Town Meeting Backs $119M Consolidated Elementary School

Scituate Residents Approve Funding for New Facility to Replace Outdated Cushing and Hatherly Schools

SCITUATE, MA - April 29 - Residents of Scituate voted to approve $119,433,943 for the construction of a new consolidated Cushing-Hatherly Elementary School during a special town meeting on Saturday. The project aims to replace the aging Cushing and Hatherly schools with a modern facility designed to meet the educational needs of students for the next 60 years.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has agreed to provide a grant of $35.8 million, leaving the town's share at $83.6 million. The estimated taxpayer share is $82.5 million, with the remaining $1.1 million already appropriated for the feasibility study.

Superintendent Bill Burkett emphasized the need for the new school, stating, "Even with upgrades and repairs, neither of these schools have the capacity to deliver the type of programming that grants our children an excellent educational experience for the next 60 years."

The new school will consolidate the Cushing and Hatherly schools, providing space for 460 K-5 students and up to 100 preschool students. The design incorporates flexible learning environments, outdoor learning areas, and improved accessibility.

School Committee Chairwoman Nicole Brandolini urged residents to support the project, saying, "If we want to stay competitive with the South Shore and beyond, we must invest in educational infrastructure and bring our facilities into the 21st century."

Residents expressed their support for the project during the meeting. Gordon Price, a retired resident, compared the decision to the funding of the new senior center five years ago, stating, "I don't think there's anyone in this room that would deny that the senior center as it is constructed now and is functioning on a daily basis is a phenomenal asset to this town."

Megan Quirk, a parent of two children in the school system, emphasized the importance of the MSBA funding, saying, "If we do not vote yes tonight, we simply say goodbye to the MSBA funding. What we do not say goodbye to is the need for a new school and a proper learning environment for our kids."

The project's total budget is $119.4 million, with a conservative estimate of a 4.75% interest rate over a 25-year borrowing period. On an average home in Scituate valued at $921,000, the tax impact is estimated to be $866 in the first year, decreasing to $414 in the 25th year.

The vote passed with a two-thirds majority, and the project will now move forward to a ballot vote on May 18. If approved, the new school is expected to open in the fall of 2027.