001Welcome to the meeting of the Londereerry School Board to be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 in the Cafe at Londereerry High School, 295 Mammoth Road, Londereerry, New Hampshire at 7 [music] p.m. The meeting will also be broadcast on local cable access channel 8 as well as the district [music] YouTube channel. Could we please rise for the pledge of allegiance, please? To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. jump right into our consent agenda. 3.1, some upcoming meetings. January 27th, 2026 will be a regular schoolboard meeting right here in the cafe at 7 p.m. On February 6th, [music] 2026 will be the deliberative session right here in the cafe at 7:00 p.m. And on
002February 17th, [music] 2026 will be a regular schoolboard meeting here in the cafe at 7 p.m. Could I have a motion to approve the consent agenda, please? >> So moved. >> Motion by Sarah. >> Second by Amanda. All those in favor? [music] >> I. 50. Thank you. Uh 4.1 announcements and presentations. Filing period for candidates. Wednesday, January 21st, through Friday, January 30th, 2026. Uh there are two school board members for three-year term. To file, please contact Amy Finemore, school district clerk at afinemore lundere.org. or call or text 603396872. Amy will be at the district office on Friday, January 30th, 2026 from 3 to 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of final filing and we jump into our public hearing. Um, I will look for a motion to open our public hearing, please. >> So moved. Motion
003by Sarah. >> Second by Tim. Could I have a roll call vote from my left to right, please? >> Hi, Kevin Gray. >> Hi, Tim Porter. >> Hi, Bob Slater. >> Hi, Sarah Laughlin. >> I Am Amanda Butcher. We >> are now open uh 5.1 [music] article two to see what action the board will take regarding the general fund operating budget for 2026 [music] 2027. Mr. Black. >> Yeah. So, you know, here's the article as it stands there. There's a packet at the table if you [music] want to see all the language right in front of you. uh since it's on all of our TVs, but basically we have our operating budget which is a a shade under $95 million and it's about $300,000 less than the default budget. Um there's lots of information we
004can share. We have a we have a few pieces of information to kind of just summarize all that. Um so again, um you know, I think as we go through tonight, the school board or budget committee has suggestions of other things we should include because this is kind of like the dry run for the deliberative session. Just let us know. Um but you know our budget was up about 4% from last year's voter approved budget. Um the [music] big drivers of that was health benefits. We got a we got a uh 12 basically a 12% increase which is unheard of for us in the last uh 15 years. We we generally had lower increases that seems to be a national pattern. It's not so much just us. Um and our salaries were up uh because
005of new collective bargaining contracts and then we had increased costs in people services. They're smaller [music] uh increases in other places. Um but we're up about 4%. We're about $300,000 below the default budget. Um and again um you know besides those being drivers, you know, our main goal is to try to make sure we're [music] still making that academic progress we have been making. Uh Mr. Parent had a great idea of uh on voting day having some of those charts and stats kind of in the in the gym uh for our voters to see all the hard work that's been going on in our schools. I think we're going to follow through with that. Probably even have that for deliberative session. Um, but we're still trying [music] to make progress even though this budget did
006not turn out the way we wanted to with some of these, you know, cost drivers and healthcare [music] um, really kind of changing the game for us. But we still made an investment of uh, $25,000 in AP [music] testing, and I'll explain that in a little bit. Uh, $25,000 in career connected learning, uh, $20,000 in adult education, uh, $14,000 for an AI platform, [music] and about $25,000 for some literacy and curriculum needs for the elementary [music] schools. One of the one of the the other new pressures we got in the budget we had never seen before is [music] uh the federal government cut some of our grants out of nowhere in the summer. We were [music] kind of scrambling there for a couple months uh trying to figure out how do we not have an
007impact on our students. So I think what our plan is is to not let Washington dictate [music] uh what happens but kind of protect our kids to make sure we don't lose um some of our programs. So normally we pay for our AP testing at our federal grants that Mr. parent controls. Um so we're going to start moving some of those costs locally [music] to protect our kids from future budget cuts. Um that expansion of career connected learning is just a big goal we have as a school district. We want to keep on uh making the progress in that area. We have a lot of good things going in that area. Um the 20 grand for adult education that was also that was a federal grant that we lost in the summer. What we're trying
008to do is turn our adult ed program into a locally controlled program. We have lots of good updates to kind of share with the community in time. The high school has just been talking about this internally [music] this week. It's very exciting. Um, artificial intelligence is obviously something we're keeping an eye on. We we've had a committee for a [music] couple years. We've done a lot of great work to implement it. Our next stage in this implementation is making sure we have one district platform [music] for our teachers and students to use, especially in the middle of the high school. They're ready and then we're thinking through what fourth and fifth grade might look like too. [music] And then, you know, for the literacy and math curriculum, it was just it was just um where
009the enrollment turned out, where some of the supplies were needed, but [music] you know, very bare bones investments um to try and keep our academic progress moving forward. Um and you know, as we always do, uh we're trying to keep an eye on enrollment. Um anyone who kind of went through the whole budget process knows that we're we still we're seeing very small incoming classes again. Um so our overall enrollment is down. Um, we do [music] have an overall net reduction uh in personnel costs of about $560,000. [music] Um, we made those cuts in areas where we're trying to stay away from our major programs in academics and co-curricular for students. Always always tough uh [music] choices, but what we try and do is time it when personnel retiring or we know there's attrition. We
010kind of get ahead of that um just so uh people aren't losing uh their actual positions. There probably are two positions in this budget that will actually affect people that have jobs right now, too. Um, and the operating budget right now, um, has half day kindergarten in it. Um, and we'll talk about article three next, but the operating budget, whether it's default [music] or the operating budget is presented, both have, um, uh, full day, half the kindergarten in it. And this operating budget [music] would basically increase the tax rate by 46 cents and then the default will be 49 [music] cents. Uh that is the quickest summary possible of a 300page document. I'm sure we can put in more information but we'll see kind of see what questions come up. >> Great. All right. Let
011me um jump into article two. And just before for people that have the um agenda in front of them on article two, the first [music] two lines are going to be moved above where it says article two general fund due to our attorney says that should be broken out. [music] So I am going to read those first two lines uh which will show different um on the warrant and [music] that to break it out from actually article two and that line is the average cost per pupil for the preceding year is calculated in accordance [music] with RSA189.75 um I uh [music] A is 21,196.90 [music] ELA proficiency 59%, math proficiency 49%, science proficiency [music] 45%. Again, that information will be just above [music] article 2. Correct, Amity? >> Yep. >> Now, >> and Dan has
012it displayed >> and it is corrected up on the screen. It just wasn't in the corrected in the packet until uh today once the attorney get back to us. Okay. So, article 2 general fund operating budget. Shall the voters of London School District vote to raise and appropriate as an operating budget [music] for the fiscal year 2026 27 not including appropriations [music] by special warrant articles or separate warrant articles one of the following amounts for the purposes set forth in the budget posted [music] with the warrant uh vote for only one a $94,938 uh 938,750 54. This is a schoolboard budget as amended. Estimated tax impact $9.73 [music] or B $95,234,13 as the default budget estimated tax impact of $9.76. [music] and a note warrant article two operating budget does not include appropriations proposed under
013any any other article in this warrant. So what I'd like to [music] do is open this up to the board with any questions. Then I [music] will go to the budget committee and then I will ask anybody from the audience that has any questions to come up. State your name and address and [music] if seeing none then we will come back and um go through our script here of who's [snorts] going to present. Okay. Any questions from the board? [music] Seeing none budget committee on the operating anyone from the audience any questions on article two? Seeing none, I will bring it back [music] to the board. And on for the deliberative, who [music] would like to make the motion to move this forward? >> I'll do it. >> Okay. Sarah, >> I can second. >>
014Tim will second and [clears throat] Dan, [music] you will present. Yep. Yep. Superintendent and I will look [music] for a board vote to support article two. All those in favor? >> I. Any oppose? 5-0. Okay. 5.2 to see what actions the board to take regarding [music] separate articles to be posted on the warrant. And we will jump into [music] board read. We will read article three. Article [music] three, special article, full day kindergarten. Shall the Lender School District vote to implement full day kindergarten [music] in each of the three elementary school buildings beginning with the 202627 [music] school year. If this article passes, the general operating budget will decrease by 28,000 and the general fund revenue account will increase by 548,226 with an estimated [music] tax reduction of 12 cents. And this will require a
