MVSD School Board Meeting - November 3, 2025

001jump. [clears throat] >> So, I'd like to call [clears throat] the the Marmac Valley School Board uh meeting to order November 3rd, 2025. Um, and I'm going to ask for a roll call. First of all though, I need to apologize. Last month when we started the meeting, I noticed that we had a new person and um I believed in my mind that this new person came in September when I was away. Well, it turns out that this new person did not come in September. Last month was her first meeting. Candi Lambert is our new clerk. Um thank you, Candy. [applause] So, I apologize for that. Okay. So, if you could call the roll roll call, I'd appreciate it. Thank you. >> Tracy Bricky >> here. >> Sally Hersh Dickinson >> here. >> Tom Liberty >>

002here. >> Melissa Muzzy >> here. >> Candy, can you turn your microphone on, please? I'm sorry. >> Jessica Wheeler Russell >> here. >> Laura Vincent >> here. >> David Nesbbit >> here. >> Julia Jones >> here. Stacy Jarvis >> here. >> Laura Carile >> here. >> Amanda York >> here. >> Thank you. Um, and could you all rise for the pledge of allegiance, please? Sely, will you start us in the pledge, please? >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. >> So, next is the minutes from September 6th. >> October 6. >> I'm an idiot. From October 6th. Thanks. Um, and I have received the corrections and Candy has received the corrections. We've

003all re well not you all but all the people who needed the corrections have received those grammatical corrections from Sally. Um can I have a motion to accept the minutes? >> So moved. >> Moved by David Nesbbit. >> Second by Laura Vincent. Any discussion on the minutes? Any corrections? All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Okay. Um, finance report is next. Sam, >> good evening. So, you all have um a copy of the finance report. There are two functions that show more than $2500 overages. One of them is the 1210 function, which is special education. Um, that is due primarily to contracted parents and professionals. So, the increase that we've seen uh in that area. The other is the 2162 function, which is physical therapy services. Um, that one's over by

004by $4,000 based on incumbrances. So, remember that in en incumbrances overall are what we anticipate we're going to be spending on these particular lines with the information that we have at the current time. Um, out of all of the incumbrances, I think there's almost $30 million worth of incumbrances right now. Um, primarily that is the salaries, the benefits, all of the stuff that we're contractually or statutoily obligated to provide. Um, so out of that amount, I think 99.8% 8% of it is stuff that that we have to provide based on contracts or or you know tuition stuff like that. Um right now when we look at the overall financial shape based on this report um you know we may certainly have to absorb some of that overage from the 1210 function in this year's budget

005but things fluctuate so frequently um you know if we can hire some paras and get rid of agency paras then you know obviously those numbers would change. So, so the plan right now is is to follow a similar path to what we did last year. Um, and any overages we would absorb into our budget. Um, there was one other piece. So, we have about $8 million left over um of unencumbered funds. And so, you know, the the list of things to be spent with that $8 million, again, 89% of that is is already kind of obligated to different things. So we have about 11% of it um which are things on like site improvement or curriculum um you know stuff that we really control the actual cost of how how much we're going to be

006able to spend. That's about $883,000 that we have sort of control of. Um and but within that is, you know, also we have, you know, vote tuition and and things that that we're obligated to pay. Um, based on the changes that Fred has made in in his department and how he treats his lines, a lot of that $883,000 is, you know, site improvement and building improvement things that Fred is is waiting to see how we get through the year and then decide what it is he's going to have left in order to spend to to accomplish any of the projects that he has set. So, there's our finance report. Do you have questions for me? Have one, >> Tom? Yep. Is my mic on? >> Yep. >> Okay. Um, so Sam, uh, we talked that

007we still, uh, through the $2 million deficit, we still have 800,000ish that, um, we have not, uh, um, paid back yet. Um, how does that affect kind of our our available funds? >> It it really it doesn't. It it just we know that we have that deficit to try and accomplish. So when we can look at the overall amount of money that we have, um, you know, we're trying to absorb it in to what we currently have. So, you know, we were able to, >> we haven't gotten the audit back yet, but we were able to shave off a couple hundred,000 from the million dollars from last year. >> Um, >> and so we're looking the same way here that anything that we have at the end of the fiscal year is really when we'll

008be able to tell, you know, how we can manage those funds. then they may still have a carryover into next year as well. >> So is it as simple as if we had say a half a million dollars of unspent funds at the end of the year, that number now would be 300,000 going into the >> Yeah. Yeah, you can boil it down to to that. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Anybody else have any questions for Sam? I need a motion. I will. Tom. Moved by Tom, seconded by Jesse. >> Candy. Should I say their last names? >> Nope. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Any other questions, discussion? All those in favor of the finance report say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Excellent. Uh, next comes public comment. Public comment on

009agenda items. If you have any comments, uh, please raise your hand and, um, Nick will give you a microphone. Celely Longnecker from Salsbury, please don't sell Washington Street School. It seems to me that by having the learning center there, we are essentially having out of district placement for a number of students at no additional cost. If, as people have suggested, the learning center were to move back to the high school, a [clears throat] number of those students would not be able to manage that and we would end up having them in out of district placement. at huge expense which would have to be part of the regular budget. Whereas the money [clears throat] that would be used to renovate Washington Street school would come from capital reserve funds and not affect directly the budget. Selling

