Redistricting Work Begins for New Scituate Elementary School

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Scituate officials have begun a comprehensive redistricting effort that will determine which elementary schools students attend once the town’s new building opens in 2027. The work, outlined during the School Committee’s Nov. 17 meeting, will span six to eight months and include public meetings, draft maps, and feedback opportunities.

The new elementary school in Scituate is scheduled to open in September 2027 and Cushing Elementary will be discontinued. The redistricting effort will establish zones for the district’s four K-5 schools to be implemented for the 2027-2028 school year. 

Matthew Cropper, president and founder of Cropper GIS, outlined the process of redistricting saying the work would incorporate enrollment projections, demographic analysis, school capacity, neighborhood continuity, proximity, and bus routing. Cropper emphasized that the emotional aspect of redistricting is real but noted that it must not overshadow the data, instead saying the process should remain focused on “what's best for all children in the district,” he said.

The study will look beyond the new building’s immediate area using a districtwide approach. “We are going to be looking at the entire district… any student or any community in the school district could be affected as a result of these recommendations,” said Cropper. 

Dr. Thomas Raab, interim Superintendent, reinforced that message, explaining that every elementary school will see changes. “All four elementary schools are impacted,” he said, noting that current grade-level sections at Cushing and Hatherly exceed what the new Hatherly building can absorb.

Raab shared a committee member’s concerns about public communication and a need for clear ways to share concerns. He indicated his plans to keep holding open office hours while the study progresses. “This is one process we're going to be absolutely collaborative,” he said, adding, “I'm really hoping you can get 90, 95 percent of the way there with a consensus kind of people understanding what they need to do.”

Cropper outlined several key dates. The first public information webinar will be held Dec. 9, introducing the criteria, online tools, and feedback form. Draft boundary maps will debut Feb. 25 at an in-person meeting, followed by a survey. A final recommendation is scheduled for March 30, with the School Committee anticipated to vote in April.

Cropper reminded attendees that community participation will shape the final proposal. “Nothing is final until it's approved by the school committee,” he said.