015majority vote um on on the ballot. Uh any discussion from the board? >> Do you want me to go through a few slides? >> Sure. Okay. You want to do a >> presentation? And again, I think everyone who's been here, we've got [snorts] years worth of information to share. So, I think that we try to boil it down to a few things. I mean, I think >> basically, [snorts] you know, why this is um you know important [music] is this gets this gets our youngest learners additional time. They would get 103 extra days. That's 103 extra days to get better at math, 103 extra days at literacy, 103 extra days to learn how to [music] be in school. Um, and that really changed the dynamic for us because we would spend a lot less time
016on catchup and more time in advancement. So, I think [music] that's the big change for us. Uh, we know that Bedford made the change this year. Uh, we know that New Boston is also putting on the Warren article. So, we're kind of racing [music] to not be the last in the state. Uh and again I think you know what we're seeing is it gives us an opportunity for more [music] time to really help our students advance better later in the school system. Um the reason why this article is [music] actually asking taxpayers to spend less money is we're capitalizing on declining enrollment. I think there's economic factors, demographic [music] factors, and school district factors where we are just seeing historically lower classes. [music] We're going to have four in a row now heading into next
017year. That four in a row allows us to have space within the [music] three schools uh to to bring full day kindergarten to Matthew Thornton North School and South School. This is our our best estimation right here. As you can see, just a few summers ago, we had 1745 and we're projecting 1552. That's 200 less kids. That's the space we would need [music] to kind of start a full day kindergarten in all three schools. And we have the space. Um we're not overcrowding them. We're just kind of replacing um lost uh enrollment definitely in north school and south school and we are making a few updates to Matthew Thornton to make sure we have a plan for the next few years um while we still have some larger classes in fourth and fifth grade. Um
018and you know one of the reasons why we're we're [clears throat] we're saving money in this process is we're taking our whole K to5 [music] system going from four schools to three schools. It's just an economies of scale thing. Um, we've been able to kind of look at all of our staffing, make sure that we have the right number of staff for all the kids in three buildings [music] versus four, and we were able to find some savings. So, um, this is a quick rundown. I went through I went through a lot of detail in December, but this is basically, [music] you know, we're shifting some some positions to become kindergarten teachers and we're shifting [music] some positions to go away because we don't need them. And that's how we're basically saving the money. And
019there are away, but I think there there were there's still opportunity to be employed within our district. Um, so basically we have about 400,000 savings, $283,000 in midday bus run savings, one-time cost and furniture [music] curriculum, uh, updates to Matthew Thoron, and we are moving the portables from Mooseel to Matthew Thornon. They'll probably be there for a couple years, and when the bigger [music] classes of fourth and fifth grade go away in a couple years, we'll probably get rid of that lease. Um, so our total net savings is about $28,000 and we're going to get more revenue for each child because right now we only get half of adequacy for each half the kindergarten we would get full. So that's about $550,000. So the net change in each year is about $750,000. Um, you know,
020that's how we're kind of moving forward. So, this is this is a this is a strange Warren article, but but basically what happens is if more than 50% of the voters say yes, we make $678,000 in cuts, $470,000 in onetime expenses, there's the net 28, but then we add 500 about $550,000 to the revenue, and that lowers everyone's tax [music] rate by about 12 cents. So, it is a unique born article, unique opportunity. We've been doing this for a while and and I think I've been saying this is really our last uh time to to ask for it because we've asked it for prior two years. We're on our third year in a row. If this is not attractive for London area, I'm not sure what is. >> Thank you, Dan. >> And let me
021just back up a little bit before we get into discussion. Sure. >> And I need to I'm looking for a motion to move article two to the deliberative meeting, please. >> Just a motion to move. >> So moved. >> Motion by Sarah. Second. >> Second by Kevin. All those in favor? >> I I 5 Z. Thank you. My mistake. >> All right. Jump into um discussion. Any discussion from [music] the board? >> The only other thing I wanted to add to that that I learned uh just last week is that New Boston does not have full day kindergarten, but they do offer readiness. >> So, they do offer an additional year of support for the kids that are falling [music] behind standards. So, that just leaves us in bed for >> sure. Okay. [snorts] >>
022But I don't have any questions. Good. Budget committee. Any questions? >> I do. >> No, you go first. >> Would it be possible to put decrease as like all caps? >> Can you get the mic closer? Sarah, >> is it possible to put the decrease on [music] this warrant article like all caps or is that too? So, we went through and we made the change to estimated tax reduction and then we we were advised not to do any of the language bold that we've only done numbers in the past. So, to stick with what we've done, but the reduction is what we changed to show. >> You say it would be a bad idea if you did that and then didn't put a bold on increase on all the other ones. >> Fair point. Thank
023you. [clears throat] >> So, I more so just a comment on this. I I this is a it's a win for residents that have been worried about how in the in years prior when we proposed full day Kay that it would be a burden. So for those taxpayers, [music] those residents that do not have children that have been saying, "Well, why would I want full day? My taxes are just going to go up." We can now say, "No, your taxes will go down with full day." And then second, it's for the individuals in town that are starting families and giving their children the opportunity to exceed and excel uh starting off in the school in our school system. So I this article 3, it's a win for everyone and we can we can say that
024this is a win for if you have children or looking to have children or if you are retired and you're looking for u a decrease in your taxes, this is a win for everyone. >> Thank you, Joe. Anyone else? Seeing none, anyone from the audience that would like to speak to this? >> Jana Bournestein Boyd Road. Um, I have a question. It's my understanding Matthew Thornton is our biggest, I guess, growth school. Um, right now we're only going to have two portables there. >> Come I mean, we're only in January. come September next year, what happens if all of a sudden we need to add two more portables come [music] September? >> It's a good question. So, if you go back to the presentation you did a few weeks ago, we're actually adding [music] five
025total classrooms to Matthew Thornton. Uh there's one up on the second floor that's kind of partitioned that we're turning back into a classroom. Um we're we're taking um three basically 700 square foot 1940s rooms and turning them into two modern classrooms. So that one plus those two plus the portals makes five. So we're basically saying we can handle growth of about a hundred kids in Matthew Thornon. Yeah. >> On top of using space better in different ways too. um you know but your question is you know it's all hypothetical but I think anytime we we we come up with those scenarios we always do the best we can with the resources we have and I think we have a supportive school board that as long as we're ahead of it I think we'll be okay
026but I I we have enough room to kind of make this big change uh next year. >> Okay. So you're right now anticipating not needing any more portables. >> Yeah. I mean I I'll give you another concrete example. So, you know, our our budget right now is kind of based on having 260 new kindergarten students. Right now, I only have we we only have about 140 potentially actually registered. So, I think we're in good place knowing it's January. I'm assuming if this goes through, we'll see a whole bunch of families show up March, April, May. Then we got to keep an eye on the summer. >> Okay. J to your point what the superintendent I think trying to say is when Bedford got theirs approved last year they had an increase of about 40 something
027students [music] >> so he's allotted in his budget let this year we're running about 209 so we're looking for that increase to possibly be the 250 260 so that's that's accounted for in his budget >> perfect point y okay y thank you great question okay >> any other questions come on Yes. Tol six manus one circle. Can you go back to the graph that you had of this year going forward to following years >> here? >> Uh nope. The financial one. >> Oh, the financial one here. Yeah. >> So it looks like in the future years we may actually have a even more of a savings. Am I looking at that correctly? >> Yeah. Yeah, because I mean you know what we can count on you you have all these one-time movement uh onetime savings
028and onetime expenses and then basically going forward what we're projecting is we'll always have those bus savings so we put an escalator of 3% you know kind of inflation and the same kind of 3% on adequacy so that we'll be in the ballpark of always saving $750,000 a year so that [music] compounds you know uh moving forward. So, are we potentially going to look at more than 12 cent savings per year or is it >> Well, this budget only looks at next year, right? But I mean, we can come up with a stat that says in five years we expect to save 3.75 million. We can do that, too, you know. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> I don't I don't know that you want to push out like that though because enrollment can
