May 11, 2022 By Carol Britton Meyer
School Committee members Liza O'Reilly and Carlos DaSilva -- who are not running for another term in next Saturday's town election -- received high praise for their efforts during Monday's meeting.
"You've made my time here workable and doable under some difficult circumstances," Interim Supt. of Schools Gary Maestas said. "I appreciate the dedication you both have expressed, always putting children first."
Michelle Ayer noted that not many School Committee members serve for three terms, as O'Reilly has. Da Silva has completed two terms.
Looking back on her nine years on the Committee, O'Reilly shared some of the things she learned with a sense of humor -- including -- "Despite all your planning, something completely unanticipated will happen"; "We can always learn from others"; sharing information with school committee members from other communities is beneficial; and the suggestion that School Committee members attend the annual Hingham High School graduation "to witness the diverse population" and to acknowledge the graduating seniors' achievements.
"I believe it's the responsibility of all citizens to support every Hingham child in helping them to achieve beyond expectations," O'Reilly said, affirming that she will continue to support the Hingham Public Schools as a citizen.
Da Silva recalled handing his youngest son his diploma during a graduation ceremony four years ago. "I have served with my heart," he said in part. "We're not here for our own kids only, but for all the students as well as the staff. I have learned so much."
Da Silva thanked Hingham voters for electing him "not once, but twice."
Chair Kerry Ni said she can't imagine School Committee meetings without their presence. "It's a challenging time to serve," she noted.
Ni said she appreciates Da Silva's sense of humor and "political acumen and skills" and said that O'Reilly's diligence when working on issues/projects is second to none.
"I know you both have exciting things planned for your next chapter, and I wish you well with that," Ni said.
In other business at the meeting:
Maestas reported that the COVID numbers "are spiking a bit" and that test kits are available to families upon request.
He also announced that East School's Interim Principal Amanda Donovan was recently named assistant principal there, replacing Becky Chase effective July 1.
The Committee also approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Hingham Public Schools and the Hingham Police Department and a letter of agreement between the Hingham Public Schools and the Hingham Police Department regarding HPD comfort animals on HPS property.
Ayer noted that the MOU is reviewed annually, calling it "a living document."
With regard to the letter of agreement, Opry, a mixed-breed rescue pup who traveled here from Texas, recently joined the Hingham Police Department as a comfort dog to promote healing and wellness in the community.
Opry, who celebrated her first birthday recently with a party at the Senior Center, was bred specifically to be a comfort dog. She was donated to HPD by PAWS New England and funded through a Plymouth County District Attorney's Office grant.
Opry is available to visit schools, assisted living communities, and other locations upon request.
The purpose of the MOU is to formalize and clarify implementation of the partnership between HPS school and the Hingham Police Department in the placement of a police officer in the role of School Resource Officer in a HPS "in order to promote school safety; help maintain a positive school climate for all students, families, and staff; enhance cultural understanding between students and law enforcement; promote school participation and completion by students; facilitate appropriate information-sharing, and inform the HPS' and HPD's collaborative relationship to best serve the school community."
The letter of agreement relates to the presence of any comfort animals in HPS buildings under the supervision and control of an SRO. Opry lives with her handler, Hingham High School Resource Officer Thomas Ford, and his family.
The role of a comfort animal supervised by a SRO is to "comfort, reduce stress, and promote wellness in the school environment," as described in the letter of agreement. "In some instances, animals may be used to de-escalate situations. Comfort animals are not to be used for therapeutic purposes," according to the letter of agreement.
Ayer thinks Opry will be "a great addition" to the HPS when she visits.
Maestas also reported that there will be an update on the benchmarks outlined in, and the framework for, the Strategic Plan for the HPS at the in-person June 6 School Committee meeting. "It's good to know we have such a capable group working on the plan, with participation by [new Supt. of Schools Dr. Margaret Adams]. This will provide a framework for where the HPS is going in the next three years," he said.
The School Committee also approved a contract with Aisha Oppong -- a Hingham resident -- as the new HPS Director of Business and Support Services, replacing John Ferris, who is retiring.
"Aisha earlier worked with John Ferris for four years and left to get more experience [in the financial services field], and she wanted to come back to support the HPS," O'Reilly said.
"She is already known in the district."
Oppong will spend time with Ferris as she transitions into her new position. "John and the rest of the staff know Aisha very well and are looking forward to her joining [the HPS in her new role]," O'Reilly said. "There aren't a lot of candidates for positions in any school districts, and we are fortunate that she wanted to come back."