HRA elects officers, approves July fireworks to celebrate nation’s 250th anniversary

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By Carol Britton Meyer 

The Hull Redevelopment Authority welcomed newly elected member C. Anne Murray at its meeting this week and went on to approve an event to be hosted this summer by the town’s USA 250th Anniversary Committee that will feature a beer garden, live music, and fireworks – subject to select board approval and conforming to regulations to protect piping plovers in the area.

During the traditional reorganization following a town election, the vote was unanimous for Chair Bartley Kelly, Vice Chair Dan Kernan, and Treasurer Joan Senatore to remain in their current positions, with Charles Richardson unanimously elected clerk to fill the seat recently vacated by Adrienne Paquin, who resigned.

Following a brief discussion, Murray made a motion – which was seconded and then approved unanimously – for the board to look into the possibility of purchasing a software program designed by a Cohasset resident that takes meeting minutes and complies with the state’s Open Meeting Law requirements. Both Murray and Kelly will explore the possibility and report back to the rest of the board.

The board also approved the USA 250th Anniversary Committee’s request to host a one-day event featuring fireworks, a Vitamin Sea Brewing beer truck, the popular Assisted Living band, and two food trucks on Saturday, July 18, from 5 to 9 p.m. on Lot B (the large middle section) of the HRA property. There will be special seating for veterans. The Hull Boosters Club carnival will take place that weekend.

Select board approval for the event is required, as well as approval from state agencies overseeing endangered birds, because piping plovers are nesting on nearby Malta Street and a viewing plan is required to ensure that the fireworks display will not disturb them. This issue was brought up by Beach Management Advisory Committee Chair Susan Mann.

“The discharge of fireworks needs to be at least three-quarters of a mile away from nesting plovers,” Mann said. USA 250th Committee Chair John Reilly was unaware of this requirement but will look into it as well as update the HRA after going before the select board.

Reilly thanked the HRA board for its $10,000 donation for the planned 30-minute fireworks display and noted that “ironically, the signed Declaration of Independence arrived in Massachusetts on the same date” two and a half centuries ago. The fireworks will go on, rain or shine.

The committee is also planning a number of other events throughout the year.

In other business

• Richardson reported that 998 citizens responded to the recent HRA survey about possible uses for the property and that the results will be compiled soon by Market Street Research, the firm hired to conduct the survey.

• During the “member updates to board” agenda item, Richardson noted that he keeps hearing that more transparency in town government is needed, and that his recent campaign for election to the board after being appointed to fill Dennis Zaia’s unexpired term was based on a promise of transparency.

He disputed rumors that surfaced during his campaign related to him being a close friend of, and “in Bart Kelly’s back pocket,” and that Richardson is a real estate agent and a developer.

“When I returned to Hull a few years ago, I hadn’t seen Bart for 40 years, so the idea that we are close friends is ludicrous,” said Richardson, who grew up in Hull. “I’m my own person, but I’ve grown to respect you, Bartley, and the town is lucky to have you give of your time, energy, and expertise.”

While he obtained a real estate license a few years ago in Maine, where he ran a wilderness program and someone he knew recommended that he get one, “I don’t have a real estate license in Massachusetts, and I am not a developer,” Richardson said. “When I returned to Hull, I wanted to help out. In talking with different folks, I’ve heard as many suggestions as to what to put on the HRA property as I have met people – from a Ferris Wheel to a dog park to a boutique hotel. I will be working toward a compromise [as an HRA member].” His comments met with applause from the audience.

• Also related to the issue of transparency, Murray said she thought that the HRA agendas should contain more specific information under each item, especially under “old business” and “new business.”

While the way the agendas are posted does not violate the Open Meeting Law, according to Kelly, board members generally agreed that more information would be helpful for citizens, who might plan to participate if they had more details.

Murray also thanked those who ran for office in the recent town election.

“It’s not an easy thing to do – I didn’t think I would do it, but here I am!” she said. “For those who voted and for others who supported the candidates, it’s nice to know that people do care in [this town].”

