In a joint session Wednesday night, the Cohasset School Committee and Select Board appointed Jacob Squatrio, a 2022 graduate of Cohasset High School, to fill a vacated seat on the School Committee. Squatrio was selected from a field of three candidates, including finance professional Drew Nolton and biotech project manager Victoria Latanzi, to serve an interim term until the next town election in the spring. The appointment followed an hour-long public interview where candidates discussed school finances, community communication, and their visions for the district.

The three candidates each presented a unique set of skills and perspectives. Drew Nolton, a partner at PwC, highlighted his professional background in complex negotiations. “I wanted to offer my skill set to be able to kind of help where I can,” Nolton stated. Victoria Latanzi spoke of her deep family roots in Cohasset education and her passion for supporting students and teachers. “I care deeply about the success of our schools and the future of our children,” Latanzi said. Squatrio, currently a senior at Northeastern University, emphasized the value of his recent experience as a student. “I would be able to bring a unique perspective to this committee, especially at a very challenging time for both the town and the school committee itself,” he explained, adding that he would not seek election for the full term, ensuring an open race in the spring.

Board and committee members questioned the candidates on several key issues facing the town, including budget challenges and long-term planning. Select Board member David Farrag asked about one of the year’s most debated topics: “Do you support having full-day kindergarten and trying to work it into the long-term budget of the schools?” Later, member Chris Plecs posed a question about future capital needs, asking candidates how they would convince skeptical residents to support a major, expensive renovation project. “How do you explain to them that that's the right thing to do even though it's expensive?” Plecs asked.

During deliberations, members of the School Committee voiced strong support for Squatrio, noting his direct experience with the curriculum and school facilities would be invaluable, particularly as discussions around a potential Middle-High School project continue. “As we go through this school process, I want to hear everything you have to say,” one School Committee member said to Squatrio. “You in this room have spent more time in this building than probably everyone else put together.” While Select Board members, including Paul Grady and David Farrag, initially praised Latanzi’s professional experience and community dedication, they ultimately deferred to the School Committee's preference. Chair Ellen Maher, presiding over the joint meeting, noted the importance of that deference. “The voting from the school committee, which is the board that has to work with the person... has a lot of weight with me,” Maher said before supporting Squatrio.

Following the discussion, a motion was made to appoint Squatrio. The School Committee voted first. A motion to approve Jacob Squatrio for the interim school committee seat was made. Vote Passed 4-0. The Select Board then held its vote. Motion Made by Paul Grady to approve Jacob Squatrio as the interim school committee member until the next election. Vote Passed 4-0. The boards encouraged both Nolton and Latanzi to run for office in the upcoming town election and to remain involved in other town committees.

The meeting was adjourned.