School Board — April 21, 2026

Chair detailed Colellis's nine-year role expanding early college pathways including criminal justice, fire science, and upcoming health sciences programs via partnerships with the Community College System of New Hampshire. Defutis was praised for mentoring, community involvement including Shop with a Cop, marathon fundraising, and support at athletic events and the Little League World Series.

Both honorees received formal board recognition and photographs with board members; guests were invited to depart afterward.

Colellis to be honored at NH State House on May 20 at 9 AM with recognition by Governor Kelly Ayotte.

Chair noted no scheduled appointments and invited audience comments per state law.

Period concluded with no public input.

Secretary Kalil confirmed no corrections to either set of minutes.

Both motions passed 4-0 (regular and non-public).

Principal Ulzup explained the gift would cover production costs and incidentals; finance director confirmed separate accounting to retain funds beyond fiscal year end.

Motion to accept passed 4-0; thank-you letter to be sent.

PTA highlighted aging, non-compliant equipment and equity with recent playgrounds at Barron and North Salem; vendor renderings and cost breakdown shared. Board raised concerns about long-term maintenance costs (wood chips, rubber, snow removal, shrubs), warranty details, vendor background/insurance, drainage/runoff, and equitable treatment across schools given new 2024 ADA rules. PTA sought preliminary approval to fundraise for up to $200k+ playground upgrade at Fisk, noting prior charitable gaming funds and Soule/Barron precedents. Board raised long-term maintenance budget impacts, safety of freestanding donor board, and need for district control once donated. Speakers emphasized that donated equipment becomes district property with decisions made by the board, not PTA.

No formal vote taken initially; discussion ongoing with multiple questions on maintenance funding, vendor clearance, and snow policy. Board later granted conceptual approval for fundraising and planning, with final installation/construction approval deferred to May meeting pending maintenance cost estimates and vendor vetting.

PTA to check state PTA rules on contributing to maintenance fund; vendor to provide itemized maintenance estimate and warranty details; new maintenance director to review plan; administration to verify insurance and background checks. PTA to return in May with maintenance cost estimates and recommended activities; vendor clearance by administrative business office.

Committee met per CBA Article 14; shaded items showed new/increased stipends staying under the $437,750 cap. Developmental soccer at Woodbury (previously budgeted) was confirmed missing from the list and added at $1,200 per session.

Board approved the full list with the added position by 4-0 vote.

Enrollment up across several schools; kindergarten registration slightly below projection but sections stable. Budget review noted health insurance savings, encumbrances, and lower facilities rental revenue due to fewer events.

Reports accepted; board requested future planning session on increasing facilities rentals.

Impact fees discussion and lunch prices to return in May.

Focus on defining competencies, distinguishing practice vs. game (formative vs. summative), and ensuring all competencies are assessed in every unit. Committee stressed gradual change, stakeholder input, and addressing teacher/course differences via differentiated PD. Committee members described moving from sporadic competency coverage to requiring ongoing assessment in every unit to avoid stagnant failing grades affecting eligibility and transcripts. They discussed differentiated professional development needs, data collection on retake usage, end-of-year surveys, and research into best practices including college expectations. Board members raised concerns about preparing students for university-level grading without retakes and ensuring accountability tied to formative work.

Update provided; no decisions made. The board received the update without formal vote; members expressed support for the direction and noted healthy debate leading to consensus on key changes. No final policy decisions were made on grading scales or end-of-course assessments.

Committee continues monthly meetings with full-day session already held; further updates expected. Quantitative retake data collection and end-of-year survey in April/May; finalize updated guidance and communicate changes before the next school year; summer academies and opening-days training; policy updates brought to the board in fall 2026; monthly committee meetings continuing; focus on end-of-course assessments deferred to following year; requirement to pass all competencies to pass a course effective fall 2027.