The next HRA meetings are scheduled for Mondays – June 15 at 7 p.m. (a remote meeting) and in-person June 29 at 7:30 p.m., with a tentative town hall location.

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© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Resident’s property bequest aims to help housing trust build its stock of affordable homes

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Wishing to do her part to address the affordable housing crisis in Hull, one resident has named the Town of Hull Community Housing Trust in her living will.

“Due to the growing lack of affordable housing, I have decided, after careful consideration with qualified legal advice, to donate my single-family home to the Town of Hull Community Housing Trust,” said the resident, who wishes to remain anonymous. “I would like to urge other single seniors to do similarly.”

The Hull Community Housing Trust was created at the 2025 town meeting with the mission of creating and preserving affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households through providing financial support for development projects, rehabilitating existing housing, and offering programs to assist homebuyers and renters. The Trust can accept donations of real property and cash.

“It is so wonderful to see a resident step forward and support both the Trust and the maintenance of affordable housing in our town,” said Irwin Nesoff, a select board member and chair of the Trust. “I truly hope that this generous donation will help to serve as a model for what one individual can do to truly make a meaningful difference and encourage others to consider donating to the Trust in their living will.”

The resident also said that she has stipulated in her will that “the house shall remain in perpetuity under affordable housing guidelines, and that prioritization be given to first responders (police/fire) and teachers who are and remain employed by the Town of Hull.”

The home was built in the 1920s and is 686 square feet with one bedroom and one bath. This can serve as a starter home to help retain a young family in the community. It could also serve as a way for a senior (single or couple) to downsize to remain in the community.

The Trust is dedicated to receiving and managing funds and resources to increase and preserve affordable housing. As a town entity, the Trust will work with other local boards, departments, and community organizations to address housing needs.

“By taking this step, this resident has shown us all what it means to care for our town and for our neighbors,” Nesoff said. “It will be many years before the Housing Trust takes ownership of this home, but this resident’s generosity stands as a model of what it means to build for the future.”

For further information and for any questions on how to donate cash or real property, or to learn more about the Town of Hull Community Housing Trust and its mission of creating and maintaining affordable housing, contact Nesoff at inesoff@town.hull.ma.us.

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© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

In break with tradition, school committee votes to admit non-resident students through choice program

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The school committee addressed a full agenda this week during its two-hour meeting Tuesday night, including the traditional reorganization of the board following the town election, a discussion of the school superintendent’s annual evaluation, and a vote in favor of school choice for the coming year.

The committee voted unanimously for Kyle Conley to remain chair, Liliana Hedrick to remain in the vice chair seat, and Courtney Littlefield to continue as secretary.

The committee voted 3-2 to participate in the school choice program for the 2026-27 school year only, following a lengthy discussion about the pros and cons and in contrast to Superintendent Michael Jette’s recommendation against on this option “because HPS is not necessarily prepared to take on students from other districts.”

The school choice program allows families to enroll their children in schools in communities other than the city or town in which they live. Numerous discussions in the past have resulted in a “no” vote for school choice by the committee for a number of reasons.

School committees are required to make the decision every year whether to opt out of the school choice option by June 1. The decision applies each year to the coming school year, but once a student is enrolled in the program, he or she remains a student through high school unless deciding not to remain in the Hull schools.

A school system doesn’t know the particulars about any participating student – including discipline issues or whether they are in need of special education services, the cost of which is borne by the accepting town. A community offering school choice receives a state-determined amount of $5,000 for each student from the sending district. However, Hull’s per pupil expenditure “far exceeds that amount,’’ Jette said.

The general consensus among board members was that there were no objections to participating in school choice, but to direct administrators to provide further details at their June 15 meeting, including financial impacts, how many students to include in the program and for what grades, and that this is not considered to be a direct effort to increase Hull’s enrollment.

“This could bring some new and diverse ideas into our schools,” Conley said. When Hull’s school choice news is publicized, it will contain a note “to contact the district for details.”

Board members Aleeza Hagerty, Conley, and Brendan Kilroe voted in favor, and Littlefield and Hedrick against. Those opposed to the motion said the vote was not because they aren’t supportive of the school choice program but because they are seeking further information.

