School Board — May 12, 2026

Staff covered implementation success metrics (teacher capacity, student experience), survey data showing near-100% teacher readiness, benefits of manipulatives and reduced prep time, and connections from K-5 through Woodbury Middle School. Board members praised engagement, teacher buy-in, and use of early-release time for professional development.

Presentation received positively; no formal vote required. Board noted it as the final student achievement report of the year and referenced prior Woodbury presentation.

Lancaster principal will present kindergarten orientation at the first meeting of the 2026-27 school year.

No revisions or updates were received; motion made and seconded.

Minutes adopted 4-0-1 (one abstention from Mrs. Berry).

Items read aloud covering salaries and positions; no discussion or objections raised.

Consent agenda approved 5-0.

Staff confirmed vendor proposal, insurance, warranties, and minimal maintenance needs; installation targeted for summer/fall 2026 once temperatures allow. Board discussed $1,000 annual maintenance reserve and new rubber surface.

Motion to approve the full program (fundraising, purchase, installation) passed 5-0.

Principal and PTA to coordinate installation timeline with maintenance director; maintenance reserve to be considered in fall budget.

Donors specified use for elementary/middle or district-wide student meal debt; board discussed application priorities for free/reduced-eligible families and coordination with counseling offices.

Four separate motions passed 5-0 each; total donations accepted.

Superintendent's office to send thank-you letters; additional donations to be pursued for upcoming meetings.

Negative balances, small-claims collection plans, and federal reimbursement gap ($4.58 lunch rate) were discussed; options for larger high-school increases were noted. Presentation compared Salem prices to neighboring districts and noted the federal free-meal reimbursement rate of $4.58. Board weighed revenue needs against affordability and participation; noted some NH districts have not raised prices in five years. Mr. Carney highlighted high-school prices being below average and suggested a possible 25¢ lunch increase at that level only.

Discussion only in initial segment; Board approved the administration’s recommended 10¢/20¢ across-the-board increases for the 2026-27 school year.

Pricing proposal to return for formal action at a future meeting; Administration will monitor participation and financial performance; next pricing review possible in November.

Projectors purchased in 2021 are at end of life; five bids received. Pro AV Systems was the original installer and submitted the lowest qualified bid.

Motion to award $106,020 contract to Pro AV Systems passed 5-0.

Document lists 38 federal programs and compliance requirements; no substantive content changes this year, only minor definitional updates. Legal counsel has previously reviewed it.

Board authorized Mrs. Palmer and Mr. Campbell to execute and submit the document (5-0).

Allocations are based primarily on free-and-reduced-price meal counts; Title I supports K-8 academic intervention, Title IIA funds professional development, Title IV supports academic support programs. Board noted year-to-year changes and the need to monitor summer academies under reduced Title IIA funding.

All three grants accepted and expenditure authorized by unanimous 5-0 votes.

Board discussed committee composition (library media specialists, director of literacy/area director, classroom teacher, reading specialist, possible parent), whether a parent could request removal only for their own child, electronic filing option, and notification to the board when materials are removed. Several drafting clarifications were requested.

Policy returned to administration for revisions; will return for second reading.

Administration to add committee membership language, remove “what action are you requesting” question from form, clarify board notification on removals, and post form electronically with the policy.

Policy distinguishes requirements for current vs. incoming freshmen; adds 20-credit “core diploma,” diploma-with-distinction, and certificate-of-attendance pathways. Board clarified adult-diploma rules, walking at graduation for certificate students, and placement of FAFSA language. Speaker S43 explained the policy addition stems from a state law requiring FAFSA support after a significant drop in applications during fall 2024. Board members asked about walking at graduation for students reaching age 22, receipt of a non-diploma certificate cover for ceremony participation, and distinctions between certificate of completion versus diploma paths designated in the IEP. Board inquired about motivation for the distinction (recognizing students earning 27-28 credits and weighted GPA benchmarks), how it interacts with valedictorian or cords, details of NH Scholars requirements (extra foreign language and science), and whether the social studies increase creates scheduling or elective capacity issues for average students. Administration confirmed students walk with their cohort year using a ceremonial cover; official completion is recorded later upon IEP goals or age 22, and this is already standard practice.

Policy returned for revisions and will return for second reading. Board members briefly acknowledged the FAFSA item with no objections raised.

Administration to verify adult-diploma policy language and refine wording on civics-exam applicability and FAFSA placement; Incorporate board feedback and return with revised policy; Nicole to provide NH Scholars information in writing or at a future meeting.

Student member reported on Math Honor Society induction, awards night, sports records, commitment day, AP exams, and robotics team success; future dates for planning, goal setting, and graduation were reviewed.

Board acknowledged reports and scheduled items; motion passed to enter non-public session.

Robotics team to present at June 16 meeting; next regular meeting May 19.