010the school that building would be pennywise and pound foolish. Thank you. >> Thank you, Sely. Anyone else? >> Hi, I am My name is Dave Armstrong. I'm a resident of Penook. Um, I just want to make a couple comments about the Washington Street School and the Learning Center program. Uh, my son spent um parts or all of seven school years at the learning center. um when he was in fourth grade after exhausting all sort of in district accommodations he uh required an out of placement out of excuse me out of district placement that I'm sure was not inexpensive um and he was at uh the Spalding Youth Center in uh Northfield for uh two two full years um once he didn't need those services anymore we brought him back to uh Penoke elementary. Um we

011tried further accommodations, a separate classroom, those types of things, and it just it was not working. And so without the learning center, we would have been facing another immediate out of district placement at again probably great expense. Um the learning center was able to accommodate him even as a fifth grader, which they don't typically do. Uh but he was able to uh metriculate there as a fifth grader, spent middle school there. Um he was able to um at his own pace, uh metriculate back um bit by bit to the mainstream school environment. Um first with a gym class, uh excuse me, fizzed class I should say. Um, and then with academic classes and I think the proximity of having that facility in the district really facilitated that. If he had to drive 20 minutes, a

012half an hour from some out of district school, whether it's Kuk or Northfield or wherever, that just wouldn't work. Um, and having that facility so close to the middle school and high school properties really facilitated that. um by the time he got uh into high school. The other thing I want to mention too is an out of district placement is really a lonely thing for a kid. Um keeping him in the district kept him with his peers with kids he knew, kids in the neighborhood. Um he was at least in the same district. He could go to school functions. He used to go to the used to love going to the middle school dances. Um he played high school athletics. Um he eventually was in the National Honor Society and um by the time he

013got through high school, he had not only uh uh gotten a full diploma and graduated with his peers, uh but he was no longer using anything other than the most basic special ed services. So he went from a very costly student for the district, graduated down to a a more um average cost student and I think the learning center played a tremendous part in that. >> So I think um this is an asset in our district that I think we should invest in and I agree with the woman uh comments before that that it would be pennywise and pound foolish to uh to sell the facility. >> Thank you, Mr. Anderson. Thank you. >> Uh, Armstrong. I don't know why I said Anderson. I knew it was Armstrong. Anybody else for public comment? Okay, then

014I am going to close public comment for the agenda items. Good news. Next on the agenda. Good news. Uh, details were in the digital packet and everybody got to see them. It's always great when we get those. I I love reading all of that stuff. Um Stephanie Wheeler is going to have a report from SCES and WES Salsbury Elementary School and Webster Elementary School. I should have said that. [clears throat] [cough] Okay. Um thank you for having us tonight. We have um four of our students here. They're going to introduce themselves. they will be talking about the fifth grade um kid governor program um that is run through the state of New Hampshire. So, I'm gonna turn it over. They've got your slides show up. Hey, my name's Addison. And did you guys know that

015the New Hampshire Kid Governor program is a really fun way for fifth graders to learn about government by running for kid governor, sharing ideas to help others, and voting for who will represent us kids across the state. My name is Anna and last year we were part of the program and we ran the polling station when fifth graders were voting. My name is Lauren and we all want to run for this year. I ran because climate change is a super important topic and not only New Hampshire's affected by it, but the whole world. Hi, my name is Autumn and we started this year by completing lessons, learning about civics, the election process, and leadership. I really like the program because it was super fun and really competitive, which is what I like. Because we were

016a nominating class this year and there were five of us that wanted to run, we had to run a primary election in school as we could only nominate one candidate to the statewide election. I thought about the primary election. It was fun to learn how to do it and it was very simple and we were all happy that we got to run for New Hampshire governor this year and we're happy for Lauren for getting chosen and we are all supportive of each other and we were getting mad at each other. >> Politics. We researched community issues and chose topics that we were passionate about changing. My campaign platform was climate change and the animals affected by it. My campaign was animal extinction. My campaign was too many pets and pet shelters. My campaign was child

017hunger and homelessness. and Emry's campaign who's right up there. She sadly could not be here today, but her platform was kindness movement across New Hampshire. We created a speech and campaign videos and a three-point plan to address our community issues and shared with them with our fourth and fifth grade classes. Because we're a small school, the New Hampshire Kid Governor program allowed fourth grade classes to vote in the primary election as well. Here are some clips from our campaign videos. [snorts] >> Hi, I'm Lauren and I want to be your next governor. >> My name is and I want to be your next governor. Hi, I'm Emory. I'm running for New Hampshire Kid Governor because I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. >> My name is Addison and I want

018to help prevent child hunger from now on. If I get elected government, I will try to cut real number one food drives to to give food to the homeless. >> The focus on my campaign is the endangered species of New Hampshire. We can take public transportation, walk or bike and we can unplug devices. Two, motivate students and educators [singing and music] to host consistent kindness activities like art for kindness where students draw, paint or sketch a picture that reflects kindness. >> One vote for one vote for me is a huge step for the homeless and children. >> A vote for autumn is a vote for loving pets for your voting for the animals of New Hampshire. >> Thanks for watching and remember, a vote for Emry is a vote for students to be treated with