Conley also noted that Hull “is not an easy community to break through in the school setting if a student isn’t prepared for that challenge,” with the committee agreeing that the creation of a welcoming committee would help resolve that issue. It was also noted that a warm welcome should be extended to any new student, not just those enrolled in the school choice program.

The board then discussed Jette’s annual evaluation, including a progress report on his goals.

Maggie Ollerhead, executive secretary to the superintendent/office manager, will compile an updated document from the meeting – including each committee member’s scores on different categories that will be shared with her before the June 15 committee meeting – at which time the final document including the scores will be presented in open session and then voted upon.

The goals were discussed at this week’s meeting, with comments by Jette and school committee members, relating to collaboration among Hull Public Schools stakeholders regarding the development of an aligned curriculum – which Jette said is progressing but will take multiple years to complete. There will be an ongoing commitment to revising the curriculum as needed, with a focus on the math component during the next school year, he said.

Other goals relate to attracting and retaining highly skilled and effective personnel; professional development; Jette’s continued participation in the three-year new superintendent program – which he called a good networking opportunity; the HPS five-year strategic plan that’s currently in process; and for Jette to be as visible and accessible around town as possible.

“That has been a clear goal of yours, and I think you have been very accessible,” Conley said. Jette said he is open to feedback from citizens about whether they perceive him as having enough of a presence in the community and at sports and other school events.

“For the past two years, you have provided steady, meaningful progress and stability, which this district needed,” Littlefield remarked to Jette. “We’re all looking forward to the strategic and long-term plans. Enrollment is important and should be a serious focus point next year.”

In other business

• During the report by the Hull Teachers Association representative, union Co-President Mark MacDonald asked for an update following passage of “cell phone ban bill” legislation, with Jette explaining that school officials are awaiting further information and will discuss it at a later date.

MacDonald emphasized the importance of “clear communication” about any policy Hull Public Schools might come up with, and that overall, teachers support this legislation and are seeking similar support from school administrators.

MacDonald also announced that Co-President Heather Weber is taking a step back from HTA leadership and that he and Maura Jones will lead the HTA “as a duo” for at least the upcoming school year.

He also told the school committee that the HTA believes that there’s work to be done “to rebuild trust in our district” and supports working toward a more collaborative approach. MacDonald also questioned what he referred to as the current scenario of “dispute resolution through the almost exclusive grievance process – which is not acceptable.”

He also called for “a collective reset,” including “what our contract means in plain English” and asked administrators to include the teachers’ union in conversations about any new ideas or changes.

“Our contract requires that the HTA membership must be included in their development and implementation,” he said.

Conley reacted to MacDonald’s comments by referring to what she said has been “a trust-building year” and commended teachers and administrators for their work.

“I think a lot of things need to get tighter [with regard to] what our students and HTA representatives include in their reports in the future,” she said, noting that some guidelines will be “written up.”

• The committee observed a moment of silence this week for three former Hull Public Schools employees who passed on recently – Joseph Cole, a 37-year maintenance worker, Stephen Avakian, who served two terms on the school committee, and Edward Cooper, who spent 20 years as the school department’s IT specialist.

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© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Chamber of Commerce launches ‘Looking Good’ decorating contest to showcase Hull’s patriotic pride

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HULL HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, in honor of the 250th Anniversary of the USA and in cooperation with the Town of Hull, is sponsoring a “Looking Good” Business and Home Decorating Contest that is open to all in Hull, from the largest building to the smallest balcony. Registered displays will be judged by Hull Beautification Committee and Garden Club members, who will visit all registered locations between June 15 and June 22. Decorations must be on full display during that time. All locations will be judged for their creativity, originality, curb appeal and compliance with the American Legion Flag Code.

Registration is open, and displays must be registered before by June 8 to be eligible for judging. You can find a complete set of rules at www.hullchamber.com or leave a message at 781-925-9980. Winners will receive recognition on the Chamber website, social media and other recognition at a select board meeting. All are encouraged to decorate, even if you do not enter the contest! Because with all the good and bad, the ups and downs, we know we are all proud of our record of 250 years of self-governance through our great democratic values.

