School Board — September 23, 2025

Acting chair Andrea Folsom opened the meeting, introduced board members, student reps, and staff; led Pledge of Allegiance.

Board approved minutes from the regular school board meeting of September 9, 2025.

Lucy Beardmore and Kip Hedquist reported on German exchange program activities, sports, field trips, and upcoming French exchange.

Third-grader Athena presented on the U.S. Constitution, amendments, and classroom Constitution Day activities.

Mandy updated on PABS monitoring process, current IEP/referral numbers (~195), ESY program changes, climate goals, and Branching Minds MTSS data platform.

Dan reported strong fall sports participation (~50% of -5 students), staffing, homecoming, and challenges with officials, buses, and need for full-time trainer.

Jim presented staffing updates, work order data, summer maintenance projects, capital improvements (boilers, HVAC, safety), and staff training.

Matt reported on Chromebook deployment, wireless upgrades, help ticket volume, data reporting, and new cybersecurity monitoring portal.

Update on delayed state data reporting deadlines, enrollment reporting accuracy for education freedom accounts, and new cybersecurity portal partnership with Primex funded by federal grant via state.

Presentation of first-year goals aligned to strategic plan covering curriculum/assessment, finance, safety/security, communication, culture/climate, and sustainability; board members provided feedback on clarity and pragmatism.

Discussion of $592k-$700k security redesign for main entrance including two-door lock system, floor plans, funding from CIP unanticipated balance ($429k) and contingency ($271k) without bonding or tax increase; addressed access control, student flow, and privacy.

Overview of -1 budget process including school-level budget finalization, operations vs. salary/benefits presentations, health insurance rates, and key dates through public hearing on Feb 4. Laura (a speaker) presented the updated budget development timeline, including operations budget reviews starting mid-October, full budget presentations in November, tax rate targeting in December, and final submission to Budget Committee on January 7. Changes include separating fixed/contractual costs (Requested Base) from new asks (Requested New) using E-Finance fields.

Board reviewed and prepared to sign the DOE 25 (state reporting on per-pupil costs, teacher salaries) and MS 25 forms due October 1 after extension. Reports feed into state analytics and fund balance comparisons.

Final reads of EHB (Records Retention) and ECA (Buildings and Grounds Security) completed. First reads of multiple A-series policies (AC, ACA, ACAC, KA) presented with alignment to NH School Board Association recommendations and minor required additions.

Included personnel changes (retirements, resignations, internal transfers), $1,000 anonymous donation for 8th-grade DC trip aid, budget transfers 208/209 ($8k and $9.33k for propane conversion), and revised June/August financial statements.

CIP committee recommended awarding $85k air handler (RAC1) replacement at Maple Street School to Eckhart Johnson, the lowest of three bids matching the approved amount.

Finance, CIP, and other committee reports; transportation challenges noted; free/reduced lunch application reminders; motion to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II(c) for legal/reputation matters.