Scituate School Committee approves new high-school arts courses, interim principal contract and several donations; discussion continues on kindergarten cutoff

Scituate — The Scituate School Committee on Feb. 2 approved a series of routine but consequential items and heard updates on districtwide planning and policy work.

The committee voted to approve additions to the high‑school program of studies that add three two‑credit dramatic‑arts courses — Foundations of Theater, Acting I and Set Design and Production — open to grades 9 through 12, after presenters described the new sequence as a gap in the current catalog. "We are adding a dramatic arts program … three additional courses in dramatic arts," said Speaker 5, who presented the proposal. Speaker 4 moved to approve the program as presented and the committee approved the motion on a voice vote.

The committee also approved an interim principal contract for Kate Shula covering Dec. 24, 2025, through June 30, 2027. Speaker 2 told the committee, "Kate's been doing a fantastic job since December 24," and described the agreement as a standard administrative contract that guarantees Shula’s return to a department chair role on July 1, 2027. Members asked that the district make clear to Cushing families that Shula is intended to remain through the school’s transition.

On procurement, the committee approved a district needs‑assessment contract with an outside consultant. Speaker 1 summarized a three‑level approach: a short family survey (three to four questions), stakeholder focus groups and staff‑led analysis. The packet names First Beacon Group and consultant Patty Sinicoli; Speaker 1 said Sinicoli would draft a candidate profile, review job descriptions and help summarize findings. The consultant’s hourly estimate discussed in the meeting was $300.

The committee accepted several community donations. A community member offered an enclosed single‑axle trailer (2008 model, VIN provided) to support the high‑school robotics team; Speaker 8 said the district would confirm insurance coverage before the trailer is used. Another set of donations totaling $1,400 was presented to support the wrestling team in memory of Kevin Curtis; Speaker 8 read the list of donors and said checks would be deposited and allocated to the team.

In updates, the district’s bullying‑prevention and intervention task force reported a substantial survey response: 524 family responses and 216 staff responses. "By our measure, we had a pretty good response," Speaker 3 said; the task force plans to meet March 4 to review curriculum and will present a draft policy and data trends for public comment in April.

The committee discussed proposed language to JED, the district’s kindergarten entrance policy, that would add a waiver allowing children who turn 5 between Sept. 9 and Sept. 15 to be considered for early admission via a written request by April 30 and a district screening for readiness. Members pressed for clearer screening criteria and for language that addresses enrollment and space constraints. The policy subcommittee was asked to refine the screening wording, address consistency across district documents and return with revised language at the next subcommittee meeting.

Before adjourning, the business office presented three warrants covering general payments and capital projects; totals were read into the record and will be processed in the usual accounts.

Votes at a glance - Approval of Jan. 5, 2026 minutes: approved (voice vote). - SHS program of studies addition (dramatic arts sequence): approved (motion by Speaker 4; voice vote). - Interim Cushing principal contract, Kate Shula (12/24/2025–6/30/2027): approved (motion presented; voice vote). - District needs‑assessment contract (consultant/First Beacon Group): approved (motion by Speaker 4; voice vote). - Acceptance of robotics trailer donation (Andrew Skinzello): approved (motion presented; voice vote; use pending insurance confirmation). - Acceptance of wrestling donations (total $1,400, in memory of Kevin Curtis): approved (motion by Speaker 4; voice vote).

What’s next The committee recessed for ten minutes and will begin the FY27 budget hearing at 6 p.m. tonight. The policy subcommittee will refine kindergarten waiver/screening language and the bullying‑prevention task force will return with a draft policy and data summary in April.

(Reporting based on the Feb. 2, 2026 Scituate School Committee meeting transcript.)