January Whitman Updates

South Shore Tech Project Passes

A special district election in the 9 member towns authorized South Shore Tech to borrow up to $276 million to build a new vocational high school. With the largest share of enrollment, expect Whitman to discuss how to handle this upcoming cost.

South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/new-era-for-south-shore-tech-as-voters 

Looks like an Override

The Select Board met twice, once jointly with the Finance Committee, to discuss the budget outlook for FY26. We’re eyeing a $1.7 Million deficit, and after years of scraping by don’t see anywhere else to cut without major reductions in services. This will be a story to watch until May. 

Express articles: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/whitman-discusses-extent-of-override/ and https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/override-questions-linger/ 

WHCA recordings: https://youtu.be/awQ1e-rac-I?si=2t0er8DFdrDxBl2d and https://youtu.be/sWM8F3Zqg28?si=rOCQcW-sXL9g1UOB 

Tax bill questions

Town Administrator Mary Beth Carter highlighted some concerns with potential errors by the Board of Assessors. Failing to make inroads with members of that board herself, she encouraged the Select Board to invite them to a joint meeting for the two elected boards to discuss the concerns. 

Express article: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/boards-to-meet-on-tax-bill-errors/

WHCA recording: https://youtu.be/awQ1e-rac-I?si=_VkZUNTKqZ07Fqv8&t=1818 

Graduation Requirements

Following a November ballot question eliminating MCAS as a graduation requirement, the Whitman-Hanson School Committee is trying to figure out what the new standard should be. They accepted the recommendations of the administration.

Express article: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/graduation-requirements-after-mcas/ 

WHCA recording: https://youtu.be/W_qI03iUMvA?si=DdVUCrAIqW4UJogV 

Two house fires in 3 days

“This is our second house fire in three days, and both are believed to be the result of the careless disposal of smoking materials. I urge residents to take proper care to prevent fires caused by improperly discarded smoking materials and ashes.” Chief Clancy

Press release: https://jgpr.net/2025/01/07/whitman-fire-department-extinguishes-second-house-fire-in-3-days/ 

150th merch

Whitman turns 150 this year, and the 150th Committee is selling merch to fund raise. Stop by Town Hall February 4 from 4-7pm to pick some up!

Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A61pf2uaW/ 

Watch out for Bird Flu

We have suspected cases of Avian Flu in Plymouth County. The Whitman Board of Health would like to remind residents not to touch birds they come across. 

WHCA article: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/whitman-health-board-issues-bird-flu-caution/ 

Lt. Bryan Smith at the State of the Commonwealth

Whitman Fire’s own Lieutenant Bryan Smith led the pledge of allegiance before the Governor gave her State of the Commonwealth!

Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B4BqGgVB9/