School Committee Solidifies Plans for a New Track, Last Day of School Established

The Hingham School Committee mapped out the construction plans for a new high school track at last night’s meeting

School Committee chairwoman Linda Hill presented a diagram of the new track to the committee and planned out the cost of the construction.

 The diagram is just the beginning stages of what the new high school track will look like in  the future.  With surfacing of eight lanes, the installation of sandpits, the relocation of spectator seating, and construction of 6’ fencing for long jump and triple jump  venues along with many other improvements, the new track is expected to cost just under $500,000.

 “The simple notion is that there’s going to be a new track,” said superintendent Dr. Dorothy Galo.

 The Hingham High School track that was originally laid in 1985 and resurfaced in 1995-96 has deteriorated significantly. According to the School Committee, the track is now considered to be dangerous and could cause hamstring injuries and shin splints. Last month both the Advisory Committee and the Board of Selectmen voted in favor of giving  $50,000 for track designs. Funding for the project is to be a partnership between the town and private donors, with the costs split equally as the refurbishment of the track will be to the benefit of Hingham.

The $50,000 promised by selectmen has been matched by private donations.
*** student reps announced at Monday’s meeting that the high school received a $50,000 anonymous donation for greenhouse which will be built in front of the Science Lounge.  The school only needs to raise $20,000 more.
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Also at Monday’s meeting, committee members Carol Falvey and Edward Schreier got sworn in by town clerk Eileen McCracken. Falvey and Schreier beat out Bernard Manning at the on April 30.

On Monday, the committee also reelected Hill as the committee chair, and elected Caryl Falvey as vice chair and Raymond Estes as secretary.
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The School Committee also established June 20 as the last day of school for students and June 21 as the last day of school for faculty.  This comes after the Hingham Public Schools missed three days of school this winter because of inclement weather.