October Whitman Updates

School Committee Emergency Meeting Halts Layoffs

The Whitman-Hanson School Committee held an emergency meeting on October 30 to address a $1.39 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2026. Superintendent Jeff Szymaniak had planned to send reduction-in-force notices to 25 employees affecting 30 total positions, but committee members expressed frustration over lack of transparency and voted unanimously to suspend all planned layoffs for 30 school days. The deficit built upon a $1.14 million shortfall from FY25 first disclosed in September. Committee members challenged why they weren't consulted earlier, noting they received notice of the layoffs only 45 minutes before staff were informed. The delay provides time to review financial information and explore alternatives, though the deficit continues to grow by approximately $30,000-$35,000 every two weeks.

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

Boston Globe article: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/31/metro/whitman-hanson-school-district-budget-deficit/

WHCA recording: https://youtu.be/wKiq2U6IIJk?si=gWGnPma3VaNh08RO

School Committee Financial Recovery Update

Earlier in October, the School Committee received positive news that the district successfully closed fiscal year 2025 without using circuit breaker funds or excess and deficiency reserves—a reversal from September projections. Business manager Brian Hyde of TMS Management Solutions announced the deficit had been addressed through removing unpurchased item encumbrances, correcting withholding errors, reclassifying expenses, and utilizing unexpected revenue. However, Hyde warned that FY26 likely faces a deficit carried forward from FY25, and that FY27 budget planning will require "difficult staffing conversations" across the district. The Superintendent has implemented a spending freeze until exact FY26 numbers are confirmed.

South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/wh-financial-recovery-plan-advances

WHCA recording: https://youtu.be/tCzIfj5IGBI?si=KfbXAZhX5inyMLoq

Select Board Considers 40R Smart Growth Housing District

The Select Board held a public hearing on a proposed 40R Smart Growth Zoning District that could bring Whitman an immediate $350,000 payment from the state, plus $3,000 for every housing unit built in the designated area. The overlay district would cover approximately 40 acres along South Avenue and Pond Street near the commuter rail station, primarily targeting underutilized industrial sites and overlapping the MBTA Communities District. The zoning would require affordable workforce housing development with at least 20% of units affordable to households earning 80% of area median income. If approved at the May 2025 town meeting, various development scenarios could generate between $1 million and $1.7 million in combined payments and expand the tax base by 5-20%.

South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/whitman-considers-smart-growth-housing

WHCA recording: https://youtu.be/Y21xIRSpNuc?si=Snyj3_Bmifj6Bt4B

OCPC link: https://oldcolonyplanning.org/whitman-40r/

Town of Whitman proposed 40R Zone

Select Board Raises Trash Fee

The Select Board voted to increase the annual trash fee from approximately $417 to $435, reflecting both rising contract costs with the town's solid waste hauler and an effort to recapture indirect administrative expenses previously absorbed by taxpayers. The $25 senior discount remains in effect, bringing the rate to $410 for qualifying residents. The board also adopted a new ambulance billing policy designed to improve collection rates for emergency medical services.

South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/whitman-select-board-raises-trash

WHCA recording: https://youtu.be/SByKUhdupMU?si=5hb8H1DhA2jZTLpS

WHCA Recognition

The Select Board presented a proclamation to Eric Dresser of Whitman-Hanson Community Access (WHCA), celebrating the organization's 20th anniversary and recognizing October 20 as Community Media Day. Check out their celebration page: https://whca.tv/20-years/

WHCA Executive Director Eric Dresser celebrating 20 years of WHCA with the Select Board

Food Pantry Donations

Reminder: Whitman food pantry drop-off locations are available at Town Hall, the Library, Congregational Church, and Holy Ghost Church (lower chapel). Several local businesses are also planning to have donation boxes. To contact the food pantry, call 781-447-8560 and leave a message. Expect a response within 24 hours.

Town Hall Trick or Treat

The Recreation Department hosted a successful Town Hall Trick or Treat event on October 28, featuring candy, crafts, movies, and more for children in grades Pre-K through 5. Feedback has been overhwelmingly positive so I hope to see this return next year.

Upcoming Events

School Committee Meetings: The School Committee will meet on November 5 at 7pm to receive detailed financial information from interim business director Brian Hyde, with an additional meeting tentatively scheduled for November 19 to discuss the FY27 budget calendar.

Veterans Day Event: Sunday, November 9, 12-3 PM at Whitman VFW (95 Essex Street). Approximately 200 attendees expected from across the South Shore as it is a joint event with Abington, Hanson, and Rockland.

DPW Open House: Saturday, November 15, 9-11 AM at the new facility (100 Essex Street).

Next Select Board Meeting: Monday, November 18, including annual classification hearing and presentation on Regal Shoe brownfield site assessment.