Scituate high school students urge committee to explore reinstating in‑school driver’s education

Three Scituate High School sophomores told the School Committee on May 19 that they are pursuing a civic action project to restore a school‑based driver’s education program and asked the committee to consider whether the district could support reinstatement.

“We used to have a driver's ed program here,” student Juliette Finn said. “It was taken away, but we think it'd be nice to bring back.” Finn, joined by Sienna Petit and Juliette Coleman, said the former course ran after school, that families now must use distant and costly private options, and that offering the course locally could lower costs by a few hundred dollars for families.

The students said they had spoken to teachers (they named “Miss Kirk” and “Mr. Lynch”) and to nearby South Shore districts such as Silver Lake and Norwell about how the program operates. They said the earlier program ended after the retired instructor, Mr. Crowley, left and that new instructors must complete certification before teaching the course; the students noted there is a certification fee for teachers.

Committee members asked for follow‑up data. One member suggested the students work with district staff to provide estimated enrollment, cost‑recovery figures and a schedule. “Maybe in a future meeting we could see some numbers,” a committee member said.

Why it matters: The students framed the proposal as a way to reduce financial and transportation barriers to driver education for Scituate families and to provide a stipend opportunity for teachers who obtain certification.

Discussion versus action: This was a public‑comment civic action presentation. The committee did not make a commitment or vote; members encouraged the students to return with concrete cost and certification details.

Ending: Students said they will continue to gather interest and work with staff on logistics and costs.