Kearsarge Regional School Board — April 2, 2026
Near-unanimous procedural approvals and routine business dominated; public concerns on consolidation were raised but produced no visible conflict or board engagement.
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At the April 2 Kearsarge Regional School Board meeting, New London residents Mag Francis and Larry Kloth used public comment to point out that per-pupil costs at NLES exceed those at Sutton by more than $10,000 despite similar outcomes. They also asked about future STEM and special education costs ahead of any consolidation review.
The board provided no response or acknowledgment before leaving public comment. No questions were asked, no data was requested, and the topic was not placed on a future agenda.
All major actions that evening—minutes approvals, purchases, contracts, and field trips—passed with 6-0-1 or 7-0-1 votes, Chair Mastin abstaining each time. The spending and consolidation concerns raised by residents remain unaddressed.
Topics discussed
Board called to order at 6:30 p.m.; approved minutes from 12 March 2026 (regular and sealed non-public) by 6-0-1 vote.
Hearing held on $59,645.44 in unanticipated E-rate funds; motion to accept and expend passed 6-0-1.
Superintendent reported $3.7M favorable year-end balance, new hire, and multiple resignations; Business Administrator recommended Cengage textbook purchase; other reports noted absences.
Two New London residents raised concerns on per-pupil cost disparities and STEM/special services costs ahead of potential consolidation.
Director Castaldo presented iReady adoption after teacher survey and upcoming science-based literacy curriculum changes required by RSA for fall 2027.
Approved Italy/France and government field trips; accepted asbestos abatement, wall pads, and Lexia purchases; approved staff tenure slate and Fresh Picks Café food service contract.
Multiple policies presented for first reading or revision; Chair to schedule retreat and begin strategic plan workshops in April.
HR, Communications, and Facilities committees reported; meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m. by 7-0-1 vote.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
School consolidation and per-pupil spending disparities
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
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grok-4.3, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-01.
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