019affection, consideration, respect, and care all across the camp. >> I'm Lauren and I approve this message. [laughter] >> All right. What I learned about the process is that you have to work really hard and once it's over, it pays off. It was very fun to have this experience of running for kid governor and we are happy for each other no matter what. Fun fact, today WES and SCES went to the polls for the state election. >> I thought the process was fun. It was very enjoyable and we're proud of Lauren for winning. >> I am one of the final seven candidates in the state election. I'm excited for being one of the seven candidates for because I'm excited about being in the state house making a difference and working together and I might even be

020able to meet the governor. Follow along with the 2026 candidate will be announced around mid November. >> Any questions? >> Seriously, any any [laughter] So, so for the whole state there's only going to be one kid governor. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Executive. >> Executive council. Six people will be on it. >> Yeah. And then there will be one kid governor. >> Cool. do. >> Yes. >> Um Liv is from Boston. She's me and Lauren's friend actually. She plays lacrosse with us. Um and her campaign was about the danger of smoking, vaping, and drugs. >> So I'm going against her. >> Yeah. The suspense is real. >> I'm Addie. [laughter] [applause] >> Thank you very much. >> That's very exciting that there are two from our district. Very exciting. >> Next would be the student representative

021report. >> Nick and Silas. >> I'm in the corner again. Hi. [laughter] Um, as some of you may know, Nick and I are in the high school band right now. Uh, so you can imagine our excitement to announce that the Salsbury fifth grader students have started band lessons with Mr. Shrivever. Um, he's very nice guy, very fun fellow if you've met him. Um, special thanks to Captain Lorden and Lieutenant Ciserella on the fire department team for talking to the Salsbury kids about fire safety for fire prevention week. They learned how and when to call 911, why it's important to have fire safety plans, all that jazz for, you know, fire safety. Um, the Pennook Elementary School run through reading activity is happening on the 19th where kids run through certain fun activities based on reading

022and books with their parents in early preparation for Thanksgiving family time. Along with the activities, families are also encouraged to donate food to the Penoke Food Pantry. On to the high school. The MVHS football team won the last game of the season against Penrook, which um closed fall sports. They're done for the season. Um and the Valley Shops, which opened last month, opened a food pantry pretty recently. All food is free. It's donations, you know, usually canned stuff that is preserved. >> Thank you, Silus. Moving on to my report. Um, the FBA, which is the Future Business Leaders of America, which is a club, recently attended the fall leadership workshop at the University of New Hampshire. They competed in multiple activities and heard from the state officers about their projects. They also got to hear

023about competitive events, competitive events, which they will compete in this spring at the state leadership conference. The middle school band, which is over a hundred kids, around 110 kids, marched on over to Penokeook Elementary School on Halloween to join these students to lead their costume parade. Um, imagining the high school band, marching band with over 100 kids hopefully in the next few years is really insane. That's bigger than a lot of the schools um in New Hampshire. The uh MVHS theater department is proud to present their fall play, Time, which is written by Mr. Costa, Mrs. Babcock, and there are additional scenes by Marramac Valley students. This is the world premiere of the play. All righty. First ever performance. The shows will be November 13th, 14th, and 15th. That's a Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at

0246:30. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. I will send all the board members the link to go online and uh purchase that through the website or you can find the QR code to the website on the posters which can be found on the auditorium door. So make sure you go watch the world premiere. I've tried to convince Mr. Costa to get us a red carpet but [laughter] I don't think that's going to happen. Uh every year the high school puts together Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. Uh so that's a really great opportunity for Mr. Wthbones Art of Woodworking class to uh make decor to go in the baskets. For example, um here's a piece of decor. >> So, they take it and they paint it. Um they do there's like a

025whole bag of these and they'll put these in the baskets. Uh so, just a great way to get um these students involved with helping their community. Um they've also been busy making coasters. So, these are some coasters. Um, these are kind of the template of which they will make a bigger cutting board later in the year. So, it will look just like this, just on a much larger scale. And then they've also been working on wood burning projects. This one's very good. This one's made by Emma McNut. And as you can see, >> wow. >> Very nice. So, they do a very, very good job. I'll stand up so everyone can see it. So, you can find more of these. They're um just up here on the upper level of the library. If you want

026to take a peek um after the meeting, you can go take a look at that because there's a bunch more up there. >> Valley shop. They made a couple signs as well for the valley shops and stuff and they're hanging them soon. >> Yeah, they've been doing a lot in those classes. Uh today was apply New Hampshire day. So seniors had the opportunity to apply to many of the colleges and universities here in the state for free. Uh we had 63 participants in that. And if you walked in to the school today and you saw kind of the rotting pumpkins out there, the jacko'lanterns, those were actually carved um at the senior pumpkin carving movie night where we had uh over 40 kids attend that senior event. So, it's been really great um watching all

027these events that the seniors have been putting on um and a lot of participation. And now we have our jokes. I have the first joke. All righty. You've already seen them, huh? >> You can't give away the answer. >> Yeah. No jumping in. >> What sound does a turkeyy's phone make? >> Wan wne. [laughter] >> Oh, this one. This one's corny. You could barely do that with a straight face. [laughter] >> What's the best song to play while cooking a turkey? >> All About That Beast. >> Oh god, [laughter] that one's definitely better, but it's okay. I I didn't realize it was a competition. >> Yeah, [laughter] that's our report. >> Any questions for Nick or Silus? So, I just have one question. Is the food pantry part of the New Hampshire Food Bank? Is

