South Shore News...letter: Schools open, boards planning, safety in focus
Abington lands $293K grant, Plymouth sets 81 goals, Kingston honors lifesaving actions. Here's what happened
Municipal boards and committees across the South Shore were active this past week as towns advanced fall warrant prep, schools finalized hiring and contracts, and departments set capital priorities for FY26.
Education dominated the news as the school year began— with Abington securing a six-figure literacy grant, Hanover nearly fully staffed for September, and Marshfield floating a new building plan. On the public safety side, Kingston recognized lifesaving actions, Halifax supported its fire chief’s staffing plan, and Hanover’s police advocated for e-bike safety.
Here’s what you need to know:
🏫 Schools
Abington — $293,600 PRISM 2 literacy grant + support-staff contracts approved. The grant (one of 29 statewide) will fund PK–5 ELA curriculum review this school year with implementation planned for 2026–27. The School Committee also ratified FY26–FY28 agreements for cafeteria, custodial, and maintenance staff. Read more »
Hanover — 27 of 28 new teaching positions filled as the district heads into the school year. Read more »
Marshfield — School Committee advanced discussion of a $7.8M elementary school project, and considers athletic fee increases. Read more »
Halifax — Attorney Jody Goyette appointed to the School Committee (term through May 2026). The board also approved a three-year teachers’ contract and discussed a memorial initiative for a late teacher. Read more »
🏛️ Select Boards & Town Hall
Plymouth — Select Board approved an ambitious 81-goal work plan, setting FY26 priorities across multiple departments. Read more »
Hingham — Board backed major downtown site work at Fountain Square, shaping traffic and access changes this fall. Read more »
Marshfield — Select Board filled about 65% of open seats on town committees and boards in marathon of votes. Read more »
Hanson — Warrant for a $14.5M Special Town Meeting was approved for posting, includes MBTA Communities zone, and legal dollars if it fails. Read more »
Duxbury — Major concerns about 40B project from Selectboard. Read more »
Halifax — Town Administrator candidate withdraws, back to the drawing board. Read more »
🚓🚒 Public Safety
Kingston Police — Commendations issued to officers involved in a high-speed pursuit and civilians who pulled a man from the Jones River; comfort dog “Mabel” introduced. The board also accepted AED/Narcan donations and delayed action on EV charger upgrades. Read more »
Whitman Police — Public alert issued in a missing person case. 18 year old found after 2 days. Read more »
Halifax Fire — Select Board backed Chief Michael Witham’s paramedic only position. Read more »
OCPC Bike and Pedestrian Safety — Hanover Police Chief Timothy Kane addresses e-bike’s with OCPC Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Read more »
⚡ Infrastructure & Energy
Weymouth — Community electricity program launched, answers questions at community forum. Read more »
Looking Ahead
Abington’s grant — Expect curriculum vendor discussions and pilot planning this fall.
Plymouth’s work plan — 81 goals now shift into multi-board prioritization sessions.
Plymouth County — E-bike safety to continue to come up.