029change. >> You never know what's going to happen. >> Adequacy goes with that. So, that's less revenue coming in if kids drop. So, I think this is a good for format for 26 27. >> Okay. you know what I mean? Um I just don't want to put the card before the horse and let's focus on this because none of us have a crystal ball as we've seen the last three years of enrollment and space needs have now given us space to be able to do this cost effectively. So um I don't want to speculate on on anything other than what we're looking at today. So >> sounds good. >> Just to be cautious. Yep. No problem. >> Thank you. >> All right. Any other questions? Seeing none, I'll bring it back to the board and
030I will look for a motion to move article three to the deliberative, please. >> So moved. >> Motion by Sarah. >> Second by Amanda. All those in favor? >> I 50. [clears throat] >> And look who would like to make the [music] motion for this? >> Kevin. And who would like the second? >> I can. >> Okay. And who would like to present this? >> I'll do this one, >> Amanda. >> Yep. >> Okay, great. And now I will look for a vote, a board vote to support article three. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? 5-0. All right, jumping into article four. Article four, lendary custodians, AFS CME, local 18011 bargaining agreement pending ratification by board and AFSCME. Shall the voters of Londereary School District vote to approve the cost
031items included in the collective bargaining agreement reached between the Lendary School District and the Londereary custodians of Ask Me Council [music] 93-LOC 1801 and further to raise and appropriate the sum of $191,60 for the 2026 27 fiscal year. Such sum representing the additional cost items attriable to the increase in salaries and benefits over those paid at current [music] staffing levels in the prior year fiscal year. The agreement calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits at the current staffing levels over those paid in the prior fiscal years. Fiscal year FY2627 estimated cost $191,60 estimated tax 2 cents. FY2728 estimated cost 110,173 estimated tax 2. FY2829 estimated cost 77,28 uh with a tax impact of 1 cent. With that, I'll open up for any discussion on article 4. Any from the board? Seeing none, anything
032from the budget committee? Seeing none, anyone from the public? It's not too often you actually see a union contract go down year after year. Can you have a little explanation on that one? >> Sure. [music] Um you know I think um great great collective bargaining session overall um and there there's a lot of restructuring of basically how the staff will be used >> and [clears throat] where leadership um can kind of happen within within the department. So that was a lot of good things within that. I think what we realized is there were there were a few areas where maybe um salaries were rising too much. So in each one of the groups we created there's a cap [music] and more of the staff kind of some of the staff reach that cap by the
033third year which is why you won't see the salary cap you won't see as much of a growth from year to year. >> Yeah. >> Um so that that was the main driver of it. >> Okay. Sounds good. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? Seeing none, bring it back to the board. And I will look to see who would like to make the motion for article 4. >> I can do that. >> Tim, [clears throat] and who would like to second? >> I can second. >> Kevin, thank you. >> And I can present >> and Tim present. Everybody good with that? >> Good. Thank you. And I will look for a vote [music] to support article 4. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> 5-0. Any opposed? 5 Z. All
034right. >> Jumping into article five. >> To move it to vote to move. >> Oh, missed that one [clears throat] again. Jumped over. Uh, like to make a [music] motion to uh get a motion to move article 4 to the deliberative, please. >> So moved. Motion by Sarah. >> Second by Tim. All those in favor? >> I 50. >> Article five, authorization for special meeting on cost items. Shall the Londonary school district, if article 4 is defeated, authorize the governing body to call one special meeting at its option to address article 4 cost items only. Estimated tax impact $0. Any discussion? I'll bring it to the board. See, >> this is just the contingency. >> It is in case uh this was to feel we could we [music] could call for a special meeting and
035meet with the uh union reps. Yes. Any questions from the budget? Any questions from the audience? Seeing none, bring it back to the board. Um I'd like to have a motion to move article five to the deliberative, please. >> So moved. >> Motion by Sarah. >> Second. Second by Kevin. All those in favor? >> I 50. >> Who would like to make the motion of article five? >> I can do that. >> And thank you. And who would like to second? >> I can. >> Sarah. And who would like to present? >> I can do that too. >> Tim. Good. Perfect. And I would like to uh get a vote. Uh board vote to support article five. All those in favor say I. >> I. 5-0. [clears throat] >> Jumping on [music] to article six.
036School lunch program federal funds project. Shall the voters of the Lenardary school district vote to accept and receive [music] federal grants and other such funds to support the school lunch program and federal projects? further to raise and appropriate such funds in a special revenue fund as follows. School lunch program 1,717,000 and federal projects 1,564,000 for the total appropriation of 3,281,000 such funds to be self-supporting through local, state or federal revenue sources. Estimated tax impact zero. Any I bring it to the [music] board for any discussion. Seeing none, budget committee. Seeing none, anyone from the audience on on this article six. Seeing none, bring it back. And I would like to have a uh get a motion to move article six to the deliberative, [music] please. >> So moved. >> Motion by Sarah. >> Second by
037Amanda. All those in favor? >> I 5 Z. And who would like to make the motion on [music] article six? >> I can do that. >> Sarah second. >> I can do it. >> Kevin and you want to present? >> Sure. >> Okay. Sarah. Thank you. >> All right. And I will call [music] for a vote uh from the board to vote to uh on supporting article six. All those in favor say I. >> I. 5 0. Jumping to article 7. Article 7 special article [music] district/town agreement reference lease of offices. Shall the the school district authorize the school board to enter into a long-term build/ lease agreement with the [clears throat] town of Londereerry for the construction of school district office space on town land adjacent to the town offices on Mammoth Road and
038to raise and appropriate 3.9 million for this per purpose with 2.9 million to come from the town. that amount to be repaid by the district's lease payments of 250,000 over 10 years and 1.4 million to come from the June30 fund balance available for transfer on July 1. This article is a special warrant article per RSA32 col 7 6 and will not lapse until June 30th, [music] 2032 or when the project is completed, whichever is first. This article is contingent on the town voting to approve [music] the long-term build/ase agreement. Estimated tax impact zero. Open it up for discussion. Any discussion from the board? I would just like to hit on this just a little bit quickly. I know we'll do a lot more at um at the deliberative. This is a joint venture um uh
039with the town using their fund balance uh loaning us the 2.5 and we allocated from our last year's fund balance of 1.4 before [music] to able to build this uh project right next door to the town hall where the old school district used to be seven years ago. Um with this um joint venture without requiring a bond saves our taxpayers on a 10-year lease approximately $730,000 [music] being able to use funds on hand. Um it's it's been uh we we formed a joint committee with uh town members and school school district members. It's been very collaborative and um this is this [music] is one of many ways that we can work to help our taxpayers um moving forward not only with this project but other projects coming down the road with the with everybody working
040uh handinand for our taxpayers. Um, so it's [music] been been a pleasure working with the town and uh hoping everybody understands how much this will save them in the long run. We're down to two years left in our lease. Uh so we'd like to get everybody back to town and not have to get into a renegotiation of spending [music] uh taxpayer money and have no asset at the end. So we'll get more into the deliberate, but I just wanted to give the folks that are here and watching tonight a little history. Any other from the board budget committee? Any questions? Good. Anyone from the audience? [music] >> Janet Bournestein Boyd Road. I believe at a previous um school board meeting there was going to be 2 million that was going to be put towards the
041district office and this [music] is stating 1.4. >> Yep. We uh we had worked out finances with the town due to that $2 million insurance assessment we received back in September. So with funds running a little bit tight, they were able to work a little bit on their end. It's ours. So we didn't have to pay any interest [music] for the town's people on our assessment and we weren't able we didn't have to put any into this year's budget. We were able to work it with our fund balance. So some of that funds went towards paying off [music] the assessment value come the end of the year. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jenna. Any other questions? Seeing none, I'll bring it back. And could I get a motion to move [music] article 7
042to the deliberative, please? >> So moved. >> Motion by Sarah. >> Second [music] by Tim. All those in favor? >> I. 5-0. [snorts] >> And who would like to make a motion to open article 7? >> I can do that. >> Tim, a second. >> I can do that. Amanda, and if you guys don't mind, I'd like to present this. >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> And I'd look [music] for a vote uh from the board to support article 7. All those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> I. 5-0. >> Thank you. Jumping to article 8. Article 8, [music] special article buildings and grounds capital reserve fund. Shall the voters of Londonary School District vote to raise and appropriate the sum of 670,000 [music] to be to be placed in the district-wide buildings