028it affiliated with New Hampshire Food Bank? >> I believe so. I think yeah. >> Yes, it is. Thank you. [snorts] >> So, um just so you know, it's kind of an interesting uh process, the New Hampshire Food Bank and the food pantry because we have one at the learning center also. And um the food bank, it's the uh whoever's in charge of it, they have to go online and do the ordering and go and pick up the orders in Manchester. So I imagine it would be a great learning uh process for the kids. So thank you. Thank you for your report. So next comes the committee reports. The first one is long range planning. They met uh on October 6th, which was our last meeting, and Luna reported at the October meeting. Um the minutes

029are in the packet. Uh the next meeting is November 10th at 4:30 at the SAU. Did you have any other questions for Lorna or Lorna, did you have anything you wanted to add from last month? >> No, I think we're just starting and so we're figuring it's going to be later before we get really deep into it. >> Okay. Thank you. Any questions? I know that we had the report last month. Uh, next would be facilities. They met on the 20th of October. Jessica will will report and the minutes are in your um in your packet. >> Yep. So, the facilities committee met a few weeks ago to kind of um finalize the recommendations around Washington Street School. Um we had folks come and speak at public comments about the programming for their families which

030was uh it's always good to hear from folks and Julie did Julie Gardet our um student uh services director coordinator director I always forget which one it is director um also presented um some information about the current programming related to MVLC as well as some potential um uh programs in the future if possible. Um and then we moved on to uh the recommendation um and the uh recommendation uh the mo uh the recommendation was um that we maintain to move forward to the board that we maintain the current programming and move forward with the plan to improve the facility meaning Marramck Valley Learning Center on Washington Street which passed unanimously. And um I believe we will be discussing that in a few items down the list here. So any questions about that before we move

031on to the next committee? >> So next is sorry next is the ad hoc streaming committee and they met on the 27th of October. The minutes are in your packet for review. Their next meeting is January 12th at 5:00 pm in the uh at the SAU. >> Go ahead, Jessica. >> So, this was a a basic start um where we kind of opened up discussion um about pros and cons of streaming, recording, that kind of thing. Had a very open long conversations about each piece. Um we did agree that given it is entering the busy busy season that we would hold on meeting again until after um the holidays so January and which case we're hopefully going to be looking at a few things um again working through some more of the pros and cons

032and possibly seeing how other districts are handling um their committees and making them [clears throat] more accessible. Can I ask a question? >> Sure. >> Yeah. Could anybody on the committee share what the cons are of streaming these? >> I have the list. >> I'll just pull it out. Okay. So, for challenges and considerations. So, the first half is potential benefits. Cons and considerations. I will just go down the list. Um facility limitations. um given that we host in the SAU for the most part which is not currently equipped for this staffing and technical demands. Additional personnel will be needed to operate, monitor and troubleshoot live streaming. Uh technology investment upgrading and wear and tear on cameras, microphones and streaming equipment or maintaining portable systems comes with significant cost to maintain maintenance demands. meeting dynamics.

033Participants might alter how they speak or interact. Uh and possibly cool [clears throat] discussion. Um increase formality, public misinterpretation. Um let me go through this. Uh cost versus viewership I think was another one we discussed because given that we already record some of these meetings, it seems that some of it [clears throat] might not be um being viewed as we would hope to be um on a regular basis. Um accessibility and equity of intention um and also handling certain privacy concerns that we often have to discuss as we do um being on the board. So, that was kind of the cons. And I can also send this or I can ask Randy to send this if if you'd like the more detailed version instead of just running down the list. >> Sure. No, just a

034just a couple uh comments on this. I for the record am a huge proponent of streaming every single one of our committee meetings so that people can watch them at their own leisure because some of them are at four, five, six o'clock and it's hard for people to to get to them. Um facilities limitations we can do them here would be u with equipment already here. um additional personnel. Um I we we do have some people who are salaried who work on with technology who I think could come and and and do these um so the meeting dynamics what was uh you made a statement about that I can't remember I wrote it down I wanted to comment >> oh yes um I guess meeting let's see what did we write here um hang on

035let me pull it back up again um just that some like during [clears throat] like public comment, we do notice that we do tend to get um folks who are coming to committee really talking and speaking. And then when it's in a more formal format, sometimes that can have a chilling effect on folks who might be somewhat nervous um about coming and saying things that they they feel like they need to say, which um I understand given that this can be pretty intimidating. Um, but that would be I can uh I think that's kind of what that was talking to. >> Okay. But I would I'd argue back on that that it is a public meeting and we do keep minutes. Um, so their comments are going to be recorded forever in in in print.

