Hingham School Committee files statements of interest with MSBA for three school roofs

Hingham — The Hingham School Committee on Jan. 27 authorized the superintendent to submit statements of interest (SOIs) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for roof work at Hingham High School, Plymouth River Elementary (PRS) and South Elementary.

Each SOI cites priority-5 roof deficiencies the district says are affecting building systems: at Hingham High an EPDM rubber membrane with seam separation and ponding; at PRS aging tar-and-gravel systems installed in 1999 with ponding and drainage problems; and at South Elementary a mix of failing membrane and lower-grade shingles with significant patching. The committee specifically acknowledged the MSBA does not guarantee acceptance or grant funding by accepting the SOI.

Why it matters

The MSBA provides partial reimbursement for eligible school building projects; an accepted SOI begins a review process that can lead to an application and potential grant funding. District officials said seeking MSBA participation may reduce local costs for full roof replacement but can change the project timeline.

What the committee did

The committee voted separately to authorize SOI submissions for each building. All motions passed on roll-call votes. Committee members said the high school roof work is the district’s highest priority but that schematic design funding for elementary roofs would allow planned repairs and assessment work while the district awaits MSBA decisions.

Background details in the SOIs

- Hingham High School: Membrane roofing past warranty, seam separation, ponding and leaks affecting educational, athletic and physical-plant operations. - Plymouth River Elementary: Multiple tar-and-gravel low-slope roofs nearing end-of-life; drainage problems and migration of gravel into gutters; recent localized repairs for leaks affecting electrical feed. - South Elementary: EPDM in fair-to-poor condition with seam separation and bubbling; patched areas on low-slope sections; three-tab shingles that are lower-grade and showing patched areas.

Next steps

The administration will file the SOIs and follow MSBA timelines. If MSBA accepts an SOI, the district would submit a formal application and could enter schematic design with partial MSBA reimbursement. The committee also voted separately to place warrant articles on the town meeting warrant for schematics or construction funding as appropriate.

Ending

Committee members recommended moving quickly on schematic design funding where needed while pursuing MSBA review; the decisions do not obligate the district to accept a grant or proceed with construction until future town-meeting votes or formal applications take place.