043and grounds capital reserve fund established in March 2021 school district meeting for the purpose of maintenance, construction, renovations, improvements, and related professional services to all buildings, grounds, fields, substructures and infrastructure to the overall property of Londereerry School District. The fund shall provide the funding source for all equipment, structures, professional services, machinery, and materials necessary to sustain efficiency, [music] safety of the district's buildings, grounds, and infrastructure and subsurface that meet the needs of the school district with up to $150,000 of this sum uh sum to come from the June 30th, 2020 [music] 26 fund balance available for transfer on July 1, 2026 and the remaining amount to be raised by additional taxation. Estimated tax impact would be seven uh seven cents. Okay. Bring it to the board. [music] Any discussion? Seeing none, budget committee. Anybody? Anyone
044from the audience? Seeing none, bring it back to the board. And I'll look for a mo motion to move article 8 to the deliberative, please. >> So moved. >> Motion by Sarah. >> Second by Kevin. All those in favor? >> I. 5. >> And who [music] would like to make the uh motion on this? I'd like to make the motion. And who would like to make the second? >> I can second. >> Sarah. And who would like to present? >> You can do that one. You want to do it? Okay. And I would look for a vote uh from the board [music] uh to support article 8 with everybody signifying. I please I >> I 50. Thank you. >> [laughter] >> Article nine, special article, district technology network infrastructure capital reserve fund. Shall the voters
045of Londereary School District vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $125,000 to be placed in the school [music] district technology network infrastructure capital reserve fund established in March 2019 school district meeting to provide funds for equipment and services [music] for the school district network infrastructure such as but not limited to routers, wiring, switches, access points, wireless network improvements, or any other equipment, software, or service that is necessary for the maintenance, improvement, performance, or management of the district's network. [music] Estimated tax impact, 2 cents. Bring it to the board for discussion. [music] Any discussion? Seeing none, budget committee? Nothing. Anyone from the audience on article nine? Seeing none, I'll bring it back to the board and I'll look for a motion to move article 9 to the deliverer, please. >> So moved. >> Motion by
046Sarah. >> Second by Amanda. All those in favor? >> I. 5. And who would like to [music] make the motion for article 9? >> I can. >> Kevin. And who would like to second? >> I can do that. Amanda. And who would like to present? >> I'll take that one. >> Kevin. Thank you. >> And I would look for uh a board vote to support article 9. All those in favor? >> I [music] 50. Thank you. >> Jumping into article 10. Special article equipment capital reserve [music] fund. Shall the voters of London School District vote to raise and appropriate up to the sum of $100,000 to be placed in the school district equipment equipment capital reserve fund established in 2013 [music] for the purpose of funding the acquisition of minor ongoing equipment and tools such
047as but not limited to classroom furniture, [music] technology, furniture, building maintenance equipment, and tools used in the school district with this sum to come from the June 30th, 2026 [music] fund balance available for transfer on July 1, 2026 and no amount to be raised by additional taxation. Estimated tax impact zero. Bring it back to the board for discussion. Any discussion? Any discussion from the budget committee on article 10? Anyone from the audience? Seeing none, bring it back to the board. And I'll look for a motion to move article 10 to the deliberative, please. >> So moved. >> Motion by Sarah. [music] >> Second by Tim. All those in favor? >> I. 5-0. And who would like to make the motion on article 10? >> I can do that. >> Tim. And who would like to
048second? >> I can do that. >> Sarah. And who would like to present? I can do it if you want. >> I'll do it. All right. I will now look for a uh board vote to support article 10. All those in favor? >> I 5 Z. Thank you. Article 11. Special article vehicle and machinery capital reserve fund. Shall the voters of London School District vote to raise and appropriate up to the sum of $37,350 [music] to be placed in the vehicle and machinery capital reserve fund established in March of 2020 for the [music] purpose of funding the acquisition of vehicles and machinery with this sum to come from June 30th, 2026 fund balance [music] available for transfer on July 1, 2026 and no amount to be raised by additional taxation. Estimated tax impact zero. And
049back to the board. Any discussion on this for the board? Seeing none, budget committee? Seeing none, anyone from the [music] audience on article 11? Seeing none, back to the board, I will look for a motion to move article 11 to the deliberative, please. >> So move. >> Motion by Sarah. >> Second by Kevin. All those in favor? I >> I 5 Z. >> And who would like to make the motion on article 11? >> I can do that. >> Amanda, who would like to [music] second? >> I can. >> Sarah. And who would like to present? >> I can take that one, >> Kevin. Thank you. I will now look uh for a board vote [music] on supporting article 11. All those in favor? I >> I [music] 5 Z. Article 12, special article, the
050employee [music] benefits capital reserve fund. Shall the school district establish a capital reserve fund under the provisions of RSA 35 col [clears throat] the employees benefit capital reserve fund for the purpose of excuse me. All right, try that again. for the purpose of funding the cost of negotiated employee benefits, including but not limited to health insurance reimbursements, assessments, changes in coverage or policies chosen by [music] employees, severance benefits, and such other benefits as are from time to time negotiated or become contractual obligations of the district. and to further and further to raise and appropriate $10,000 to be placed in this fund said sum [music] to come from the June 30th 2026 fund balance available for transfer on July 1, 2026 [music] and further to name the school board as agents to expend this fund tax
051impact zero. >> Do we want to hit on this one a little bit please? This is new. >> Yep. Yep. So this would be a brand new capital reserve fund. Um, and if you remember, um, our surprise October, we got this $2 million assessment from schoolare. Um, that was a big deal. We didn't know it [music] was coming. Um, and over the years, um, I forget the exact figure, but in the last 10 years, [laughter] we may have gotten about $7 million returned. [music] >> So, over the years, what we've basically done is if we get a return from school care, we kind of put it into the next year's operating budget to to smooth things out. I think what we're proposing here is to to kind [music] of protect ourselves in the future if
052these big assessments come, we create this fund to smooth out and and lessen any one-time costs coming our way. Um, and maybe not return uh stuff to the employees, but but figure out a way to kind of protect the taxpayers, too. That's probably the best way. >> Yep. >> Okay, >> great. And again, that would be at our discretion as to whether we want to put some of any possible savings in there and return the remainder and just be responsible with it. >> Great. All right. Anything else from the board? Okay. Anything from the budget committee? Anyone from the audience? Seeing none, bring it [music] back. And I'll look for a motion to move article 12 to the deliberative, please. >> So move. Motion by Sarah. [music] >> Second by Amanda. All those in favor?
053>> I 50. >> And who would like to make [music] the motion for this? Article 12. >> I can. >> Kevin. And who would like to second? >> I can second. >> Tim. And who would [music] like to present? I can do it if you want. Okay. And now I would look for a board vote uh to support article 12. All those in favor >> I 5 Z. [cough] >> All right. Article 13, acceptance of donations. Shall the Londary School District vote persuant of RSA 198 col [music] 20C6 to authorize the school board to accept privately donated gifts, legacies and devices [music] and to ratify the acceptance of such gifts, legacies and devices which can be utilized for the same purpose as trust [music] funds created under RSA 19820-Z with the set authorized ation to
054continue indefinitely until rescended. Estimated tax impact zero. And probably should get a little bit on this one, too. >> Sure. I might turn over to Jason for this one. That's okay. >> Yeah, that would be great. >> So, essentially, this warrant allows the school board to accept donations from small businesses, large corporations, and alumni uh to be used for potential capital projects on our campuses and within our facilities. Uh, as you mentioned, Bob, with voter approval, it'll have a zero tax impact. And it really helps ease the burden of taxpayers by accepting being able to accept private funding to help keep our campuses and facilities up to date and innovative. >> Thank you, Jason. [music] >> You're welcome. >> Any questions for the board? >> So, if we didn't accept if we didn't uh pass
055this, we couldn't take donations voluntarily. >> We're protected by a larger um RSA as well where we could get some, but this this makes it much clearer. >> Cleaner. Yes. Correct. Yeah. >> And and [music] that's because of the capital committee that we're we're working on launching and and it could be large sums of money that we're trying to >> raise throughout the community with local businesses to help [music] on school campus and that. So, >> um I think we have received gifts in the past and we've been able to work it through fund balance and our regular general account, but if we're [music] looking for large sums of money, this will help manage it in that. So, all right. uh on article any discussion from the budget committee. Seeing [music] none anyone from the
056audience. Seeing Paul Scalar 20 woodbine. Just a quick question. Does this uh does that money whatever money's come [music] into there does it is it in a separate account that it's kept in that the way it works? >> Yes. You what with this and once we get our first donation we would establish a capital reserve fund. Okay. >> Similar to what we've done with like the Jake Nar scholarship. >> Okay. Okay. So, we later have to establish the reserve fund after the money's >> when you get your first donation that you have that. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Actually, just one quick question while I'm thinking about it. Um, with gifts, does that include physical things? So, like could New Balance donate shoes to the football team or something?
