June 3, 2025 By Carol Britton Meyer
The school committee recognized Hingham Public Schools employees who will be retiring this year, according to tradition, during their meeting Monday.
“We are grateful to each staff member for their service to the district and wish them all the best in their retirement,” Supt. of Schools Katie Roberts said.
Unit A (Educators):
● Paula Flanagan (HHS Chemistry Teacher), after 31 years in the district. In addition to her work in the science department, Flanagan was a founding advisor of the Hingham High School Robotics team. She has gone “above and beyond” to build and sustain the robotics program, which provides authentic hands-on learning experiences for HHS students.
● Dr. Paul Pawlowski (HHS Technology Engineering), after 28 years in the district. In addition to teaching Technology/Engineering classes at HHS, Pawlowski also runs the district’s TRACES program, which provides off-site work and training experiences for HHS students in construction technology. In that role, Pawlowski has led students in a number of projects that apply students’ construction skills for the betterment of the community.
● Carolyn Bixby, a third-grade teacher at Foster School, after 23 years in the district. Widely known as an educator who saw her students as individuals, she sought to support them and honor their uniqueness. Bixby, who is known to be incredibly dedicated to her students, has a passion for science and loves teaching her third-graders just how their brains work.
● June Gustafson (Grade 6 Hingham Middle School teacher), after 21 years in the district. Her passion for social studies translated into many hands-on learning experiences for her students. Gustafson was recognized by the Massachusetts Council for the Social Studies and honored with the William Spratt Award for Excellence in Teaching Middle School Social Studies. She also served in a variety of union leadership roles, including as president of the Hingham Education Association.
● Maribeth Lalli (HMS Adjustment Counsellor), after 24 years in the district. Her compassion and caring have provided a steady presence for students through their middle school years. Her understanding of emotional wellness and the school environment has helped an untold number of students navigate the turbulent middle school years.
● Kathleen Jennings was officially hired as a full-time permanent teacher for East in Hingham in 2011 but had been active in the district in a variety of roles prior to that date. She served as a sub for 12 years, including long-term sub positions, and also taught in the Extended School Year program. Kathy is described by her peers as a wonderful teammate who is very invested in the success of her students and is known to quietly leave a card and banana bread if her teammates need support.
Unit B (Paraeducators):
● Toni Barbuto has worked as a paraeducator at South School since 2016 and previously worked as a paraeducator at East and Plymouth River schools. Her positive outlook and never-ending dedication and commitment to her students is inspiring to all those around her.
● Maria Brady — known for her sense of humor and kind-hearted nature — has worked as a paraeducator at South School since 2001, most recently in the kindergarten classes. In addition to her incredible work with the South students during the school day, she went above and beyond to support METCO students before school as well as working with HPS students after school with the Kids In Action program.
Unit C (Custodians):
● Tony Terakovski has worked for HPS since 1997, first as a custodian at HMS before his promotion to lead custodian at South School. Tony — a fixture at HMS and South School events — has been an integral part of each school community.