Hingham Seeks State Funds for High School, Elementary Roofs
High School Roof a Top Priority
The Hingham High School roof is considered the most urgent of the three projects. Officials say the 25-year-old roof has exceeded its warranty and is experiencing leaks that impact school operations.
Superintendent Kathryn Roberts explained the concerns in the committee’s official SOI submission:
"The membrane roofing has exceeded its 20-year warranty and is nearing the end of its 25-year life expectancy. The EPDM rubber system is in poor condition with evidence of seam separation and damage. Additionally, significant ponding is present, and leaks throughout the building are impacting educational, athletic, and physical plant operations."
The committee agreed to move forward with the high school roof project regardless of MSBA approval, given the severity of the issues.Hingham Public Schools is seeking state funding to help pay for roof replacements at Hingham High School, Plymouth River Elementary, and South Elementary. At the January 27 School Committee meeting, officials approved the submission of Statements of Interest (SOIs) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for all three projects.
According to Director of Business and Support Services Aisha Oppong, the goal is to secure funding through MSBA’s accelerated repair program, which provides grants for urgent building repairs.
"We want to make sure that if we need those repairs done, that we're at least applying for those grants and seeing if we're going to be accepted into those programs," Oppong said.
Plymouth River and South Elementary Roofs Also in Need of Repair
The roofs at Plymouth River and South Elementary Schools are also showing signs of deterioration, though repairs are considered slightly less urgent.
At Plymouth River, officials cited poor drainage and structural issues that have required costly patchwork repairs.
"Most of the low slope flat roofs are tar and gravel systems installed in 1999 and nearly all are in poor condition," the SOI states. "Ponding is evident across the flat sections indicating problems with the drainage system. Gravel has migrated into the gutters on the sloped roof, and sealant failure is visible in many areas."
The South Elementary roof, which also dates back more than two decades, is facing similar problems. The SOI describes visible seam separation, excessive patching, and bubbling in the roof materials.
"The membrane roofing has exceeded its 20-year warranty and is nearing the end of its 25-year life expectancy," the submission notes.
Next Steps in the Process
MSBA funding is competitive, and Hingham officials expect to find out later this year whether the town will receive financial support.
The high school roof project will move forward regardless of state funding, while the Plymouth River and South Elementary projects may be delayed if the district does not secure MSBA assistance.
"We would apply for the grants this year and then also be able to take it to town meeting hopefully next year and be able to get those roofs passed as well," Oppong said.
The MSBA submission deadline is March 2025, and decisions are expected in the fall. If approved, the state could reimburse Hingham for a portion of the total project costs, reducing the burden on local taxpayers.