This program is part of the Town of Hull’s USA 250th Anniversary Celebration.

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© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Town manager’s new three-year contract extension sets salary at $208,274

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CLICK THE IMAGE TO READ THE FULL DOCUMENT

On May 21, the select board released the town manager’s contract extension, a new three-year agreement that takes effect on August 17. Appointed in June 2023, Town Manager Jennifer Constable is completing her first three-year term as Hull’s top executive.

The 10-page document was finalized during an executive session on May 13 and was signed by four of the five members of the select board. Member Jerry Taverna, who participated in the meeting, did not sign the contract.

Click here to read the full document

Under the terms of the agreement, the town manager’s annual base salary is $208,274, with provisions for cost-of-living and merit increases “at the board’s discretion based upon a performance evaluation.” In April the board voted unanimously to grant Constable a 3% cost-of-living raise prior to beginning negotiations for the contract extension.

The board must give Constable six months’ notice of its intention to not renew the contract on its expiration on August 16, 2029; if she decides to leave her employment, the town manager must give 90 days’ notice unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. If fired or “requested to resign by the select board,” the town must pay four months’ wages, “unless said termination is for serious misconduct,” according to the agreement.

The benefits provided for under the contract include:

• Five weeks of paid vacation – the equivalent of 20 working days, as town offices are open four days per week.

• 13 paid holidays

• An unspecified number of paid sick days

• Three personal days

• Funding for the employment agreement is not subject to budget appropriation; the contracted salary is a binding obligation and according to this contract, cannot be superseded by a budget reduction at town meeting.

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© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Last chance to send us your events for the Summer Guide’s community calendar

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Community and non-profit groups are invited to submit their calendar items and press releases about summer activities by Friday, June 5 for inclusion in The Hull Times Summer Guide.

The long-anticipated annual publication is set for Thursday, June 18, and provides residents and visitors with all they need to know about spending the summer in Hull and along Nantasket Beach. The centerpiece is the Community Calendar of Events, which begins in June and includes events and activities throughout the summer and into fall, topping off with the Endless Summer festival.

For information about submitting news, photos, and notices of upcoming events, call the Times office at 781-925-9266 or email news@hulltimes.com. 

Advertising space is available in the guide, including select spots on full-color pages. To take advantage of advertising opportunities, contact Tom Foye, 781-925-1515 or office@hulltimes.com. 

This publication is our most anticipated issue of the year. The Guide is free, mailed to all Hull households, and thousands of extra copies are printed and distributed all over town from June through the fall, for easy pick-up. We also feature the Guide on our website, hulltimes.com. Your message will be seen multiple times as residents and visitors consult its pages all season long for the best things to do, places to go, and menus to plan their days and nights on the peninsula. 

The Guide is full of detailed information about upcoming events, special offers from the business community, great stories about Hull from our talented reporters, and of course, it’s all supported by our loyal advertisers. 

If you are a local business, restaurant, or service provider, you need to be a part of this annual tradition! If you are a community organization, your events need to be part of the calendar of events!

The weather is getting warmer, and soon we’ll be ready to celebrate summer in Hull. 

With your copy of The Hull Times Summer Guide, you will, too!

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© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Police increasing patrols amid social media posts about ‘takeover’ of Nantasket Beach

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Following multiple social media posts about a potential “takeover” of Nantasket Beach by revelers on Friday, the police department plans to respond with extra patrols and a “zero tolerance” policy for drinking on the beach, disorderly behavior and parking violations, according to Hull Police Chief John Dunn.

In a statement released Wednesday, Dunn said his department is aware of the posts – mostly on the TikTok app – encouraging people to gather on the beach. A previous “takeover” on a hot day last month resulted in large crowds on the beach and trash left behind on the sand.

“The Hull Police Department is aware of social media posts about a potential large gathering at Nantasket Beach on Friday, June 5. The Department is taking steps to prepare, and we appreciate the residents who have brought this information to our attention,” Dunn said in the statement.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the Hull Police Department has increased staffing levels for the day. We have also coordinated with our law enforcement partners. Officers will be conducting patrols throughout the beach and surrounding neighborhoods.

