WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 09/09/25

SCHOOL COMMITTEE 

At its Thursday meeting, the School Committee discussed budget matters and approved a lease for the central office space. The committee also heard a presentation on the recent orientation for the 20 new educators in the district. Other business included welcoming student representatives to the board, reviewing the enrollment number for the school year (4,290 students), addressing the adaptive playground’s anticipated groundbreaking date for the summer of 2027, and viewing drone photos of the Charleswood School site. A listening session over Zoom will be held on September 21st to discuss the school calendar. 

School Committee talks budget changes, central office lease (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 09/05/25)

Also at Thursday’s meeting, Superintendent Evan Bishop presented his four goals for his first year. His entry plan will utilize a “listening lens” and will focus on planning for the growth in enrollment, meeting the needs of every student, and building a respectful and collaborative community. His goals include a listening tour and survey to support data-informed decisions; strengthening fiscal systems to be equitable and efficient; building trusting relationships with stakeholders through connectivity and clear communication; and developing a shared vision for the district. Bishop agreed to report on his goal progress in April to allow for sufficient time for current members to conduct his evaluation prior to the May election.   

New superintendent presents goals for year (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 09/05/25)

PLANNING BOARD 

At its Monday meeting, the Planning Board addressed the ongoing issue of unrepaired damage to Wilson Street, the cause of which the DPW has attributed to The Trails housing development. At a February meeting, The Trails owner Vin Gately and his project engineer Peter Bemis proposed a plan to complete repair work by May 15th at a $40,000 cost, although the town’s engineering consultant presented repair work estimates of $102,000. The Planning Board voted at that time to raise The Trail’s bond amount from $75,000 to $177,000. No repair work has been completed to date, and the town has spent $1,200 in emergency repair costs. Gately has expressed his dissatisfaction with the town’s raising of the bond amount and is awaiting response. Following discussion on the issue, the board agreed to address its concerns to Gately in writing and to invite him to the September 22nd meeting, as well as reach out to town counsel. 

In other business, the board approved a bond release request for Highland Park III, and continued the hearing for a special permit for downtown business district parking for a development at 3 Claflin Street until September 22nd. 

Planning Board discusses how to hold The Trails accountable for Wilson Street damage (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/09/25)

BOARD OF HEALTH

At its Monday meeting, the Board of Health discussed the town’s future immunization services in light of federal and state changes. Public health nurse Simone Carter stated that a determination of what the department can offer residents will depend on final CDC guidance on all vaccination schedules, as well as how Governor Healey’s recent requirement for insurance companies to cover vaccines recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will impact things on a state level. Uncertainty aside, the town will continue vaccination efforts, and has set a senior clinic for residents 65 and over for October 15th, while arrangements are in the works for a children’s clinic on October 16th.  

The board also discussed ongoing issues of overflow and improper disposal with the town’s only sharps disposal kiosk. Health Director Shaun McAuliffe reported on his efforts to obtain additional kiosks to place at various locations in town. 

Board of Health tackles uncertainty over immunization services (Article by Nick Schofield, 09/09/25)

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 

Scheduled Roadwork. The DPW will continue with roadwork this week on the following streets: Barbara Road, Peppercorn Road, and Dicarlo Road. The roads will be reclaimed and graded from September 15-17. This will be followed by asphalt paving beginning on the 18th. Crews are then expected to raise and adjust structures and install ADA sidewalk ramps from September 19-23. Top course paving will be scheduled based on the progress of this work. Work will be conducted between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., weather permitting, and residents are advised to avoid parking on the affected roadways. 

DPW announces September roadwork schedule (Article by Hopkinton Independent, 09/03/25)