April 8, 2025 By Carol Britton Meyer
Supt. of Schools Katie Roberts shared a summary of the Hingham Public Schools positions that have been named in the “proposed reductions in force” for the 2025-2026 school year with the school committee Monday night. “This is not something that we take lightly,” she said.
“These reductions are proposed in order to meet the parameters of the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding [for fiscal 2024-2028 that was agreed upon by the select board, school committee, and advisory committee], signed by the Hingham School Committee and superintendent, which limits school budget increases to a percentage of 3.5%,” Roberts explained. “These reductions do not include proposed efficiencies due to retirement or unfilled vacancies due to leaves.”
The positions are as follows:
● Elementary Interventionists 4.0 FTE (full-time equivalent)
● Elementary General Education Teacher (East) 1.0 FTE
● Elementary General Education Teacher (Foster) 1.0 FTE
● Elementary Spanish (PRS) 0.2 FTE
● Communications Specialist 0.5 FTE
● HMS Reading Interventionist 1.0 FTE
● Administrative Assistant I 1.0 FTE
● Restructured Grade 6 Exploratories 0.4 FTE
● Nurse Coordinator (restructuring; budget neutral)
The reduction in force of the Secondary Special Education Administrator position was approved by the school committee at an earlier meeting.
“We value the contributions of each of the dedicated personnel impacted by these necessary reductions in force,” Roberts said.
“Each of the named positions has brought increased value to our students, schools, and the town.”
Roberts explained that she was “just naming the positions to be cut, not the people [in them] because the next step will be to take a look at seniority. Then there will be some “shuffling of staff [to be laid off] related to seniority” as the next stage.
The school committee reluctantly approved these reductions.
“None of us is happy about this,” School Committee Chair Nes Correnti said. “I feel like I’ve been talking about the budget from day one [of her six-year term]. . . . and then I see online people who are surprised about the things that are happening.”
Correnti went on to encourage citizens to “pay attention” and to show up at meetings as often as they can and to participate in Town Meetings and elections “so your voices are heard.”
Correnti predicts that the next couple of years will also be challenging “until we hopefully get to another override in a couple of years.”
Committee member Kerry Ni said she feels “terrible” about all of the cuts, including the communications specialist position, “which has made huge strides. I understand why the reductions, but this seems penny wise and pound foolish,” she said. Possible grant money may be available to keep this position from being cut.
In other business at the meeting
● In order to maintain momentum on district initiatives and “to ensure a thorough and comprehensive search process for the appointment of a permanent principal of Hingham High School,” according to Roberts, the tenure of current interim HHS principal Dr. John Buckey will be extended for another year.
“In late fall of 2025, we will begin a comprehensive and community-wide effort to define the qualities and leadership skills that the community seeks in the permanent high school principal,” Roberts explained. “This additional time will allow us to conduct a thoughtful and inclusive recruitment effort — engaging staff, students, parents, and the broader community. By following a structured timeline, we aim to attract a strong and diverse pool of candidates, conduct a rigorous evaluation, and ultimately select the best possible leader for Hingham High School.” The goal is to name the new principal in March 2026.
● A community forum is scheduled for Monday, April 14, following recent school committee, select board, and advisory committee approval of several HPS-related warrant articles that will be presented to Town Meeting voters on April 28.
“The warrant articles request funds to address roof and HVAC replacement at Hingham High School, roof repairs/replacement at Plymouth River and South schools, and a potential turf field replacement at HHS,” Roberts explained. “During the forum, HPS administrators will provide an overview of these warrant articles for interested members of the community.” Check the town website for details.
● Correnti, who is not running for reelection, was praised by fellow committee member Michelle Ayer.
“You’ve been an amazing leader, always willing to talk with people, which made for more transparency and openness,” she said in part. “You will be missed.” Roberts also expressed appreciation for Correnti’s contributions to HPS in her role.
Correnti in turn said she learned so much “from each and every one of you. It’s been a rewarding experience.” She expects to continue to be involved with the HPS.
Calling Roberts an “amazing leader,” Correnti said HPS is in “very good hands.”