057>> Yeah, that would probably be different. >> Okay. >> You know, that would be like a a gift we could accept. U, but this is more for more for financial reasons. And you know, Jay's kind of running the committee with Kevin Smith to see if we can't make, you know, a big capital improvement in the future. >> Okay. Great. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Just curious. >> All right. >> If you're out there listening. [laughter] >> All right. So, I will look for a motion to move article 13 to the deliberative, please. >> So, move. >> Motion by Sarah. >> Second by Kevin. [music] All those in favor? >> I. 5-0. And who would like to make the motion for article 13? >> You can do it. >> Amanda second. >> I can. >> Sure.
058And who would like to present? >> I can do them. >> Okay. All right. And I will look for a board vote to support [music] article 13. All those in favor? I >> I 50 Z and article 14 citizen petition warrant article [clears throat] strong schools strengthen local communities and economies. Therefore, the residents of Lond are asked, "Do we believe school budget decisions should remain with local voters rather than be restricted by state by a statewide one-sizefits-all spending cap? This question arises because proposed legisl legislation would impose [music] statemandated caps on all school district budgets, replacing New Hampshire's current [music] system of local decisionmaking. The state currently pays less than 30% of the cost of local education in New Hampshire. Yet, this mandate would apply to 100% of the district's budget. Such a mandate would
059reduce the flexibility communities need to respond to [music] changing conditions and local priorities, effectively shifting decisionmaking authorities over locally raised funds. As schools have little control over certain costs they are required to pay, such as special education, [music] health insurance, and transportation, meeting a rigid spending cap could require reductions that impact educational quality. This would limit both voters decision-making and local [music] control. Be it further resolved that the school board will send the results of this vote to the governor and all members of the general court representing Londereerry within 30 days of this vote. Tax impact is zero. And if the petitioner is here and wants to come up and give us a little tutorial, that would be great. >> Thank you for having me. I appreciate it. Paul Scalar 20Woodbind drive. Um so um
060this article came about as a result of recent [music] uh proposed legislation that I think you everybody in this room is aware of which is HB675 [music] which is a legislative priority of the current majority party. Um it would have imposed uh spending cap on the amount of property taxes that can go to public education. There's more to it than that but [music] that's the essence of it. And um so as you also know and I know that uh Representative Perez was in here I believe last week and spoke about it uh that uh that HB675 now has been killed uh overwhelmingly. In fact, it went down to probably the largest defeat I've ever seen of any bill in history. Well, at least in New Hampshire legislative history, but it went down to defeat by
061uh nine votes for it, 346 against. Um so most Republicans uh voted against it uh against their own bill and of course Democrats voted against it. So there are a number of reasons I think the uh the article hopefully speaks for itself. It uh really retains uh you know so so the petition was already in motion obviously to gather signatures. We gathered within about less than a week uh 60 signatures I think for this particular petition. um the um you know the the idea and I think Miss Perez laid it out pretty well even though she was for the the uh the uh this particular idea last year and was the one to propose it uh and in fact this year even offered an amendment on the house floor that would have uh you know
062moved it forward as well. She eventually voted against it as did I think most of the other members of the New Hampshire legislature. Um but there are a number of reasons why they voted against it. Of course they they realized that this was against local control uh which is uh I think paramount of of paramount importance and a and a school district was allow us to to do the things we need to do to make our school run properly. Um you know New Hampshire I remind you is also dead [music] last in its support for public education. We're 50 out of 50 states. So it's not exactly like we're we're you know we're flooding the uh local cities and towns with with [music] a lot of capital in the first place. And they also determined
063that u and actually I should say too I want to give credit to the school district for uh moving forward with the study that they did which concluded a number of things. One of which was that it's [music] actually would probably raise property taxes not reduce them over time for a whole host of reasons. And um so with that said, I I I wanted to move forward with this because [music] the same folks uh Representative Jason Osborne and Joe Sweeney out of Salem, two of the uh Republican leaders [music] in the House have vowed to bring this back up again likely next year. And I think it's important [music] that for now we at least uh you know get a vote out there, get a good sense of what the community thinks about this and
064let our legislators think about it [music] uh next session if it does come to pass that it comes up again for a vote. So that's it. I'll take questions [music] if you have them. >> Any questions for the presenter? >> So not for the presenter, but a logistics question for the budget committee. I see that it appears on here um a that the budget committee's vote would be recorded in the past for similar citizens petitions. [music] Uh we have not been asked to vote on these. So I guess uh for the when it when it appears on the ballot and for the citizens at deliberative will there be will you be requesting the budget committees vote I for when we meet next week? So hard. Yes. No. >> Yeah. I I would [music] say no,
065Joe. I know the board voted on the study last year, so I think we've set the practice. So, we're going to probably continue to do that. >> And would that follow for article 15 as well? That's >> Yeah, I would I would say unless the budget committee and you guys come to, you know, to an agreement that you wanted to because you wanted to support something, but that's entirely up to you folks. >> Yeah. I just I'll say looking at now where there is no um fiscal impact. Yeah. Uh with this article, I don't see why the budget committee would weigh in. >> Wouldn't it would I I can't I I think it would actually have a fiscal impact, right? Because statemandated caps would increase the budget as per what AMD was saying in some
066of her presentations in some cases. Right. But but this article wouldn't just the petition and what it's addressing. >> Right. Exactly. Yep. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And if I may, there is no prohibition of you guys voting on it, recording it uh in RSA or in bylaws. So, you're certainly welcome to and if if members of the budget committee would like to vote on it, they're certainly able to do that if so they so chose so chose. >> Okay. So, what I'll do on our meeting on the 20th, I'll bring it up for discussion amongst the members of the committee, if we uh if there's consensus within the committee to move forward and to record our votes on it, then we will and we'll relay that to all to you. >> Right. No
067problem. >> Thank you. >> Any questions from the public? >> Okay. Seeing none um on this the board, any questions? We kind of have the view of the study, you know, by AMD and myself and Dan had done the study this fall and presented it to Miss Perez and she kind of laid it out. So, >> yeah, I think we belored this last year. >> Yeah. >> And I think it especially given what just happened u with the House vote. >> Um, and the way we viewed it is that it's overly simplistic >> uh to run this for all towns. And obviously both the Republicans and Democrats in the House agreed overwhelmingly with the vote that passed. Yeah, >> I still feel the same. >> All right. I'll look for a motion to move article
06814 to the deliberative. >> So move. >> Motion by Sarah. >> Second by Amanda. All those in favor? >> I 50. >> Um we will do we need a motion and a second. No. [music] That just the presenter would get up to present. So we don't we stay away from that on here. Um, so that section is done. So the presenter would be Paul and um we we did vote on this last year. [music] So I I would ask the board for a vote on this. Um so I'll look for a board vote in support of article 14. All those in favor? >> I I 50. >> All right. Article 15, another citizens petition. Warner Warren article. New Hampshire communities value strong public schools and responsible use of public funds for education. Therefore, the voters
069of Londereerry, New Hampshire are asked, shall we call on our legislators to protect [music] taxpayers by requiring the education freedom account program to provide fiscal and educational performance reports comparable to those required of public schools and by limiting eligibility to families with demonstrated financial needs. This question is raised because state legislators recently removed all income limits from the educational freedom account program v uh slash vouchers, expanding it beyond its original purpose. These changes added tens of millions of dollars in cost while the program provides limited public information on how funds are spent or if educational standards are being met. The voucher program is pro projected to cost 110 million over the next two years with no new revenue sources identified. This directs public funds to private education without reducing the expenses public schools are constitutionally
