Scituate is preparing for a significant shift in its educational landscape as the School Committee moves forward with plans to consolidate its elementary schools. School Committee Vice Chair Maria Fenwick announced Monday that the district has officially launched a dedicated website to manage the redistricting process, which will see the town transition from four elementary schools to three by the 2027-2028 school year.

The district has contracted with Cropper GIS to facilitate the transition and is seeking centralized public input through a new feedback form at scituateredistricting.com. Fenwick emphasized the importance of using the portal rather than direct emails to board members. "This will help ensure that comments are properly accounted for and that feedback is kept in one place," Fenwick explained, noting that the goal is to ensure all input is visible to the entire planning committee. The School Committee is also scheduled to meet tonight, December 22, to discuss academic progress with Assistant Superintendent Ryan Lynch and vote on goals for Interim Superintendent Thomas Raab.

On the town side, major infrastructure projects remain in high gear through the winter months. Town Administrator James Boudreau reported that concrete pours for the Oceanside seawall replacement are scheduled for this week, while the Glades Road revetment repair project continues to restrict traffic to one-way until its expected completion in March 2026. Boudreau also announced that the Widow’s Walk Golf Course will open for dog walking starting Christmas Eve. "We do want people to get out there, enjoy that beautiful facility, but please keep your dogs on a leash as required by the town bylaws," Boudreau cautioned, urging residents to stay off greens, tees, and sand traps.

Select Board member Freya Schlaggel encouraged residents to prioritize local merchants during the final holiday push to bolster the community. "I would like to encourage everyone to shop local for your last minute holiday gifts if you haven't shopped local already," Schlaggel said. "Shop local and help keep our local economy thriving."

The town is also preparing for 2026 with several community initiatives. Boudreau noted that registration is open until January 16 for a new Community Police Academy. Additionally, the Scituate Food Pantry is reporting a surge in demand, specifically requesting donations of canned proteins and paper products. For those looking to brave the cold for a cause, Fenwick promoted the Scituate Education Foundation’s annual Polar Plunge at Peggy Beach on New Year’s Day, which raises funds for innovative local programming and grants.