Scituate Schools Complete Major Summer Upgrades, Welcome New Principal

District wraps up facility improvements as new school year approaches

SCITUATE, MA - August 26 - The Scituate School District has completed numerous facility upgrades over the summer, aiming to improve the learning environment and safety for students as the new school year approaches.

Superintendent William Burkhead highlighted the improvements during the Aug. 26 school committee meeting, detailing projects ranging from new LED lighting to flooring replacements and accessibility enhancements.

"We're making that happen," Burkhead said, emphasizing the district's commitment to addressing needed repairs and upgrades in older school buildings.

Among the most significant improvements was the installation of new LED lighting throughout Scituate High School. The project, funded through a grant, has made hallways "a lot brighter," according to Dr. Tom Raab, the district's Director of Business and Finance.

"It actually does [make a difference], and it's a security issue as well," Raab said. "So we can see the students, we know where they are."

The high school also received new flooring in its main office foyer and senior dining room, with plans to extend the new flooring to the entire cafeteria by the end of the year.

Accessibility was another focus of summer improvements. ADA-compliant bathrooms were installed in the high school gym foyer, and 75 new faucets are being installed in science labs, some with both water and natural gas capabilities.

The district also purchased new chairs for the Harvard Conference Room, replacing what Raab described as chairs you "literally had to drop anchor" to sit in safely.

In addition to facility upgrades, the district welcomed Jesse Craddock as the new principal of Cushing Elementary School. Craddock, who started on July 22, previously served as head principal at Cedar Elementary School in Hanover.

Superintendent Burkhead praised Craddock as "a really strong leader with experience that we're looking for," citing his skills as a relationship builder and collaborator.

Craddock expressed excitement about joining the Scituate community, noting he had already met about 90% of the staff over the summer. "Education's always been kind of in the bloodline," he said, mentioning that both his parents taught for 40 years.

The district also held its annual leadership retreat, bringing together central office staff, principals, directors, and department chairs to prepare for the upcoming school year.

The new school year is set to begin Sept. 4 for grades 1-12, with kindergarten starting Sept. 5 and pre-K on Sept. 9.