deficits, the Scituate Select Board reviewed a robust, level-services school budget and adopted a groundbreaking “living document” for town-wide sidewalk construction and repair.
The Full Story
The February 3rd meeting opened with a somber acknowledgment of the recent tragedy in Gloucester, reflecting the shared bond of New England’s coastal fishing communities.
Education and Regional Stability Interim Superintendent Tom Raab presented a $55 million total funds budget for FY27, characterized as a “level services” plan that avoids the drastic cuts seen in neighboring towns (00:13:57). While other districts face multi-million dollar deficits and potential layoffs, Scituate’s budget remains stable due to transparent multi-year planning. Key initiatives for the coming year include a pilot of the “Open Science” curriculum at the elementary level and the introduction of a 0.6 drama teacher at the high school (00:21:54).
“We are not in that phase [of deficits] because of all of us working together... taxpayers at home need to realize how great it is to work with all of you and to have the data and to have the transparencies out there.” (00:41:04) — Andrew Goodrich, Chair
Vocational School Expansion Superintendent Tom Hickey of South Shore Vocational Technical High School highlighted that the school is currently seeing its highest enrollment in history, with a 2:1 application-to-admission ratio. He confirmed that the major building project remains on schedule for a June 2026 groundbreaking. A significant discussion centered on Pembroke’s potential entry into the district, which could result in a 10% readjustment of debt and operating costs for member towns by 2032 (01:13:50).
A Long-Awaited Sidewalk Roadmap The Sidewalk Subcommittee presented a data-driven “scorecard” that prioritizes safety, connectivity, and accessibility. Moving away from ad-hoc decisions, the plan identifies a “Top 10” list for new construction and a separate list for critical repairs.. The board formally adopted these lists as a “living document” to be updated annually (02:02:52).
Fiscal Responsibility and Winter Challenges DPW Director Kevin Cafferty reported that the town’s snow and ice budget has been heavily depleted by early 2026 storms. The board authorized deficit spending to ensure public safety for the remainder of winter. Additionally, the Select Board voted to “stay the course” with a 2031 pension funding payoff date to protect the town’s bond rating (02:16:28).
Why It Matters
For residents, the meeting signifies a rare moment of municipal predictability. While other South Shore towns face school layoffs and budget crises, Scituate is maintaining service levels and introducing new curriculum. Simultaneously, the formal adoption of a sidewalk roadmap provides homeowners with a transparent timeline for infrastructure improvements, moving away from “squeaky wheel” politics to data-driven safety.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To adopt the current scorecard and repair list as a living roadmap for the DPW.
Vote: Unanimous (02:02:52)
Motion: To authorize deficit spending for the snow and ice account for the remainder of the season.
Vote: Unanimous (02:08:55)
Motion: To vote not to support an extension of the date to fully fund the Plymouth County pension liability beyond 2031.
Vote: Unanimous (02:16:28)
Public Comment
No residents utilized the “walk-ins” portion of the meeting, though the Sidewalk Subcommittee noted receiving over 90 emails from residents during their data-collection phase (01:30:16).
What’s Next
The DPW will begin pricing out the “Top 10” sidewalk projects and integrating the priority lists into the town’s GIS mapping system. The School Committee and Select Board will hold further joint sessions as they prepare for the Spring Town Meeting.
Source Video: Scituate Select Board Meeting - 02-03-2026
30% growth in students over the last 3 years at Gates Middle School. Only to be felt at the High School level over the next 4 years with no prep for it. Cutting anything would be detrimental. They need more teachers since the existing teachers will only do so much due to the teachers unions.