Meeting report · Kearsarge Regional School Board
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Kearsarge Regional School Board — April 2, 2026
The meeting was characterized by serious administrative concerns regarding school culture and high-stakes discussions on consolidation and per-pupil costs, paired with a pattern of abstention from one board member.
Public impact
Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01
School Consolidation and Facility Restructuring
Potential for significant long-term changes to school structures, property taxes, and service delivery models. Affected: All taxpayers and students in the Kearsarge Regional School District
other high impact
02
Food Service Contract
$604,120 contract approval Affected: District students and taxpayers
other high impact
Decisions logged
Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Approval of 12 March 2026 meeting minutes
Minutes approved as written; Ms. Mastin abstained.
6-0-1
Approval of 12 March 2026 sealed non-public minutes
Minutes approved as written; Ms. Mastin abstained.
6-0-1
Acceptance of unanticipated e-rate revenue
Approved expenditure of $59,645.44; Ms. Mastin abstained.
6-0-1
Approval of Debra Breault as deputy treasurer
Approved; Ms. Mastin abstained.
6-0-1
Approval of staff resignations
Approved slate of resignations effective 6/30/2026 and individual resignation of Steve Barrie; Ms. Mastin abstained.
6-0-1
Approval of Cengage math textbooks for KRMS
Approved $11,868 purchase; Ms. Mastin abstained.
6-0-1
Approval of International Field Trip 2028
Permission granted for trip to Italy and France; Ms. Mastin abstained.
7-0-1
Approval of Youth Government Field Trip
Trip to state house approved; Ms. Mastin abstained.
7-0-1
Approval of asbestos abatement services
Approved Lawson Group contract for $14,160; Ms. Mastin and Mr. McGowan (not present) abstained/absent.
6-0-1
Approval of KRMS gym wall/stage pads
Approved Hussey Advantage contract for $21,900; Ms. Mastin, Mr. McGowan, and Mr. Keith were not present/absent.
5-0-1
Approval of Lexia Learning Systems
Approved $18,000 purchase; Ms. Mastin abstained.
6-0-1
Approval of staff tenure nominations
Approved slate of nominations; Ms. Mastin abstained.
7-0-1
Approval of Fresh Picks Café food service agreement
Approved vendor contract for $604,120; Ms. Mastin abstained.
7-0-1
Topics discussed
Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
Administrative Reports
The Superintendent reported on the district's favorable general fund balance and several staff resignations. The Assistant Superintendent discussed a partnership with Colby Sawyer College and potential legislation regarding trespassing.
Speakers: John Fortney, Michael Bessette
Curriculum Initiative Update
The Curriculum Director presented the adoption of iReady for adaptive assessments and discussed preparing for new state science-based literacy requirements for 2027.
Speakers: Andrea Castaldo
New Business: Field Trips and Facility Purchases
The board reviewed requests for international and state house field trips, and facilities-related purchase recommendations including asbestos abatement and gym padding.
Speakers: Theo Selby, Steve Patterson, Brett Paré, Andrea Castaldo
KRMS Culture & Climate
Principal Steve Patterson addressed concerns regarding racially motivated and xenophobic commentary within the middle school and proposed community-wide conversations.
Speakers: Steve Patterson
Facilities B Committee Report
The committee reported on critical needs at Bradford, including the necessity of replacing septic and mechanical systems.
Speakers: Patrick McGowan, Jamie MacKenna
Controversy & dissent
Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.
Potentially controversial issues
01
School Consolidation and Cost Disparity
A community member highlighted a significant $10,000 per-pupil spending gap between New London and Sutton, which is a critical factor in ongoing discussions regarding school consolidation and fiscal responsibility.
Board position: The board has formed a Facilities B Committee to discuss consolidation savings, though they have not yet produced a formal report.
high concern
02
Middle School Culture and Climate
The Principal reported on racially motivated and xenophobic commentary within the middle school, indicating a significant social and safety concern for students and families.
Board position: The administration proposed community-wide conversations to address the issue.
medium concern
Split votes
Approval of various administrative and financial items (minutes, e-rate revenue, staff resignations, textbook purchases, etc.)
6-0-1
Community vs. board tension
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Action items
Who owes what, by when.
Send email regarding optional dates for the School Board Retreat
Assigned: Chair Alison Mastin · Due: Not specified
Seek Board revision for DAF (-12) to adjust micro purchase and simplified acquisition thresholds
Assigned: Policy Committee · Due: Not specified
Hold two additional meetings at the SAU to discuss consolidation savings
Assigned: Facilities B Committee · Due: 2026-04-06 and 2026-04-22
Notable statements
Noted the cost differential per pupil between NLES and Sutton and encouraged examination of these numbers regarding school consolidation. — Mag Francis · Public Comment
Emphasized that while committee work was extensive, they will not be producing a 20-page report; they stated critical decision-making regarding facilities restructuring must begin soon. — Patrick McGowan & Jamie MacKenna · Facilities B Committee Report
Public comment
What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
2
Total speakers
0
Addressed
0
Partial
2
Not addressed
Mag Francis
Not addressed
She highlighted a significant cost difference in per-pupil spending between New London and Sutton, noting it exceeds $10,000 per student despite similar outcomes. She advised the board to scrutinize these financial figures during school consolidation discussions.
Key concern
The cost disparity per pupil between schools and the need for financial scrutiny during consolidation planning.
The minutes do not record a direct response from the board to this specific comment during the public comment section.
Larry Kloth
Not addressed
He inquired about the future direction of STEM programs in the district, specifically requesting information separate from the arts. He also asked how the district would manage costs for incoming students requiring expensive special services.
Key concern
The future of STEM education and the financial management of costly special education services for new students.
The transcript shows no direct response from the board to his inquiries during the public comment session.
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Report composed by
grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-01.