036Um, and then um, you know, again, public misinterpretation. I would just say I think it cleans it up. I think it makes it easier to understand. Um because honestly as as the chair of the finance committee where I'm struggling is I I go back to last March. Um the budget was not successful and I really want people to be able to tune in and see the work we're doing and the things we're talking about and the conversations that we're having. And I'd like them to to get more involved and to get more involved if they can watch it. Um, so I'm just I I struggle that we can't just do it to be quite honest with you. I think we can and I think it would be beneficial to our community and it would be

037helpful and it would be more transparent and we would keep them informed. So I would encourage the committee to move on this as quickly as you can and and make it happen. >> Um, >> thank you. Any other questions for Jessica? >> Amanda, go ahead. Do you have a goal of >> Can you speak into your microphone, please? >> Do you have a goal of when you'd like to have this >> settled on? >> Um, well, I would hope that once we hit the next meeting, it would only be a handful after that before we can kind of take a recommendation to the board. So, I mean, I'm hopeful for um early winter to sorry, late winter to early spring, but um again, it's going to be dependent on how the the committee feels when

038moving forward in these discussions. >> Thank you. Any other questions, Laura? Well, I'm just trying to recall um being on the committee. I thought there was a discussion of the reason we're at the SAU is because it's pretty expensive to have a meeting in this building if nothing else is going on versus a smaller building like that. Maybe I'm wrong. >> Thank you. [snorts] >> Anybody else? Questions for Jess? >> Thank you. Okay. Next was the policy. Uh Melissa, there are four policies included for a second read and approval. >> I'm not aware of any feedback that has been received. Uh if there's any comments on the policies that are in there. Um but we would like a motion on those tonight. >> Can we move them as a slate? >> Yes. >> Um I'd

039like a Anybody have a motion? Jesse? Ah Stacy? >> I'll make a motion. >> Thank you. slate >> to move the slate. Uh they are I should say they are policies AB. >> Thank you. >> Excuse [clears throat] me. Policy JIC policy JICJ and policy J L I A. The motion is made by Stacy. Anybody second it? David. >> Oh, sorry, Julia. I saw David first. Seconded by David. Uh any discussion on the policies? All those in favor of the policies, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstain? Excellent. The next is finance. Finance did not have an >> Can I just ask a question on policy? >> Sure. >> Yeah. Thank you. So Melissa, have you guys started to look at policy um I uh KF, which is the graduation requirements yet?

040>> No, we have not had we have not used uh looked at that one yet. >> Okay. Can I just I'm just encouraging the district to look in that because the um new minimum standards of 306 rules have created three half credit requirements. So logic and rhetoric is now a half credit requirement. Economics and stats and data analysis are now half credit requirements. Those classes don't have to be standalone classes. Um, so there's it's just not where those get embedded or if you're going to have new classes, but it also may affect how many credits we ask our kids because you could have a one credit class now that doesn't change that has maybe um data analysis already embedded in it. So instead of getting one credit, the student is now getting one and a

041half. So seat ch seat time has changed. So, >> yeah, this is related to those ED 306 changes. >> So, and it's it's it's kind of a big deal in the [clears throat] fact that it affects >> this year's eighth graders. They're the ones that are going to be affected by it >> and in a couple months, they're going to be selecting their classes for their freshman year. So, I would just encourage the district to >> to go on it sooner than later. >> We actually are hard at work at this at the high school level right now looking at the program studies and how we're going to go about addressing those um things. And then we'll we will be bringing that plan to the the policy. >> Very good. >> Um and we do

042need to set a date for a policy meeting. We were not able to meet um last week uh due to some conflicts. So we do need to set a date for policy. >> Okay. Do you have any suggestions? >> You can set it now. >> Okay. I was looking at either one second. I had the calendar and I was looking at the policies. Mhm. >> Um I don't know if we want to try after pineets next Monday on the 10th. >> You can't meet on the 10th. Okay. Um what about 17th? >> Andover. Okay. Uh the 24th we have another Oops. Sorry, my calendar jumped. >> Finance. >> There's finance on the 24th. I don't know. Is there anybody else meeting after finance? No. Um, are you guys available on the 24th? >> I am.

043Yeah. >> Okay. Do we want to uh start at 6? That'll give 15 minutes for finance to wrap up and >> Yeah. >> transition. All right. 6 o'clock on the 24th. >> I have to bring cupcakes. [laughter] >> Oh gosh. >> That's my birthday. >> Sounds like a great way to spend your birthday. [laughter] >> We'll have to bring you a cake. Um so next is finance. They did we did not have an official meeting. Um but Tom is going to report. >> Yeah. So we didn't have a quorum so it wasn't really a meeting but we we talked about some things and there was no votes or uh decisions made but we just kind of talked about a few things. So just as a reminder um we're looking at right now uh potentially four

044financial warrants. Um and those would be a operating budget. there would be um a teacher contract and two expendable trusts, one for maintenance and one for special education. So, we started talking about uh what those look like as far as uh as far as those two expendable trusts and what's our what's our goal at the end and what do we want to put in um maybe per year and how many years we want to have a warrant uh specific to those to those two expendable trusts. Um, and I've been talking a lot about um getting out ahead of uh the public hearing and to have uh members of the board go to their communities and talk about the budget. Um, you know, we we bantered around, you know, uh going to select board meetings, maybe

045budget committee meetings. I know that uh Pinnacook's a little different. And I think it's PBA I think is what it's called. >> PVA Penokeook Village Association. [clears throat] >> Yep. And then you know PTO's or or different organizations. Um and then uh I share that Bill Hines had an idea uh don't wait too late. Um get ahead of it now and go there and listen and not sell a product. Um and I appreciated that. So, I I would love if um feedback, anybody that's listening um at home uh who would uh like us to come or not for us to come to your communities and talk about the budget, what you think of that idea and when. And anybody here, if you want to talk uh during public hearing about your thoughts about that, love

