November Whitman Updates

No surprises with November, the Whitman-Hanson budget crisis dominated the news, locally and in the Boston area.

School District Crisis Dominates Month

The Whitman-Hanson Regional School District is facing a $1.43 million budget deficit for FY26. After the business manager resigned and the district hired consulting firm TMS, the shortfall was announced in October—well into the school year.

South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/whitman-hanson-staff-layoffs-imminent

On November 14th, the district issued reduction-in-force notices to 23 staff members: five teachers, two long-term substitutes, 11 paraprofessionals, and five non-union staff. All staffing adjustments were made according to contractual seniority requirements.

District press release: https://news.jgpr.net/2025/11/16/whitman-hanson-regional-school-district-issues-reduction-in-force-notices-as-part-of-budget-adjustment-process

Student Walkout

Students at Whitman-Hanson High School walked out of class on November 17th to protest the layoffs. The walkout, organized by senior Ella Leach, drew regional media coverage as students demanded accountability for the budget mismanagement. As someone often deep in the weeds on school budget issues, I’ve personally been very inspired by these students.

Speakers from left, Ava Gentile and Ella Leach as Whitman-Hanson Regional High School students walkout to protest layoffs on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025.

photo credit: Marc Vasconcellos/The Enterprise

7News coverage: https://whdh.com/news/students-walk-out-at-whitman-hanson-hs-after-teacher-staff-layoffs/

Enterprise Photos: https://www.enterprisenews.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/11/17/whitman-hanson-students-walk-out-protest-teacher-layoffs-midyear-deficit/87318706007/

Teachers Union Votes No Confidence

On November 3rd, the Whitman-Hanson Education Association voted no confidence in Superintendent Jeff Szymaniak and Assistant Superintendent George Ferro. Union President Kevin Kavka cited "repeated failures in governance, lack of transparency, and irresponsible stewardship of district resources."

Szymaniak took responsibility at the November 5th meeting: "Looking back how we got here, it is clear that I didn't maintain a close enough watch on our payroll in FY25 or ensure that our staffing and salary projections were accurately aligned to the line items in the FY26 budget."

Superintendent draws criticism

At the November 19th School Committee meeting, Superintendent Szymaniak did not attend the public portion—an absence that drew sharp criticism from parents and students.

NBC Boston coverage: https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/whitman-hanson-parents-call-for-school-superintendent-to-resign/3851476/

WCVB coverage: https://www.wcvb.com/article/whitman-hanson-schools-superintendent-a-no-show/69549814

South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/no-confidence-no-answers-whitman

School Committee member Kara Moser resigned immediately following that meeting, citing "breakdowns in communication and trust."

School Committee Reorganizes

On November 25th, the School Committee elected new leadership. Ryan Tressel was unanimously elected chair, with TJ Roffey elected vice-chair. Both were first elected to the committee in May.

South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/whitman-hanson-school-committee-elects

Special Education Account Depleted

The district's Circuit Breaker account—which provides state reimbursement for special education costs—is effectively empty. The district ended FY25 with a deficit in the account and used this year's first reimbursement to cover it, leaving just $35,301 until the next quarterly payment arrives.

This violates fiscal best practices. The district historically maintained approximately one year's worth of Circuit Breaker funds as a reserve but changed that practice about two years ago without explicit discussion at committee meetings.

South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/whrsd-special-education-account-depleted

Select Board Explores Taking Over School Borrowing

On November 18th, I voted with the rest of the Select Board to explore having the town take over bonding responsibility for the new middle school construction project from the regional school district. Simply put, voters have already approved the project, a contract has been signed and construction is underway. Any delays in securing funding would only cost taxpayers more than they’re already committed to. Plus, the town has a AA3 bond rating, better than I’d expect the district to receive given the current situation, so we’d be more likely to secure a better borrowing rate. This will likely be a multistep process with little precent, so expect more on this.

South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/whitman-select-board-votes-to-explore

CVS Armed Robbery

Whitman Police are investigating an armed robbery at the CVS on Bedford Street that occurred Sunday night, November 23rd around 7:05 PM. A man and woman entered the store, with the woman taking items and the man brandishing what appeared to be a black semi-automatic handgun when confronted by an employee. Both suspects fled toward the nearby McDonald's.

JGPR press release: https://news.jgpr.net/2025/11/23/whitman-police-department-investigating-armed-robbery-at-cvs-sunday-night/

WCVB coverage: https://www.wcvb.com/article/pair-sought-in-armed-robbery-at-whitman-massachusetts-cvs/69526072

If you have information, contact Whitman Police at 781-447-1212.

Alligator Rescue Makes Headlines

One of Whitman’s Animal Control Officers, Joe Kenney, made the news when he rescued a small alligator from the Charles River. The discarded pet was suffering from a respiratory issue due to cold exposure. Kenney, who is a wildlife educator permitted to have alligators, plans to rehabilitate the gator (now named Charlie) and eventually send it to a sanctuary.

@joescrazzycritters on Instagram

7News story: https://whdh.com/news/man-recalls-rescuing-small-alligator-from-charles-river/

NBC Boston story: https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/boston-charles-river-alligator/3844536/

Tax Classification Hearing

The Select Board held our annual tax classification hearing on November 18th. We voted to maintain a uniform tax rate (residential factor of one) rather than split the rate between residential and commercial property classes. With residential properties at about 90% of town valuation and commercial/industrial at less than 10%, a split rate would hammer commercial taxpayers for minimal residential benefit.

The average single-family home value increased from $495,737 to $516,263, with the average tax bill rising approximately $357 to $6,861.14. The residential tax rate increased from $13.12 to $13.29 per thousand dollars of valuation.

Looking Ahead

December will bring continued discussion about the school district situation. The School Committee meets December 4th for what new Chair Tressel described as a business meeting where "more information" will be provided. The Budget Subcommittee continues monthly reviews. The Select Board plans to call for a Special Town Meeting sometime in January to address a contract that’s been settled with the Firefighters.

Upcoming Holiday Events

Whitman

Hanson

  • Hanson Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting - Saturday, December 6, 4-7 PM (fireworks at 7 PM), Hanson Town Hall Green, 542 Liberty St. Features hayrides, food samples from local restaurants, and fireworks finale. More info: https://www.hanson-ma.gov/home/events/186324

  • Holiday Supply Swap - Saturday, December 7, 9:30 AM-2:30 PM, Hanson Public Library. Community swap for gently used holiday decorations and wrapping paper.

East Bridgewater

Abington

  • Abington Celebrates Weekend - December 5-7

    • Ugly Sweater Ball: Friday, Dec 5, 7 PM, American Legion

    • Island Grove Celebration: Saturday, Dec 6, 3-6 PM, Island Grove Park

    • Christmas Concert: Sunday, Dec 7, 3 PM, United Church of Christ

Justin Evans