October 1, 2025 By Carol Britton Meyer
School facilities – particularly roofs – remained a key area of focus for Hingham Public Schools administration at the Sept. 29 School Committee meeting.
Discussions included recent emergency repairs and the district’s short- and long-term facilities needs.
HPS Director of Facilities Matthew Meehan presented an update on urgent repairs made to the South School roof in recent weeks. (https://drive.google.com/file/d/17k2mOn_9zbNckxzxPAT2fEbK_iegBF_G/view).
While replacing an HVAC unit over the summer – a project that had been previously scheduled – significant roof corrosion was discovered, requiring immediate reinforcement.
Capital repair fund
These emergency repairs were partially funded through a capital repair fund established at last spring’s Town Meeting.
School Committee Chair Jen Benham expressed appreciation for the community’s support. “We are incredibly grateful to the town for supporting the extraordinary capital repair fund for emergency roof repairs. This ensures safe school environments while the district explores potential funding sources for necessary roof repairs and replacements at the high school, South, and Plymouth River School.”
Last spring, HPS submitted Statements of Interest (SOIs) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s Accelerated Repair Program for potential future roof replacements at Plymouth River and South Schools, as well as roof and HVAC/heat pump upgrades at Hingham High School.
The district expects to learn later this fall whether it will be accepted into the program, which would provide partial funding for those projects. Any remaining costs would be brought to a future Town Meeting for approval.
Following the facilities update, South School Principal Tara Boening and East School Principal Jonathan Hawes presented their respective School Improvement Plans, developed in collaboration with their school councils.
Electric bus pilot program
Director of Business Aisha Oppong also provided an update on the district’s electric bus pilot program. Funded in part by a federal grant previously approved by the School Committee, three electric buses have been ordered and are scheduled for delivery in February. Oppong noted that additional state funding may become available to expand the fleet beyond the initial three buses.