046to hear what you have to think. um but really looking to uh overcommunicate um the budget this year. Uh so that was a that was a big piece of it. So again, no decisions made, just a lot of talk. Our next meeting is November 10th and um I don't remember what time it is >> at 5:15. >> 5:15 November 10th >> at the SAU. Can I >> certainly >> I will say that there are several people from >> I don't know if that's on >> Oh, I guess it is. You weren't just close enough. Sorry. >> I will say there are several people from Lowden looking for followth through on us attending the select board meeting. >> Oh, good, good, good. >> Thank you. >> If they're listening, I hope they they can email me,

047they can contact me. I'd appreciate it. Anybody else have any questions? So, next we'll move on to old business. Uh the first thing on old business is the Marramac Valley Learning Center. The facilities committee um has a recommendation. Jessica, would you like to make a motion based on that committee decision? >> Yeah. Um I'll make a motion um that we maintain the current programming at MVLC, the Marramac Valley Learning Center, and move forward um with the plan to improve the facility. >> Second. seconded by Stacy. Any discussion, questions for Jess? >> Um I think I would like to talk a little bit. >> Okay, go ahead. >> Little bit about the process just so we get some beats out. Um >> sounds good. >> Uh so to kind of summarize what has been going on,

048um this has been a decision months in the making and um >> I would say years in the making, >> years depending on who you're asking. Um and but with um once we we we received um the facility assessment and the valuation report um the district was able to come through with uh a plan to present to the facilities committee. I have included both the valuation report which was um basically how much the building is valued and I did send that to the board as well as the facility assessment um the bondwell report which is what we are discussing right now. Um over the course of a few months, we have had um each I would say department I suppose um talk to their piece Fred to um the the [clears throat] report the um

049uh facility assessment um the plan within and kind of how they would like to go about doing that. Um Randy did speak to some of the financial aspects which I'm sure that folks are really gung-ho to speak about and we'll get to that in a second. But we also spoke with um Julie about the students and the programming that's in there. And I think it's important to say a few things about this. Um overall the committee has done a lot of due diligence um reviewing everything and discussing this with [snorts] with um administration. Um but importantly I think um that this it's important to stress that this program is valued by the at least in my opinion by the district administration and would like to see it continue and grow. Um but to speak to

050the piece that I know is on a lot of people's minds. Um I think the financial aspect it's um important to discuss that what is in the report is an estimate and all of these things would go out to bid. The estimate is roughly about $5 million. And of course, again, as we've been um kind of speaking to, this is not something that we would be the district would be spending right now. It would be a process over time um using revenues from the current programming that is in there to assist with offsetting the costs among other things like grant funding and other other um items we have also openly discussed with the uh administration. So just to get those pieces out of the way, um I'm happy to, you know, have uh open discussion.

051Um I assume that administration would be happy to answer any questions folks have or the committee. >> So I have a couple questions. Um >> okay, >> thank you. Process over time. So what how much time are you thinking as a as a committee? You mean how long is this going to take? >> Well, very much. Um, it has been uh I mean, Fred could definitely speak more to this, but this is um, as far as we understand it, a year'slong process. It's going to be dependent on revenues, grants, and what becomes available over time. This will be much like the CIP with some exceptions. There are some things that need to be done beforehand. Um, but everything else would be a little bit fluid, kind of like the capital improvement. >> Okay. >> And

052I don't know if Fred would like to speak to kind of how you um how it's settling right now, but as I as far as we understood that this would be yours. What was the question? I'm sorry. >> Turn the microphone on, please. >> About how long do you think that this would take? >> Um, I would say >> plan on it taking >> um seven to 10 years would be my guess. Um, you know, the original report from Banwell, you know, totals 10 or 11 million. >> Um, I think we can do it for a lot cheaper than that. Um, the gym, gym floor, bleaches, basically a new gym is not included in that because that's the last on the priority list. Um, it depends on the programming, how much money we save, bringing

053our kids back maybe in the future over to the learning center, saving that money, how many other district kids we can get in there. Um, you know, the first thing that we want the first thing we want to do is the elevator, which will gain us access to the third floor and uh four more full-size CL well fullsize Washington Street classrooms and two or three other smaller areas, you know, something guidance, tutoring, reading, all kinds of things can go in there. Um it's it's a win-win situation simply put. >> Thank you Fred. >> Um so just may I keep going Tracy? >> Sure. >> So uh yearslong process 7 to 10 years. Uh when would it start? >> Go ahead. >> Um started >> as early as July. We have a quote for the elevator.

054Um I still have some questions on that quote. Um which will lower it. Um >> what's the quote? >> The quote was $723 with 10% contingency and that is due to when we make >> 723,000. >> Yes. um and a 10% contingency. And that would be based on when we make penetrations through the second and third floor ceilings whether or not we're going to come in contact with any asbestous mud fittings. Um there are a lot of them in that school. We don't know where they are. Do I suspect that we're going to hit any of those? 5050. Um and then 10% for architect and engineering fees which brings the total to about 900,000. Um there are some items on that quote that I firmly believe that we can do in house. Um >> sorry.