070required to cover, increasing pressure on local property taxes. Be it further resolved that the lenary school board shall send the results of this vote to the governor and all the members of the general court representing Lenardary within 30 days of this vote. Estimated tax zero. Um the presenter here would like to come up please. Um, do you want me to give a little spiel? >> Yeah. Name and address first, please. That'd be great. >> Um, Tiffany Gagnon, 17 Buckingham Drive. Um, presenting this warrant article. Um, as was mentioned in the warrant article, uh, it's notable that the recent removal of income eligibility limits has really shifted the intention of the EFA program significantly. Um the state data shows that for this current 202526 school year only about 3.3% of EA EFA recipients had attended a
071public school the year prior before taking an EFA. So in other words 96.7% of students receiving an EFA were already enrolled in private or homeschooled before entering the program. So this matters because the EFA funding comes from public education funds and ultimately from taxpayers. New Hampshire is constitutionally bound as mentioned to provide an adequate education via public schools. So diverting funding from public schools puts strains on our budget and our taxpayers, but ultimately our students pay the cost. Additionally, and most problematically, there's no requirement that the EFA program provide the same transparency in spending or the same performance reporting that public schools must follow. Um, at the same time, as mentioned, it's projected to cost tens of millions of dollars over the next two years with no revenue sources. Um, so basically, the Warren article
072gives the voters of Londereerry the opportunity to send a clear message to our legislators that we just want public accountability for the public dollars. Great. >> Thank you, Tiffany. >> Any questions for the presenter? >> Any questions from the budget committee? >> So, uh just for uh when you say and by limiting eligibility to families with demonstrated financial need, can you expand upon that? >> Yeah, so um previously there were we've released a cap or it had been capped. There were two times where it was capped. Where are my numbers? >> The last one was 300% uh 300% above poverty level. >> Yeah. So in uh June on June 10th is when we removed the entire cap. In 2023, the cap was 350% over the federal poverty line. And when it was first created in
0732021, the cap was set at 300% over the federal property line. Poverty line, not property. So this would be asking the our legislators and the governor to reduce >> to reconsider a cap. >> Okay, >> which was implemented. >> So like with um article 14, I'll bring it to the budget committee. I'll ask if there's consensus to for us to uh um to vote on this so it appears on the ballot. I'd also like to invite Mr. Scooter and Mrs. Gagnet to attend our meeting on uh January 20th. It'll be 7 p.m. at Sunny Crest uh conference room. So that if we have any questions, if we wish to move forward, we can ask you directly. >> All right. Any other questions? Anyone from the public? And we'll bring it back to us. I just
074want to hit on this a little bit. um as this [music] was um something I worked on a lot the last couple of years. Um and am I am in agreement because the public schools are held to these standards with department of education that a lot of these other schools where funds are going are not required to do reporting and um we we service uh special education. A lot of these schools are not required to do that. There are a lot of requirements that taxpayer money go [music] to public schools in town. Whereas the CAP was able to help some some families that weren't financially [music] able to do it with their student if they were thriving or needed a different environment, which I totally agree with. So, a revamping uh opening up the EFA
075to any eligible um income level um in my eyes is a problem. uh with no control uh on the spending that virtually should be coming to the public schools because we we have to follow requirements and they're not. So that's that's why I'm in support of this um and that so with that anything else >> I would agree with you and I just also want to add that um beyond some of the activities that are permitted to be built for gymnastics classes, ski passes, um things that um are I know things that we all pay for as parents. Um, and you know, it's one thing to to provide some some money for things that related to fitness, but um, I think it's been a little bit overused and abused. So, >> great. Anyone else? >>
076I just want to say I do agree as well. I think anything that's receiving public funding should be held to the same standard as the public schools are any [music] schools that are receiving public funding for that purpose. So, I agree. >> Great. All right. So we don't have to I'll look for a motion to move article 15 to the deliberative please. >> So move >> motion by Sarah. >> second by Amanda. >> All those in favor? >> I 5. And I will look for a motion um from the board to support article 15. All those in favor? I >> I any >> All good. 5 Z. >> All right. Before I close the public hearing, I just wanted to ask if there's anyone here that has anything else would like to come up regarding
077uh the Warren articles or the budget [music] and that may be in the audience or budget committee or board. [clears throat] Welcome. Good evening. Gabriel Dantis, 1700 Way, senior student student athlete here at LHS. Between academics and athletics, I go to the library almost every day to study because it's one of the quietest and most focused spaces in the school. And every day I enter to check in, I'm greeted by at least one of the assistants. The librarian assistants are always kind and respectful, greeting students such as myself, helpful, whether it's finding materials, keeping the space organized, or just making environment supportive for us students. Cutting the librarian assistant position would take away from what makes the library such a valuable resource. It's more than just books. It's a place where students can work, learn,
078and grow to succeed. I understand budget decisions aren't easy, but I hope the board will reconsider this cut and think about how it could directly impact students like me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Janstein Boyd Road. I previously asked about the um trimmers contract. Do you have numbers for that? I think it's about $20,000. I'll have to get you specifics for that. >> That's fine. Just roughly 20,000. Y Thank you. >> Let me jump back to Oh, come on up. >> Hello. Hello. I am uh Benjamin Bristol, um 25 Bar Road. Um I am a two sport student athlete and I'm in the library studying or using their Mercury space at least three times a week. Um I'm the president of an after school environmental club that works with the library to
079create a plant lending library and without the added help of the library assistants the maker space after school activities and many other activities would not be able to be performed uh I would argue to say that the library assistant position should not be uh removed for next year. >> Thank you Benjamin. Can we talk about this? I I'm not sure of this position. I think it must be in the high school budget. Yep. >> And that is there. Um Oh, let me look this. It's this regarding the same thing. >> Uh yes. >> Okay. Sure. >> Um hello all. My name is Alexis Tibido, 56 South Road. Um I am a senior here at London High School. When I heard that one of the library assistant positions was going to be removed, I knew that
080I had to speak tonight to defend this position. It is crucial that there are three people to run the circulation desk at the library because this allows flexibility among all assistants to come in before school, stay during the 7-hour school day, and stay after school until 3:30 p.m. It is extremely important that students have the ability to stay in the school free to do work, sit and use the [music] library's resources throughout the day and after school. The library has elevated over the last four years I've been here and now the [music] library is filled with kids and activities to do during your off periods or lunches. The assistants along with Mrs. Braille and Mrs. Wooding have created a new space for students and teachers to make [music] during the day. They have daily additions
081like the maker space, a craft a craft corner for all students, including a 3D printer, the recording studio, a sound panled room that allows students easy access to record their voices and during the day, and they also have interactive puzzles and games around the library. Or even just this past Christmas, there were tables spreaded with holiday crafts for students to come up and do, and even a cute little Christmas photo opportunity. All this would not have been possible without all the three important assistant library assistants here at the LHS library. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Hi, my name is Kelsey, fiveant run. Um, I'd just like to say that I am the current historian for the class of 2026, the Latin president of Foreign Language National Honor Society. I'm a peer mentor here at
