The Cohasset School Committee convened on August 13 for its first meeting after the July break, welcoming a new principal and tackling a full slate of fiscal and facility updates ahead of the new school year. Superintendent Sarah Shannon introduced John Scapalleti as the new Cohasset Middle School Principal, who is taking over for the departed John Mills. Mr. Scapalleti, who brings experience from Scituate and South Shore Tech, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. "I really do feel like I did the lottery. I just feel incredibly grateful," he told the committee. "For me, the most exciting part so far has been talking with the parents and caregivers that I've been able to call so far." Committee members warmly welcomed him, with Chair Jennifer Lesky adding, "I think that you will be a wonderful fit for our school and we are very lucky to have you."

Superintendent Shannon’s report highlighted significant summer progress on school facilities, including the near-completion of a new fire alarm system at the middle/high school and district-wide Wi-Fi upgrades. The most substantial project discussed was the Osgood School roof replacement, now estimated to cost a maximum of $5.858 million. While the district secured a nearly $1.9 million grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), the town’s share will be just under $4 million. The cost drew a stark reaction from member Corey Evans. "I want everyone to hear that again, right, which is it's $5.8 million to do one of our like our smallest building," Mr. Evans stated, emphasizing the need for careful management of the School Facility Stabilization Fund. In other MSBA news, the district was invited to the "senior study" phase for its Middle and High School building project, a positive step forward.

The committee also addressed the conclusion of a difficult Fiscal Year 2025, which required a $757,000 transfer from the town to cover a budget deficit exacerbated by a payroll error and an unexpected utility bill. Vice Chair Craig MacLellan praised the administration's handling of the crisis, stating, "Superintendent Shannon I think really delivered in our time of need as well." Mr. Evans echoed a collaborative tone, thanking the town for its support. "When it came time to step up and help us really give us a life raft, the town didn't hesitate," he said. The committee also learned that the district is terminating its lease for the problematic electric bus and is working with the town to secure a diesel spare bus for the upcoming school year.

Before moving to executive session, the committee finalized its subcommittee assignments for the year. A discussion about creating continuity in collective bargaining led to the formation of a separate subcommittee for that purpose. A motion was made by Corey Evans to approve the subcommittees as discussed with a new collective bargaining subcommittee and all other representative and liaison assignments as just previously discussed. The motion passed 4-0. The committee also approved minutes from a previous meeting. A motion was made by Corey Evans to approve the May 21 meeting minutes as distributed. The motion passed 3-0, with one abstention. Finally, the committee voted to enter a private session. A motion was made by Craig MacLellan to adjourn the public portion of this meeting and move into executive session for reason three and not reconvene in public session. The motion passed 4-0. Speaking on the assignments, Secretary Lance Dial commented, "I think staying on school governance and then being on budget resources is good for me."