055>> And also this will go out to bid. Normally when you go out to bid you get a better price than you do in a single when you go for a budget number. So, thank you, >> Laura. >> Yes. Can you tell us some of the things Can you tell us what are some of the things you've already done at Washington Street in preparation for this project or to help the building? >> Um, I don't know if I've done anything in preparation for this project. the things that have been done over there. Um the first floor has been completely insulated. Um Cat 6 run everywhere. Um we have a new electrical entrance separate for CSI that includes all of the first floor and where the stage used to be, which is where the lunchroom and

056kitchen for uh kitchen class now is. that is all wired for Cat 6. All new electricity there. So at some point when we talking about electricity that is just for the brick building um and the gym which is brick. [clears throat] Um I put two new entrances, one on the main entrance and one on the side entrance. Um the steps were simply falling apart and it became a very serious safety issue. Um, not just because somebody might slip, but underneath those steps is a big hole, 12 feet deep. And by big hole, I mean the same dimensions as the steps up top um with new railings. Um, so yeah, those things on the first floor um and the steps that's what that's what's been done the last three or four years. >> Thank you, Laura.

057>> I just sorry if you can hear me with my muffled mask. I I just wanted to point out that the stuff that we looked at is opportunity costs, too. So if we do this third floor access with the elevator, it will allow us to either have more of our students who are maybe currently out placed out of the district or to earn revenue from people who would be able to come and access that building. So I think it's, you know, when you're talking about cost, you also have to look at what it's going to generate for revenue, too. >> Thank you. Anybody else? >> I do. >> Tom, >> so you got about potential of spending about $900,000 um starting in July. Uh talked about district money and we talked about uh offsetting that

058with with uh tuition money, I'm assuming the revenue. Uh so how would that break out? I mean, we're we're developing a budget now. How would this shake down? I'm going to let um [clears throat] um admin go ahead and answer the more delicate budgetary items. >> So, I think it's we're trying to uh as Fred was alluding to, stay away from adding to the budget. So, it would be a matter of uh looking to see what's left and how many students we have coming in. Currently the um the tuition is $70,000 for out of district students. We currently have seven students um at the learning center. Um so obviously that's a revenue that's coming in and by expanding once we get to that point um we can up those programs because of the way that

059the um program approval is from the state really when we add a teacher and a pair professional we add 12 seats to that um to that program but as far as the phase one I think it would be as as Fred said sort of a wait and see what's left and what we can bring in if we can add more students um as we go um through the year. >> So when you say what's left, do you mean what's left of the operating budget at the end of the year >> of uh the building and and site improvement lines? Fred's been kind of holding off one to see here and also knowing understanding that we're in a deficit uh situation. Um so really trying to maximize the the students that we have coming in. We

060do still have some uh open seats in our existing programs and obviously if we can you know we want to take care of our our own students first but if we can bring in a student from out of district we'll certainly take that revenue. >> Okay. So, I I just um and I just feel like I need these questions answered and so excuse them, but we we owe we we still have a $800,000 deficit from the 2 million from last year at this time. And we're we're looking I mean, what's what's our obligation to pay that back first before we start spending district money on other projects? Well, I think you know when Fred said 7 to 10 years, which I think is probably pretty spot on. I mean, he does know his stuff. Even

061though he says as early as July, that would be all things being perfect through the year. It may not, you know, next year it may be business as usual and try to increase the um out of district tuitions and bring in more revenue to um to look at making some of those improvements to the building. Okay. So, when you when you talk um I know you talked revenue, so I I've heard um this referred to as uh you know um sort of self uh self financing. I've heard that bantered around a little bit. Um but right now we have 11 um employees in the in that building and there actually 12 and uh but there was 11 given to me and it was just that somebody had um needed to take time off and they

062weren't included which is fine. Uh but the 11 employees that were mentioned were $859,000 um in salaries and benefits. That doesn't include custodial costs. That doesn't include heat, electricity, plowing, and everything that it takes to, you know, keep the lights on and the building clean and the rooms warm. So, that's another substantial amount of money. Um, I inquired about a a um space study here at the high school, and I say that because I know that um In past years, several years ago, uh they used to hold an alternative program at Marramac Valley High School. Did not have the special ed component, but it did have an alternative ed component to it. And it was held right here at Marramac Valley High School. Since then, enrollment has decreased by 250 300 kids. So, there's a

063lot more lot fewer bodies in the building. in about I don't know Fred was it 2005 2006 we had a addition put on in the high school so there's more room and fewer kids and I was wondering if the district would consider to take a look at uh let me first say the program is wonderful there Julie does a wonderful job things are are are great there I this is not about the program I think the programs there are terrific so I just need to say that I'm not not there. I'm just I'm struggling with the location of it. And I was wondering if we could have a study uh done of this building to see if we could make a school within a school that would give them the same opportunities they get at

064the learning center um and not not have the learning center or the Washington Street School. >> Um Sally How much would a space study cost? Like what have space studies cost in the past? They're not cheap. Correct. >> Tens of thousands of dollars. Okay. Thanks. >> Which is a lot lot less than 5 million. >> Okay. So, a couple things that I think need to be added to this discussion. If you're requesting that we do another space study, I believe I alluded to this a little bit in that this has been an ongoing discussion for decades and study after study after examination between different boards over the course of the years has gotten us to this point. Now, I'm hesitant to say yes, let's do another study >> costing us tens of thousands of dollars,

065discussing it over the course of the next year or two and have it lost. Um, I know that the plan could potentially, assuming the stars align and everything is perfect, perhaps start next July and then take the course of 10 years to do. So it doesn't feel like it's a rush, but we also have to remember that the district is about to be in transition between facilities directors. I'm also hesitant to keep kicking the can down the road for a study another study um when we know that we have a program that's working where it is. All right, we could do a space study. And I'd also like to mention that Julie did speak a little bit to [clears throat] um what it might be what it what it would look like if we move

