Hingham Public Schools Grapple with Budget Cuts Amid Rising Costs
Hingham Public Schools are confronting a challenging financial landscape as the district works to balance its budget within the constraints of a 3.5% annual growth cap established under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Superintendent Kathryn Roberts and her team outlined proposed reductions during the January 13 school committee meeting, emphasizing the difficulty of the decisions and the personal impact on staff.
Proposed Reductions and Their Impact
Among the most significant proposed cuts is the elimination of the elementary Spanish program, which would save $408,847. This decision, according to Roberts, followed extensive discussions but remains a painful step. “We are concerned that it does reduce the exposure of our elementary students to not only world languages but also to world cultures,” Roberts noted. Efforts will be made to integrate cultural aspects of the Spanish curriculum into other areas of study.
Another major area of concern is the reduction of interventionists in elementary schools, which would decrease from four to three per school. While Roberts noted the district’s progress in reducing the number of students below academic benchmarks, she acknowledged that this reduction might affect support for students who still need intervention.
In total, the proposed budget includes reductions of 10 full-time positions at the elementary level, four at the middle school, and five at the high school. Staff members affected include interventionists, administrative assistants, and teachers in subjects like chemistry and mathematics.
The district also plans to restructure some programs, such as transitioning the middle school from a six-day to a five-day specialist schedule. Principals noted that this shift aims to prioritize continuity for students while maintaining core programming.
Special Education and Rising Costs
Special education costs continue to be a significant driver of the budget, with out-of-district tuition costs increasing 3.67% this year. Despite this, the district has maintained its commitment to providing a free and appropriate education for all students, as required by law. “The total number of students in special education has incrementally increased over time,” Roberts said, highlighting the growing demand for services.
To address social-emotional needs, the district is exploring partnerships to create a therapeutic program for elementary students. Roberts emphasized the importance of keeping students in their home community whenever possible.
Community and Staff Collaboration
During the meeting, Roberts proposed extending the deadline for early retirement incentives to January 31, 2025, as a cost-saving measure. This proposal was supported by Hingham Education Association President Jacqueline Beaupré, who suggested educating staff on how the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision might influence their retirement decisions.
“We’ll continue to dig under every rock, every piggy bank that we can find to see if we can bring back some of the positions that were named this evening,” Roberts assured attendees.
A Call for Understanding
As Hingham Public Schools navigate this difficult budget cycle, Roberts urged for patience and understanding from the community. “We’re very grateful to everyone for their engagement in the process,” she said.
The school committee will continue budget discussions in upcoming meetings, with hopes of identifying additional savings and prioritizing student-facing positions.