Cohasset school officials are pivoting toward a comprehensive facilities overhaul after the Joseph Osgood Elementary School roof replacement bid arrived significantly lower than anticipated. During a meeting held at METCO headquarters in Roxbury on Wednesday, Superintendent Dr. Sarah Shannon revealed the project cost at $2,687,147, a figure that preserves enough capital stabilization funds to move forward with a broader feasibility study for the Osgood building. This fiscal breathing room comes as the district officially enters the 270-day eligibility period for the Middle-High School core project following a kickoff with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

Dr. Shannon detailed a rapid timeline for the Middle-High School project, noting the district must form a building committee by June 1. I'll be reaching out to the community for members, including a School Committee liaison, Shannon said. She also highlighted a planned joint meeting with the Select Board in July to authorize $1.5 million for the Osgood feasibility study, capitalizing on the savings from the roof project. On the operational side, the town’s fiscal bodies have signaled support for the district’s broader financial plans. The Select Board and Advisory Committee met last night and voted to recommend our budget, Shannon noted, adding that town leaders were complimentary of the school department's preparation during the ongoing budget cycle.

The meeting’s location in Roxbury served to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the METCO program. Alisa Delaney, METCO Director, introduced students and families who shared their experiences balancing the academic rigors of Cohasset with long commutes. Daniel, a seventh-grader selected to speak at the State House for Advocacy Day, shared his passion for art and his burgeoning career as an author. I like the art class because it's an hour where I just get to draw, Daniel told the committee. Parent Matt observed that the program provides stability and varied opportunities, while alumna and parent Mercedes Barnes Jackson described the program as instrumental in her daughter Ro’s development. Ro, a sixth-grade saxophonist, noted the challenge of waking up at 5:30 AM but called the Cohasset environment fun. Reflecting on the program’s longevity, Shannon remarked, It is 60 years later and we still have a METCO program. On one hand, that's something to celebrate, but on the other, it's sad that we still need it for communities to be diverse.

The committee also addressed pressing logistical and personnel needs. A shortage of bus drivers remains a concern, prompting member E. Evans to suggest creative regional solutions. Is it possible to share a driver with neighbor towns to split the salary and have a substitute on hand? Evans asked. Meanwhile, the search for a new Assistant Superintendent is narrowing, with three finalists—including Ron P. Smith and a candidate named Wilcox—under consideration for a potential appointment on April 15. The committee also moved to finalize the current academic year, as the lack of recent snow allowed for a firm end date. Motion Made by M. Dial to approve the revised 2025-2026 school calendar with the last day of school being June 20th. Motion Passed 5-0.

Safety and curriculum updates included the successful completion of Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training for seniors. Chair Lance Spear noted that the program was a direct result of community engagement. The RAD training was a direct response to a family concern back in 2020. It's a wonderful example of the district responding to community suggestions, Spear said. Additionally, the district is pursuing a genocide education grant in partnership with Hull and has launched a financial literacy Credit for Life program to help seniors navigate post-graduation economic realities. Motion Made by M. Dial to appoint Dr. Sarah Shannon as the School Committee representative to the Southshore Educational Collaborative. Motion Passed 5-0.

The district’s extracurricular programs received a boost through several local donations. The committee accepted $7,700 from the Cohasset Education Foundation (CEF) to sustain a music therapy program for preschoolers. Motion Made by M. Dial to accept the donation of $7,700 from the CEF for music therapy. Motion Passed 5-0. Two additional gifts from the Parent School Organization (PSO) were also approved, totaling over $1,000 for middle school trips and events. Motion Made by E. Evans to accept the donations of $300 and $750 from the PSO. Motion Passed 5-0. Following the public session, the committee moved into a closed meeting to discuss labor strategy. Motion Made by J. Lesky to enter into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining, not to reconvene in public session. Motion Passed 5-0.