“The Hull Police Department will have zero tolerance for criminal activity, alcohol consumption on the beach, disorderly behavior or violations of parking and traffic regulations,” he said. “Anyone visiting Nantasket Beach is expected to follow the law and respect the people who live here. Police will take appropriate enforcement action when necessary to keep the community safe.”

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© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

McCarthy, Taverna, Green chosen as officers in select board’s post-election reorganization

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THE SELECT BOARD THIS WEEK RECOGNIZED HULL PRIDE DAY, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 6.

By Carol Britton Meyer

The select board this week reorganized following the recent town election, agreed to support a grant application to establish a welcome center at the new Paragon development, and adopted a notice of non-discrimination related to the town’s services and hiring practices, among other actions.

During the board reorganization, Brian McCarthy was elected chair, Jerry Taverna vice chair, and newly elected member Susan Short Green, clerk.

Before the election took place and after Taverna was nominated for vice chair, outgoing vice chair Greg Grey said to Taverna, “If you fill this position, I hope you don’t repeat the social media attacks and emails. [It] is a very important job.”

Taverna responded that he thought it was “inappropriate to discuss this publicly” and mentioned his First Amendment rights.

“I just think that is something you should do,” Grey said.

Taverna then said that he has a long list of “ways I would like you to act differently,” with Grey welcoming him to share them.

“But not in public,” countered Taverna.

“I want to work collaboratively together and move beyond the past,” Grey said, to which Taverna responded, “I certainly hope we can do that.”

After being elected to the vice chair position, Taverna said he plans “to serve in this seat with honor and with full transparency and openness, and I hope we all can do the same.”

“Absolutely,” responded Grey.

McCarthy said he will try his best in his new role. “We’re all in this together,” he said, adding that he prefers being called “Brian” to “Mr. Chairman.”

Welcome center grant supported

At the request of economic development committee members Meg Riley and Steven Greenberg, the board agreed to submit a letter in support of a grant application for $60,000 through the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Grant program to create a welcome center for visitors.

The EDC is partnering with the Chamber of Commerce on this effort. The Chamber has signed an agreement to lease space from the Procopio Companies (developer of the Paragon mixed-use complex) for $20 a year to establish a welcome center and gathering place.

The grant would cover interior work on the 250-square-foot space – including furniture, historical displays, and printed materials in addition to signage.

“This would [help] present a new image of what Hull is and can be,” Greenberg said. “This will become a resource, with the beach, DCR parking, and the carousel nearby. The most important message is that the Hull/Nantasket Beach [area] is a welcoming place to come.”

The grant awards will be announced sometime in the fall.

Also, in accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the town of Hull – as unanimously approved by the select board this week – adopted a notice of non-discrimination stating that the town will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities related to services provided by the town and its programs or other activities.

Neither does the town discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices, in addition to complying with all regulations of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Building Commissioner Bartley Kelly was appointed as the town’s ADA coordinator, responsible for the administration and implementation of the town’s grievance procedure.

Town Manager Jennifer Constable was appointed ADA determination appeals officer, responsible for reviewing and deciding any appeals of determination issued by the ADA coordinator under the grievance procedure.

These actions coincide with a grant application that is due June 1 related to creating an ADA-accessible entrance at the front of Memorial School in preparation for moving town hall to that location.

In other business

• Green was appointed as the select board representative to the Plymouth County Advisory Board to replace Jason McCann, who did not run for re-election.

• The board discussed its annual retreat, setting the date of Tuesday evening, June 23, with the location and time to be announced.

• Constable provided an update on restricted parking stickers, stating that the new ones with the correct spelling of “parking” will arrive within the next week or so. The information about when they become available will be posted on the town website and social media. In the meantime, stickers may be applied for online.

A resident told the board that there’s a demand for being able to apply for parking stickers in person at town hall for those who find it difficult to apply online, including some seniors and those without credit cards or who would prefer paying cash.

Constable said she will look into the possibility of cash payments.

