Superintendent William Burkhead opened the Scituate School Committee meeting by celebrating the official return of district staff and the launch of the new school year theme, "Our Students, Our Stories." During the opening day convocation, the district welcomed 27 new staff members and honored veteran teachers, including two who have reached the 30-year milestone. Burkhead emphasized that the upcoming year would focus on student achievement and resilience, stating, The emphasis will be on our highest priority on students, their successes, their challenges, and their triumph over challenges. He also credited the custodial and administrative teams for their summer efforts to ensure buildings were ready for the arrival of students in grades 1 through 12 on Wednesday.

The committee received a major update on the new Hatherly Elementary School project from Dr. Thomas Raab, who reported that the project is currently both on schedule and significantly under budget. Following a competitive bidding process, the district saw construction estimates drop by $16.4 million compared to the original $95.2 million construction budget. Dr. Raab recommended awarding the contract to Marshfield-based Brait Builders, noting their proximity and local experience. We are very much on time and very much under budget, Raab noted. Motion Made by Janice Lindblom to recommend that the town enter into a contract with Brait Builders for their base bid and alternate number one and the combined amount of $78,235,410. Further, should the attorney general rule in favor of one of the other electrical filed subcontractors not included Brait's bid, then that recommendation will increase by the difference between the electrical low bid plus alternate and the successful protesters bid plus alternate. Motion Passed 5-0. The project is slated for a formal groundbreaking ceremony on October 6, 2025.

In addition to the new school construction, the committee discussed several capital improvement priorities, including the high school gymnasium and playground accessibility. Dr. Raab highlighted the need for an accessible playground at Wampatuck Elementary, estimating a $500,000 cost. Member Janice Lindblom commented on the high price tags for such equipment, noting, It’s crazy how expensive playgrounds are. Member Peter Gates advocated for increasing the gymnasium renovation budget to $1 million to address audio and accessibility needs, suggesting, It would be nice if when they announced games and stuff, it would be better to hear clearer. Motion Made by Maria Fenwick to accept with amendments the capital plan fiscal year 2027 through 2030 as presented and amended. Motion Passed 5-0. Vice Chair Maria Fenwick also praised the temporary playground solution at Hatherly, adding, It’s great that it can be continued to be used for this purpose, as the equipment can later be relocated to another town site.

The session concluded with a review of the committee’s recent retreat and goal-setting initiatives. Chair Nicole Brandolini introduced new data binders designed to help the board stay organized and focused on their multi-year objectives. I think they’re going to be really helpful in organization and just keeping us focused in our work on task going forward, Brandolini said. Member Carey Borkoski initiated a conversation regarding the committee’s presence on school councils, emphasizing the importance of diverse community voices. I want to make sure that I'm not taking a place on a seat where I already have a voice, which is in school committee, Borkoski observed. Before adjourning, the committee approved several surplus requests. Motion Made by Carey Borkoski to approve the English and social studies surplus of textbooks. Motion Passed 5-0. Motion Made by Carey Borkoski to approve the surplus of the non-working piano from the Scituate High School performing arts department. Motion Passed 5-0. Motion Made by Carey Borkoski to approve the surplus of desks and chairs from Jenkins Elementary. Motion Passed 5-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.