South Shore News...letter – Week of Aug. 11–18, 2025

ICYMI: A look at key decisions and discussions from town halls and school committees across the South Shore.

Aug 23, 2025

South Shore towns spent the past week tackling big-picture planning and fiscal discipline. Several school districts — from Duxbury to Weymouth — are weighing major facility needs, appointing new leadership, or navigating looming state policy changes. On the municipal side, Marshfield and Hanover are pressing for efficiency and long-range budgeting, while Halifax learned the cost of falling out of compliance with the MBTA Communities Act.

Infrastructure and land use also dominated: Hingham opened its new, nearly all-electric public safety hub; Rockland moved forward with a landfill-to-recreation project; and Plymouth continues to wrestle with Pilgrim’s nuclear legacy and housing pressures. Across the region, local boards are balancing tight budgets, new mandates, and long-term community investments — all while finding ways to recognize civic service and engage the next generation.

🏫 Education & Schools

Duxbury: Alden Elementary project enters state eligibility phase; feasibility study ($1.5–2M) eyed for spring 2026 town meeting.
East Bridgewater: Two school committee members appointed; full term election May 2026.
Weymouth: Seven modular classrooms going up before September; interim athletic director hired; potential state cell phone ban and new U.S. history requirement looming.
Rockland: Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron retiring in 2026; Jane Hackett set to succeed him.

🏛️ Governance & Fiscal Policy

Marshfield: Select Board considers a government efficiency study, trims down appointment delays, and prepares a special town meeting article on all-alcohol licenses.
Hanover: Strict FY27 budget growth caps (2.5% town, 3% schools); moves to 10-year capital plan.
Plympton: Selectmen exploring vocational school assistance with Town House door project.
Halifax: MBTA Communities Act non-compliance costs town $61,608 in grants; notices of violation received.
Plymouth: “Safe harbor” status gives temporary breathing room on 40B developments while staff shortages mount.

🚒 Public Safety & Facilities

Hingham: New 50,000 sq. ft. public safety facility improves morale, hiring, and training capacity; nearly all-electric design.
East Bridgewater: Police & Fire chiefs now full voting members of Public Safety Building Committee; feasibility study underway.
Weymouth: Transportation planning and communication upgrades highlighted alongside school facility changes.

🌳 Land Use, Housing & Environment

Duxbury: 21+ acres of turtle habitat under permanent protection, though access restrictions remain controversial.
Rockland: $5M landfill capping to be paid by developer in exchange for building recreational amenities (pickleball, dog park).
Halifax: Chapter 90 funds ($555K) and PFAS settlement funds ($93K initial) help offset infrastructure costs.
Hanover: Opposition to House Bill 4110, which would eliminate the North River Commission without a replacement plan.

⚡ Energy & Infrastructure

Plymouth: Pilgrim nuclear decommissioning may extend to 2035; fuel storage possibly until 2063; legal action against feds discussed.
Hingham: Energy-efficient public safety building earns $205K in resiliency and energy grants.
Halifax: Loss of Green Communities grant underscores risks of non-compliance.

👥 People & Community

Hanover: Cultural Council invites high school students to join grant review process as non-voting members.
Marshfield: Purple Heart Month recognized; civic events and donations accepted.
Halifax: Eagle Scout project and veteran bench approved; library coverage arranged during director’s leave.
Rockland: Town statement on opioid crisis; vigil planned Aug. 26 at Massasoit Community College.
Weymouth: Longtime liaison Betsy Harris honored at retirement.

That’s all for last week! Let me know if you like this format, trying something new.