In the meantime, the library and senior center have online access on their computers to help residents apply for stickers.

• The select board shared a proclamation for Hull Pride Day June 6, acknowledging in part the “dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression” and that Hull Pride is an LGBTQIA+ community organization that “celebrates and promotes Hull’s strength through diversity – principles that are crucial to securing human rights and equality for all.”

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© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

In the Sport-light: Roundup of news from Hull's wide world of sports

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A HUNDRED REASONS TO CELEBRATE: The Hull High Girls Lacrosse team defeated Advanced Math and Sciences Academy, 12-11, in the MIAA tournament at home on Tuesday, May 26. In addition to the team’s victory, the highlight of the game was Georgia White scoring her 100th point on the season. [Courtesy photo]

Compiled by Matthew Haraden

• The Hull High Girls Lacrosse team defeated Advanced Math and Sciences Academy, 12-11, in the MIAA tournament on Tuesday, May 26. In addition to the team’s victory, the highlight of the game was Georgia White scoring her 100th point on the season. Congratulations!

• Hull High Baseball finished the year #24 in the rankings, earning the Pirates a place in the MIAA tournament for the third consecutive season. Their first round matchup is on the road against #9 Hopedale on Sunday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m.

• Hull Youth Travel Baseball registration opens on June 5. There are five age groups – 9/10, 11/12, 13/14, 15/16, and 17/18. Visit www.hullyouthbaseball.org for more information and to register.

• The Hull Youth Soccer Travel teams have two more weekends before the end of the regular season. Come down to Hull High on Saturday, May 30 at 1:30 p.m. when Hull Youth Soccer Boys 7/8 takes on Norwell in the team’s final home game. Before kickoff, the eighth-graders on the team will be celebrated – Derek DelGallo, Joseph Elisii-Johnson, PK Gunderson, Stellan Kilroe, Max Johnson, Cody Miller, Macklin Concannon, and Billy Littlefield. The team has had an incredible spring season and is currently in first place in the Coastal League D3 Division with a 5-1-0 record

Travel home schedule at Hull High on Saturday: 9 a.m.: Boys 5/6 (Panetta) vs. Hingham; 10:30 a.m.: Boys 5/6 (Walsh) vs. Cohasset; 12 p.m.: Girls 5/6 vs. Hanover; and 1:30 p.m.: Boys 7/8 vs. Norwell.

Good luck to all this weekend, including teams on the road: Girls 3/4, Boys 3/4 (Fahey), Boys 3/4 (Bilodeau), and Boys 3/4 (Duran).

Registration for the fall 2026/spring 2027 youth soccer season is now open. Early-bird pricing for the travel team ends on June 5, and for the in-town program on June 20. Travel registration closes on June 20; this is a strict deadline and you may not be able to register your player after the deadline passes. If your child plans to play travel soccer this upcoming season, register ASAP to guarantee their spot. Travel players are required to upload an updated player photo for league rostering. Photos should be recent, similar to a passport or school photo, with a clear view of the face and no hats or sunglasses. Travel teams are boys and girls grades 3-8, and in-town teams are boys and girls, preK through second grade. Register online at www.hullyouthsoccer.com.

• The Hull Youth Football Association is excited for another great year and organizers have been working hard planning for the upcoming season. Families are asked to register as soon as possible so that HYFA can plan accordingly. As many of you know, Hull has faced challenges with numbers in the last few years. With athletes playing multiple town sports, the rise of club sports, and other activities competing for schedules, it can be very difficult and time-consuming to keep the program running. Right now, returning numbers are looking OK across the board except for the B team, as there are very light numbers in the rising fifth and sixth grades. Some new faces are needed to field a team this season, so spread the word! The sooner families register, the better chance there is to make all seven teams work for the 2026 season.

