October 15, 2026 Submitted By Glenn Mangurian
On October 29, Special Town Meeting voters will consider borrowing requests for the South School and Plymouth River School roof projects. There is also a separate warrant article seeking an additional $1.1 million for the feasibility study and design work associated with replacing the Hingham High School roof and converting the building to heat pumps. Town Meeting previously appropriated $3.3 million for this work in 2025.
Hingham capital requests are important investments to enhance the town’s future quality of life. Some of Hingham’s capital needs are considered “must haves” — pressing and essential to sustaining the quality of life in Hingham today. We rely on the Select Board and Advisory Committee to perform due diligence and make informed recommendations on these funding requests to Town Meeting attendees and voters. Ultimately, the decision belongs to Hingham’s registered voters. We are not just residents of Hingham. We are its caretakers — for today and for the future.
The two roof projects will require two separate approvals from residents: a two-thirds vote at Town Meeting and then a majority vote at the ballot on November 3. Failure at either step would prevent the projects from moving forward. The additional $1.1 million request for the Hingham High School feasibility study and design work will require a two-thirds approval vote at Town Meeting only.
As homeowners, we know that roofs have a useful life — and eventually need to be replaced. Deteriorated materials and structural concerns have emerged for the schools. The roof funding would “materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program.”
Recently, storm-related leaks at South School and Hingham High School required cleanup by facilities crews. Last winter, Plymouth River School was evacuated when its cafeteria roof showed signs of structural stress from the snow load. Some may also remember the partial roof collapse at Hingham Middle School in 2011 — an event that contributed to the town’s decision to build a new middle school.
These are not hypothetical concerns. They illustrate the consequences that can occur when aging building infrastructure reaches the end of its useful life.
The estimated cost is approximately $8.26 million for the South School roof and $16.06 million for the Plymouth River School roof. The Massachusetts School Building Authority’s Accelerated Repair Program is also expected to reimburse Hingham for approximately 37% of the elementary school roof project costs.
The combined project tax impacts for South and Plymouth River Schools are as follows:
Combined Project Tax Impact
| Assessed Property Value | First-Year Tax Impact | 10-Year Average Tax Impact** |
|---|---|---|
| Median assessed property value* ($1.1 million) | $132 | $118 |
| Average assessed property value ($1.35 million) | $164 | $151 |
*Half the properties will pay less.
**The tax impact will continue to decline after the first year, with the 10-year average impact indicated above.
As voters, we have every right to understand the rationale behind these requests, examine the alternatives, and consider their impact on our taxes. The School Building Committee has held a series of community forums. The final forum will be available via Zoom on Wednesday, October 21.
Some expenditures are about enhancing what we have. Others are about maintaining assets on which we already depend. The question, then, is not whether these projects are desirable. It is whether replacing the roofs over our children’s heads should be considered a “must have.”
To me, they are. I’m voting yes.
A roof that has exceeded its useful life and is showing signs of deterioration cannot be deferred without increasing the risk of a more serious problem — and potentially a more expensive one.
We are not simply deciding what Hingham should build next. We are deciding what we are responsible for maintaining today — and what we will leave to the generations that follow us. Replacing school roofs may not be an exciting investment. It won’t create a new amenity or generate a ribbon-cutting ceremony. But keeping our schools safe and properly maintained is not a “nice to have.”
It is our responsibility. That is what stewardship is about.
Glenn Mangurian is a senior Hingham resident of 42 years. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at gmangurian@comcast.net.