Exeter Region Cooperative School Board — June 16, 2026

Standard opening procedures including pledge recitation and round-robin introductions of board members, principals, and SAU staff; public input opened at 6:01 with no participants.

Public input remained open for 30 minutes; no comments received.

One question raised about inconsistent spelling of Noah Jellison/Challinor in the minutes; correction confirmed as one L.

Motion to approve passed 8-0-1.

Survey data showed confusion with current scales and desire for clearer communication of mastery; committee recommended unifying K-8 on a four-level scale (Beginning, Developing, Proficient, Proficient with Distinction), adding numerical equivalents (1-4), rolling up to an overall grade at middle school, and shortening elementary narratives in favor of specific performance indicators. Extensive Q&A covered parent communication, written feedback, transition to high school, Infinite Campus training, and concerns about conferences and accessibility of comments.

Board approved the grading changes by 10-0 vote after confirming elementary boards had already passed it.

Summer work by elementary teams on essential indicators; fall communication and information nights; trimester/semesters check-ins for feedback; ongoing high school alignment work next year.

Director highlighted relationship-building, local partnerships, expanded offerings, and catering; noted current year operating at a deficit with rising costs and significant deferred maintenance needs (walk-in cooler, grab-and-go units). 10-cent increase expected to generate modest additional revenue; board discussed fund balance erosion, need for proactive capital planning, and broader food insecurity issues. a speaker supported the increase but emphasized exploring ways to boost family participation in free/reduced programs, reduce stigma (e.g., common charging cards, share bins), and avoid full subsidization; noted no student is denied a meal and referenced prior work in Nashua with 21st Century and NH Hunger Solutions.

Motion to approve the 10-cent increase for breakfast and lunch passed unanimously after clarification that the increase applies across both meals at the specified schools.

Finance committee to discuss capital improvement plan for food service equipment; possible calendar item on food insecurity strategies and stigma-reduction strategies and family outreach.

Covered 3-year custodial vendor contract for staffing flexibility and cost savings; proprietary HVAC replacement for efficiency and open-protocol serviceability; ongoing Tuck consolidation study; maintenance plans, pest management, and AHERA inspections completed; remediation of two floods (Morgan Center and CMS gym floor); purchase of autonomous scrubber and Turf Tank field striper with rapid ROI.

Report received with board questions on electrical work at SST, data/privacy for autonomous equipment, and naming of new machines; no formal vote required.

Tuck study expected to inform upcoming budget cycle; gym floor work to complete before first day of school.

Data migration from Alma completed; weekly training ongoing with faculty showcase at EHS/CMS; new security systems at CMS nearly complete with 10-year warranties and proactive features; 10-person tech team structure described; emphasis on SaaS migration and real-time monitoring to reduce ransomware risk.

Report received; board praised ticket resolution and team support; no formal vote.

Full parent portal opening in early August; continued teacher-coach training.

Document covers longevity pay (annual after 5 years, increasing at milestones), benefits, and handbook provisions distinct from school-based support staff; presented as first read for this new standalone guide.

Motion to approve passed unanimously.

Calendar and committee rationales (curriculum, finance, facilities) presented; two members requested per committee; mural proposal from art club/ELO students using $11k untouched donation funds for student-designed cafeteria artwork.

Calendar and committee assignments approved; motion to spend up to $10k on mural passed.

Committees commence in September; mural work targeted to begin after July 1.

AI policy balances responsible use/training for staff/students while keeping students as primary thinkers; capacity policy (JF) directs superintendent reports with board oversight for open enrollment decisions; JLIF addresses conduct near schools.

Motion to adopt JF and JLIF passed; AI policy held for further feedback and September/October discussion.

AI policy returns for second reading after summer; capacity report to be revisited in September.