For details and to register, visit https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=465294

• Have you ever watched the sailboats out on the bay and wished you were there? Now is your chance! The Hull Yacht Club is offering adult sailing lessons to members and non-members. Upon completion of the learn-to-sail course, you will be able to handle a small boat, including rigging the boat, principles of sailing, safety equipment, and procedures and terminology.
Adult Learn-to-Sail classes will begin the week of June 29. There are multiple time slots available, with classes running for six weeks (one lesson per week).There is a minimum of two adults with no more than three adults per class. Tuition is $300. Class options are Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday mornings or afternoons from 10 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Students are required to provide their own life jackets. The 2026 instructors are HYC members Claire Guerin, Joe O’Neil, and Charlie O’Connor. Register at https://hullyc.org.

• Coaches, league organizers, and superfans – We need your help to report the scores and results of the latest events in Hull’s sports world! Please send local sports news and photos to sports@hulltimes.com. Deadline is Wednesday at noon. When providing details of the games or races, please be sure to include the sport/team, the players’ full names, and the final scores. When sending photos, names (first and last) of those pictured are greatly appreciated, as well as who should get credit for taking the photo.

Thank you for your help!

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© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Taverna re-elected, Green wins select board seat; incumbents defeated on planning and light boards

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By Christopher Haraden

Select board member Jerry Taverna was elected to a second term and Susan Short Green won the open seat on the board, according to official results from Monday’s annual town election.

Voters also elected challengers on the light board and planning board, choosing Mark Kohn over Pat Cannon on the municipal light board and Lisa French over Jeanne Paquin on the planning board.

A total of 2,146 voters cast ballots on Monday.

Green was the top vote-getter in the select board race, earning 1,036 votes, while Taverna was second with 977. Patricia Cormier finished with 876, Michael Sampson with 409, and Christopher Niland with 301.

“I’d like to thank Hull voters for their support. I’m humbled and honored to be representing the citizens of Hull for the next three years,” Green said. “I feel truly blessed to live in this beautiful town and I want to do my part to make it a better place to live, work and visit.”

“As my campaign slogan indicates, I stand for serving citizens first,” she added. “I feel strongly that as a board, we need to begin by acknowledging citizens’ concerns have merit. We need to move quickly to regain trust by improving transparency into decision-making and we need to show that we are here to represent by giving citizens the public information they need to influence decisions.”

Green also said she will advocate for more frequent meetings and more sharing of information.

“Detailed agendas posted, when possible, at least five days prior to meetings will give citizens the necessary information to assess their level of meeting participation and will give them time to review the materials,” she said. “I will advocate for meeting more frequently so residents have additional opportunities to communicate with the board.”

In a social media post, Taverna echoed the call for increased transparency in government.

“Hull citizens should expect to see major changes to the select board meetings after the board reorganization at our next meeting. Change can be difficult and upsetting for some, but the people have spoken very clearly and they want more open, honest, and transparent governance,” Taverna wrote. “That will be the focus point from which all decisions will be made with the public allowed to speak on all matters brought before the board. ‘For board discussion only’ will be a thing of the past. I am really looking forward to the future and improvements in many different areas of Hull’s governance, especially after the unnecessary difficulties of the past three years. We will continue to treat others with the same respect and dignity with which they treat us. We will press town officials to operate with complete transparency. We will start with a fresh, new, clean slate soon and allow for common-sense changes where needed.”

In the contest for the municipal light board, incumbent Jacob Vaillancourt topped the balloting with 1,255 votes, followed by Kohn with 1,232 and Cannon, a longtime member of the board, with 868.

Paquin, the chair of the planning board, lost to French, 950-942. On the redevelopment authority, C. Anne Murray was unopposed for an open five-year seat and appointee Charles Richardson fended off a write-in challenge from Susan Vermilya, 876-863, to be elected to the three-year term. An additional 100 write-in votes were cast for the five-year seat, which Murray easily won with 1,414 votes.

Assessor Pamela Sinton-Coffman was unopposed, and two positions on that board that had not attracted official candidates were won by write-ins Patricia Waddleton and Rochelle Terranova.

Incumbent school committee members Courtney Littlefield and Aleeza Hagerty were re-elected with 1,373 and 1,191 votes respectively, despite a challenge from former member Ernest Minelli, who finished with 752 votes.

Also unopposed were housing authority member Anne MacEachern and library trustee candidates Amy Hyde and Thu-Hang Vu Tran.

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