Sherborn School Committee Backs Added Fourth-Grade Classroom at Pine Hill

SHERBORN — May 12, 2026 — Sherborn School Committee supports added fourth-grade classroom, flags $60,000 utility overrun. The committee, meeting May 12 at the Dover-Sherborn Middle School Library, received a superintendent's update proposing a 22nd classroom section at Pine Hill School for 2026-27 — up from a planned 21 — to address the needs of a 77-student fourth-grade cohort, with cost covered through staff-transition savings and the non-resident tuition fund rather than a new town appropriation. Business Administrator Ms. Vittori reported a projected $60,000 electricity overage driven by new fully-electric rooftop units installed at Pine Hill, and confirmed the district holds more than $200,000 in circuit-breaker funds to offset a current operational deficit. A water tank replacement and PFAS treatment system totaling just over $500,000 — approved at Town Meeting — was pending a two-thirds debt vote at the town's annual election that same evening, with construction set to run June 22 through August 21. The committee also took a first read of a revised student handbook, code of conduct, and updated restraint policy reflecting new state requirements, with formal votes expected at the June 2 meeting. The committee voted unanimously to approve its February and March 2026 meeting minutes, and recognized outgoing Chair Becca upon her completion of a three-year term.