WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 07/29/25

SCHOOL COMMITTEE 

School Calendar.  At its Thursday meeting, the first for Evan Bishop in his role of Superintendent, the School Committee discussed the 2026-27 school calendar, and discussed plans to obtain feedback on preferences from families and staff. Past public opinion surveys regarding the inclusion of a number of religious and non-federal holidays yielded inconclusive results. Next year, due to a number of weekday holidays, the last day of school would fall on June 22, without factoring in any snow days. Committee members discussed the inability to find a solution that will make everyone happy when weighing a fully inclusive schedule against the challenges of numerous breaks throughout the year and the school year running later into the summer. It was noted that some of the days off are contract mandated. The committee set tentative dates for September 21st at 7 p.m. over Zoom, and October 9th at 7 p.m. in person, to discuss the issue and hear feedback and opinions from interested community members. 

Federal Grant Update. The committee also heard information about the status of federal grant entitlements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), some of which are currently on hold pending review by the U.S. Department of Education. To date, Title 1 funds, which support basic instruction and programs for lower-achieving students, were not impacted. Also not impacted were IDEA, Federal SPED, and early childhood SPED funds. However, a number of grants totaling $5 billion are currently paused and under review by the federal government. These include Title II grants, which go toward supporting teachers, mentoring new educators, and training and professional development; Title III grants, which support education for English learners; and Title IV grants, which fund technology for learning. The total impact for Hopkinton if these grant funds are not forthcoming is approximately $90,000. A district ESOL tutor’s salary is funded entirely by a Title III grant. The department’s website will post the federal grant information. 

School Committee talks calendar, federal grant freezes (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 07/25/25)

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

At its Tuesday meeting, the Conservation Commission discussed the application for a 3-space parking lot expansion at the UniBank/Starbucks lot at 85-89 West Main Street. Representatives for the applicant noted that the project would result in a minor increase in impervious surface and would have no impact on the existing stormwater system’s functioning. They further noted that owners for the smaller businesses in the lot have expressed a need for additional parking to accommodate their customers. The commission responded with concerns about the application, noting that the additional spaces would tax the already full lot, and recalling the commission’s arduous process with the original developer over approving the initial design, at which time the commission stressed that no additional modifications would be permitted. While acknowledging that the applicant is not the original property owner and appreciating their frustrations, the commission indicated that it may not approve the project. The commission voted to continue the hearing to August 5th and will reviewed the submitted information.  

The commission also continued two hearings on 12 North Mill Street following discussion with developer Lou Petrozzi who is seeking a notice of intent for a single-family home and access for soil testing. Petrozzi, with whom the commission had had a contentious relationship, submitted two plans for review on the lot, which he acknowledged would be “difficult” to permit, and questioned the town’s peer review process. The commission requested Petrozzi present the plan he felt would have the highest likelihood of approval under the town bylaw. Two abutters of the property expressed concerns about how this project will affect water runoff on their properties. The hearings were continued until August 19th. 

In other business, the commission voted to release eight lots for development at the request of The Trails owner. 

Conservation Commission continues UniBank/Starbucks parking lot hearing after voicing concerns (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 07/23/25)

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION 

At its Tuesday meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission reviewed the 50% submission plan for the Pyne Field project. At its April meeting, the commission had decided on a parking lot design for the baseball/cricket fields on the east side of the property, which would require visitors to cross the JB Sawmill driveway to access the fields. A representative for field’s designer Gale Associates attended the Tuesday meeting to present the project’s updated designs and costs. Two proposals for walkways around the fields were presented, with the first option routing between the baseball field and cricket pitch, and the second option running along the Pyne Field perimeter. The commissioners ultimately designated the first option as preferable. Following Gale Associates’ presentation, the owners of JB Sawmill and their attorney asserted their opposition to the 50% submission plan because the crosswalk across the top of their active access road creates a dangerous pedestrian situation that could make their company vulnerable to litigation in the event of a pedestrian accident. They requested that the design process be slowed to discuss this issue with town counsel and expressed a desire for alternative options for the parking lot location. The commissioners expressed frustrations, noting that they had moved the walkway to its current location at JB Sawmill’s previous request and that new concerns keep arising. Following a back and forth discussion, the commission agreed that conversations with town counsel should be had but noted their desire to keep the project moving forward.   

Debate with sawmill owners over Pyne Field dominates Parks & Rec meeting (Article by Nick Schofield, 07/23/25)