082the high school. I'm the president of Blue and Purple Star Lancers, so obviously the school community means a lot to me. I'd like to first of all thank you all for the opportunity to speak tonight about the proposed school budget cuts and how they will affect our school library. Our library is more than just a room filled with books. It's a learning hub, a safe space, and a vital support system for students and teachers. At the center of it all, Mrs. Wooding, our head librarian, who works tirelessly to make the library a welcoming and effective place for everyone. But she cannot do it alone. Library assistants are essential to keeping the library running smoothly. This helps students find resources, manage space, materials, and support research projects, and they help maintain a calm, organized environment. If
083even one of these positions is cut, the impact will be immediate and severe. Our three library assistants are part-time with a 30inut unpaid lunch with assistant one managing the before school crowd and assistant three managing the afterchool crowd. With etiquette support staff, Mrs. Wooding would be forced to take on multiple roles at once. Unfortunately, Miss Wooding takes on different positions from our school library assistants. She works closely with Mrs. Braille and helps oversee the foundation as a whole. Therefore, the additional resources we have in the library would have to be drastically cut. This means less time helping students one-on-one, fewer opportunities to collaborate with teachers, and reduced access to library services throughout the day. In the long run, this will directly affect student learning. Students use the library from freshman year all the way through
084senior year where they first learn to write an email to finishing up their college essays and how to access independent reading books which are often required grades 9 through 12. This is a free option. They would also not have time to teach children how to correctly find a book off of the shelves. As we know, securely pass was put in place this previous year and works as an online platform to manage students and notifies teachers and administration if a student fails to tell the truth when they are leaving the classroom. The library is also responsible for reporting those who have failed with discipline and never went to their destination. Many students rely on the library for more than just academics. It is a place where they feel safe, supported, and encouraged. Cutting staff limits access
085to this space, especially for students who may not have the same resources at home. We often talk about preparing students for the future. Libraries takes critical thinking, research skills, digital literacy, and encourage students to grow their reading skills and enjoyment. While Superintendent Mr. Dan Black was quoted in the Londereerry Times article, Superintendent Defends High School National Rankings written by Alex M published on June 7, 2024. Black quoted, "As we message every year, the US News and World Report rankings do not accurately capture the academic options and emphasis on Londereerry High School." The Londereary Times quoted in response, "According to this year's scorecard, Londereerry ranked 37 out of schools across the state and 6,945 nationally." With regards to students involved in AP courses, passing AP exams, as well as math, science, and reading, which is the
086whole point that I am trying to get across, while I am sure that we all support Mr. Jan Black's reasoning in regards to the local publication, it needs to be said that a full library department can only increase our standings with student performance both instate and nationally. However, those numbers are exactly reported. With regards to budget cuts and the difficult decisions that need to be made, I would hope that any department that provides such significant support to students overall would not be put onto the chopping block. I say this with all dues respect. As a division one district with 36 athletic teams, think of how many students that would impact if we cut assistance and only left one head coach by themselves. I have made some of my best memories in the library and have
087had the opportunity to create connections of a lifetime. So cutting my academic coaches would be equivalent. These are the skills students carry with them for a lifetime. When we cut positions that support these goals, we send the message that these skills are no longer a priority. I understand that buzz decisions are difficult and I respect the responsibility you carry. However, cutting the library assistant position may save money in short term, but it will cost our students far more in the long run. I ask you to consider the real impacts this decision would have on our school community. Please protect this position, support Miss Wooding, the students that benefit from the library, and show our students that the education truly matters. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you, Kelsey. >> Anyone else? Yeah. >>
088Yes. This position. [laughter] >> Yeah. I mean, you know, many months ago when we when we started our budget process, it was in the uh ad swap sheet. Um, you know, I mean, how we how we got to this decision. I mean remember our our budget we get get started in October and somewhere in October we're having just a general look at the high school. Uh we did put some big investments in the high school career connected learning um the adult ed uh funds there too. So they were getting $45,000 there and um another big investment for them to go to CTE centers you know and I think uh principal Barnes was just trying to find a way to balance the investments with needs. um kind of looking at declining enrollment. Uh no one's trying
089to make a value statement on the the library. I think every everyone likes the library. It's just we were trying to respond to lower enrollment um and kind of keep everything moving forward. >> Okay. Um I know I spent some time with with Jason and and some of the curriculum coordinators which we've got, you know, uh some reading um ventures coming up here in February and and moving on through the next year. some challenges [music] uh throughout the district K to 12 and trying to get more more students reading in in you know a challenging uh way in that. So um I'd hate hate to see us losing positions and not servicing our kids is I guess what I'm getting at. And it's and it's tough going through the budget because I know the principles
090have their job to do and [music] trying to do and I know you're trying to balance your budget too. But um you know with the impact in this area um I don't know what what the chance is but um if there's any way we could look at this and possibly see [music] if it's worth putting back in um you know I would I would entertain that. >> Yeah. Yeah. Remember at this point it's your budget. Um um I think the the full cut was >> is it a part-time position? So like >> No, it's it's a it's a full-time position, but it's it's a it's it's an hourly position. It was $21,967. So if you guys keep the cut, you can put the money back in. It's it's it's your decision at this point in
091time. >> I have a question. >> Yeah. the last time we spoke last was it last week about um the potential for pair professionals and assistant positions that that were on the table. >> Um those positions typically aren't always filled and they're variable depending on our need. Correct. >> Yep. So this is different. This is this is more >> um you know a library specific position. We have plenty of special ed openings right now. >> Right. I don't [clears throat] know if we could compromise there and try to balance. Well, pay-wise, pay rate is similar. Correct. No, >> probably not. >> No, I think >> Yeah, >> It's a different grade. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Probably a par a special par professional makes a little bit more. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Probably. So, you
092>> Yeah, I would have to just thinking about if we could kind of balance that out and assume that we we always have openings. Do do you think there's any room in the budget to make this position [music] still work with what we have now or would you think that we need to recre request an increase in the budget of >> knowing where the overall budget's at? I think it's better for you all to put the money back in if you really want the position. just just to be honest, knowing how knowing the other cuts that have happened because remember if if a full day kindergarten goes through there's another half a million dollars in cuts coming from the operating budget. So >> yeah and I and I know you guys went back and went
093through it and did your due diligence and the one thing I wanted to make sure and >> is you know no personnel where it you know affects any of the curriculum or any learning of our students and any of our building needs. um by by the testimony tonight of of these students. Um it sounds like it's a a well needed position um for especially where we're trying to push their our reading uh program here through the district in the next uh couple of years here and get more kids reading books and challenges and that. So I'd hate [music] to see that service not there in the library. So just uh anyone else in the board have any add? No, I >> just Yeah, just you can come up, but I'll just give us a second.
094>> Um, yeah, no, I concur. I've been in the library a number of times and seen a lot of what they're doing with technology. I think that's a a very valuable thing to keep um keep moving forward with. And I know that does extend both before and after school as well, which does speak to the argument that the students were making of this position is needed to not stretch the librarian too far or either of the other assistants too far. So, I would be in favor of this. >> Okay, >> Tiffany. >> Um, first of all, do I have to say my name again? >> Please. >> Tiffany Gagnon, 17 Buckingham Drive. Um, I just want to say that those students did an amazing job coming up here and speaking in front of you. Um,
095and I'm like I had a flashback back to when I was in high school because I feel like I kind of see myself in in all of these young people. Um, my kids aren't even in high school and I still have somehow heard about how amazing the maker space in this library is and how useful it is and how it would be um, just so detrimental to the kids who want to use that space and without this position and people in there monitoring it. Um, I also wanted to talk about sort of the branding of it all. Stepping back. So why I mentioned it brought me back to high school. I was this student athlete, a girl obviously. And just thinking about like maybe do we really need a third football coach? No offense Kevin
096and football [clears throat] play, but like there is an inherent inequity I think subconsciously when you're looking at budgets as to where money goes. And it tends to be the kids in the library or the female athletes that sort of get the short end of the stick. So I'm just throwing it out there. If we open our minds to creative possibilities of moving money around, maybe one less football coach might be the answer or something else in the realms. So I'm just saying creative out of the box solutions. >> Thank you. Again, Paul Sclar, 20wood mine drive. I would agree wholeheartedly with what Tiffany just said, to have these young people get up and speak is a daunting task. And it it tells me that this is a needed position and that the person that's
097there currently, I assume it's [music] the the position is currently filled, uh that they work well with this person, that it's and they they need this person to continue to uh to be in that spot. So, I really encourage uh you guys to do what you can do to either find room in the budget or if uh we can amend somehow the uh the current budget to reflect that additional 21 grand. That's not a lot of money. We should be able to find it. So, I appreciate you're looking into it. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Obviously, these students feel that this is needed every day in their day-to-day [music] lives. Um, Amanda, to your point, originally there was going to be okay to cut [music] 50,000 for um assistance, special ed assistance or somewhere
098along that line, but originally in your budget, you were going to cut the 50,000 and then they voted it back in. >> No, that that was the later stage of the budget when the school board was asking, are there any other places to cut? >> We never actually cut it, >> right? It didn't get cut. It was already in J. That's That's what I'm saying. But when you had asked them to cut even more, they were willing to cut that 50,000 those two positions. >> And you voted not to cut those. >> Mhm. >> So I think if they're okay with cutting those two, they should be [music] okay with just adding this one because you guys added that back in, right? >> It never came out. So we never removed it. So it's still
099in the budget. We decided not to take it out. So, it's already it's still in there, >> right? But they were okay with taking it out. >> Yeah, they they were doing their their best to do what they could to to get the budget where it was. Yes. [music] Yep. I I don't like cuts and that. I like to know that they're just trying to do their homework and do what's right >> on their end. Lack of a better word, I guess. >> Sure. I get it. Thank you. >> No. [music] Thank you. So, your recommendation is to add it back in to the operating budget. >> That's a safer bet knowing knowing where we're at. >> Yeah. I just have to think about legally. You guys already moved it as it was to deliberative
100session. So, we would have to undo that. >> Yeah. Just you'd add the money and then re resend it to the deliberative session. >> Yeah. I'd go back to article to the to the operating budget and increase it by the 21. >> Yep. 967. Yep. Um and then revote to move that number to the deliberate >> right. >> Any further discussion? >> No. I out of all the places that we're trying to trim >> if we get enough feedback that especially in the area of education like the kids that are willing to go to the library to get the extra help. That's pretty much the last place I want to go. >> I would agree with that. Given what we're getting back from the kindergarten, >> this seems like a well worth the investment. >>
101Not to mention, I don't remember the last time students came to a budget meeting. >> Exactly. >> I know. [laughter] >> So, that's I that's just um I hearing from our students themselves and how it would impact them where comparatively towards you >> what we'll get back. >> All right. So, let's um if we're all done with that just >> Okay, wrong number. Sorry. >> 216 >> 655 >> 21 655 655 >> So that would make the >> You have that total? >> Yep. It would be $94,960,49 >> $49. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Everybody good with that? >> So 94,9649. >> Yep. >> Okay. So what I'd like to do is I should probably read article one, article two. I mean, >> do we have to do the quick map on the revision for
102the estimated tax impact? I don't I don't think that'll be a penny. >> So, let me uh jump back to article two and I will look let me read it again so we can set it for the record and go through. Um, shall the voters of Blenderary School District vote to raise and appropriate as an operating budget for the fiscal year 2026 2027, not including appropriations by special warrant articles or separate warrant articles, one of the following amounts for the purposes set forth in the budget posted with the warrant. A the new amended number would be 94,960,49 or B 95,234,13 [music] which would be the default with an estimated tax of $9.73. [music] Um we've already discussed it unless somebody wants to jump in there again. Um, so I will make uh look for a
103motion to move the amended article two to the deliberative please. >> So moved. >> Motion by Sarah. >> Second by Tim. All those in favor? >> I 50. Thank you. And now I [music] remember even though it was a year ago is we'll typically wait for the budget and do it at the end and do all the articles. Um, we will remember that for next year. Okay. All right. Thank you everyone. Thank you, Dan, for that. Appreciate it. >> All right. Anyone else? Before I close public comment, I mean, go to public comment and close the public hearing. I think we're done. I will look for a motion to close the public hearing, please. >> Someone. >> Motion by Sarah. >> Second by Kevin. All those in favor? >> I. 50 and I will open
104the floor up for regular public comment if there's any regarding anything with the school district. You guys want to talk some more? You guys did such a good [laughter] job. I'm telling you that was awesome. [laughter] You guys knocked it out of the park. I'm telling you. as the news chief of my this school's publication. I just want to thank you for that speaks such volume about your character that you were willing to listen to the students and what we had to say. It made me very emotional that adults were willing to just hear how it impacts the student body and I hope you know how much that is going to impact our future here at LHS. So, I just wanted to say a quick thank you, >> Kelsey. The the five the five of
105us are here for you guys. That's why we do what we do. And I hope it it shows that way. We take this job seriously for our students and our staff and this whole school district. So, whatever we can do educationally to make it the best school district in the state and give our students the opportunity and uh you did a great job. Great job. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> All right, that's all we have for business. >> So, I since we're still in public comment, I'll just add um next Tuesday. So that will be January 20th 700 p.m. Sunny Crest conference room. The budget committee will be meeting to discuss and vote on the school budget and warrants. >> Thank you. >> So for you know um for anyone else who's listening
106that would like to attend like to listen to our discussion or weigh in and again I'd like to invite Paul and Tiffany uh to that meeting uh since we may be discussing and voting upon uh the petition warrant articles that you presented. and >> both town and school. >> So, yes. So, we'll be doing both town and school. And I'd like to uh once again thank you folks from the budget committee um for your input and um feedback. Um it's been it's always instrumental. It always opens up other avenues and questions and that. So, and appreciate everything you do for the town's people. It's not a a fun job. not when they're expecting you to cut and look for savings and that. Um we know it's for good reasons, but it's not a not an
107easy job. And uh thank you and um we truly appreciate all your help this budget season and uh we will see you [music] folks next Tuesday couple of us and if uh the rest of you is at the deliberative on the six. So thank you again and appreciate everything you do. >> Thank you. >> All right. See now we >> it's just that quickly to talk about what we're going to post in the paper. >> Sure. >> Um just wanted to give a little background because there were some RSAs. One of which was the um adding the proficiency scores and the per pupil cost right before the operating budget on the ballot. Um but the other thing that we have to do is uh fulfill our obligation to post a report. It's a very prescribed
108report um that is outlined in RSA 18975 through78 which became um active this January this past January. Um so you're going to see these you're going to see the reports this coming week in the London Times. So I just wanted to give a little background of of what they are. Um it's very prescribed as exactly what we have to do right down to what we have to title the graphs, what we have to include. um and um what information needs to be there. So essentially you need to show the average um or the last 10 years of the per pupil cost. We use the DOE um website to show what had been reported. So you'll see that over 10 years as a line graph. It's been adjusted by uh the BLS Bureau of Labor Statistics
109calculator to be adjusted for November 25 [music] um rates. So you'll see two lines, what the actual number was and then what the adjusted CPI line. So it's the per pupil cost. Then it's the average teacher salary. Those are on the first two pages. Then the RSA dictates that you have to have it on 18 by 24 paper and you have to post it in two places. So we're going to actually posted it in three. It will be at the town hall, the school district office, and the high school gym. Um, and then the second page is the last 10 years of the sum, not the average, the sum of the administrator salary. But the way that the RSA reads, they define administrator as superintendent, assistant superintendent, business administrator, and um the chief of diversity
110and equity. And if you don't have those positions, you just report on what you do. So, it's essentially the three salaries for administrators of the business administrator, assistant soup, um, and superintendent over the past 10 years. And then there's a separate table that shows what those high what those salaries are, uh, for for this year. So, you're not allowed to put any other narrative or any other information on the chart. Um, so it will be probably a little confusing like why are we doing this? We're fulfilling our obligation to show those costs. Um, there'll be two posters where we post the warrant and this will be in the Londereary Times. Next week is a halfpage ad. So, didn't know if there were any questions, but everything that is included in this was prescribed by the
111RSA and we we did a letter of the law. >> Great. >> Thank you, AMD. >> Yeah. >> Any questions? All right. With that, we'll uh conclude the regular part. We got a couple things in non-public, so I will look for a motion to go into non-public session. requested under RSA 91 AOL 3 section 2C please. >> Motion by Sarah. >> Second. Hi Tim Porter. Hi Bob Slater. Hi Sarah. Hi Amanda Butcher. >> Good night London Derry.