066the students back in. >> sorry. Go ahead. >> No, I thought that you were done on make a comment. >> [clears throat] [laughter] >> Um, and so [clears throat] I, like I said, I'm I'm hesitant to ask for another study and it taking another year or six months or however long [snorts] it is for something that might work when in the past it was attempted and wasn't as successful as we would like it to be. these um in part of the presentation that we received from [clears throat] student services, it was um made pretty apparent that these students who um who are in this program, these programs um were not thriving where they were and being and allowing them to move to a smaller space with um in their least restrictive environment was um better

067overall for them and for the district when it comes to, you know, if we're talking about cost that let's just say um we decided to close the building and maybe through a study it could be that there's 25 spaces we could fit for this. Well, then that's leaving some students who will be sent out of district and who also might not thrive in that building. And my concern is if we were to go that route, again, taking more time to do this, that we would be looking at increasing out of district placements when the goal and it seems to me the vision of the district is to pull students back in, which is one of the reasons why they want to have the space um at the current location. So, I know that, you know,

068it's you said about $800,000, but $800,000 per year, right, for staff. Coupled that against spending millions of dollars sending kids out of district, I'm not sure if it's [snorts] I'm not sure if that's the most wise fiscal decision. um when we have something that is working for these students close to home, keeping them as some folks have um testified, keeping them close to their friends and their um their clubs and their dances and everything where I'm I'm really hesitant to put those students um futures like in jeopardy by doing something that might work, but we don't really know. So that's that's kind of >> Can I respond to that? Um, I don't know if Julie actually wants to speak. >> No, next. Yep. No, no, Julie. Julie, you [clears throat] >> All right. Can you

069hear me? Okay. >> Yep. >> All right. So, a couple of points I wanted to make tonight. Um, so the current enrollment at the learning center also includes middle school students. So, I think when we talk about um potentially looking at another space for the high school students, we also have to consider that there would be an additional space needed for middle school students. Um you know, as as Mr. Armstrong said at one point, um you know, we had the ability to take in a student who was in the fifth grade. Um that that couldn't happen if the program was at the high school. Um so a few important points to um kind of think about alternative programming. So by nature alternative programming um requires things like a unique culture um a unique structure and

070um different strategies for working with those students. Um so all of those things would be compromised if the program was absorbed into the bigger setting. Um, I can tell you an example of something I experienced um that everyday um occurrence um for students here at the high school or every year occurrence would be let's say the the photographer comes in for um picture day and um all the kids are excited about getting their picture taken for the yearbook. Um well, at the learning center, that was a a a day that a lot of students would call out because they didn't want to come over here to the high school. Um especially those who had just left for a particular reason. And that's not a dig at the high school. Um it's just to point out

071that the mental health component of alternative programming um is real and significant. Um it's something that those who work in alternative programming and the special ed you know of course as well um experience with their students every single day. Um so I would predict that there would be a huge increase in um incidents around u mental health crisis. Um I also think that um things like truency uh students attend the learning center um at times because of struggles with with truency and attending school. Um and there are some amazing success stories of students who weren't attending when they were enrolled here at the high school. and after um some really creative programming at the learning center, their attendance is fully remediated [clears throat] and they're thriving in that environment. Um, also, um, dropout. Um, you

072know, one of the reasons that the originally way back in, I think the early 2000s, one of the reasons that the, um, programming was considered uh, was really to take a look at that dropout rate and to lower that. Um, so that would be another thing I think that would be at risk. um if the program moved um we would definitely lose some of those kids. Um I also I you know I I I think that the number of students who would require an outofd district placement um could potentially be fairly large. Um we have uh we talk about least restrictive environment. At one of the meetings I had shared that continuum of placements. Um if we meet with a family, let's say right now this week, we meet with a family and we talk

073about um what we're proposing as a team uh for a the stu a student um and considering the least restrictive environment. if we lose that program and actually the site itself um that whole concept of least restrictive environment completely changes and so we can't through the special ed process say just kidding um now we're going to try this at the high school we want to try it in in the bigger setting um we would have to look at out of district placements which in our state sadly those are very limited um we don't have a lot of options options, especially for female students. We don't have a lot of options. Um, and the the options that are remaining would likely be the most expensive ones. Um, let's see. Um, and I well, and feel free

074to throw some more questions. Um I have tons of notes in front of me, but I think just one more um important thing to consider um is that the learning center has a a fairly decent success rate in remediating students. Um when they are in that smaller um kind of more isolated setting, they have the opportunity to practice social skills that would be um like stigmatizing in a larger setting. And so they have the opportunity to practice those, experience the success, and then they can transfer those over into the larger setting um with the convenience of that programming being so close by. Uh the students can practice them, come over um as stated, say in in a preferred type of a class where they can experience the success and then build upon that um and

075in many cases become full-time students here at the high school. Once again, um and the the same is true for the middle school programming. Um you know, there there are students who are successful in that uh program and are able to then join the high school um for ninth grade. >> So, uh Laura, I'd like to say something then you can go and then Julia. Um so I just want to say that um because I am old I uh was here when the program was housed here in the building and um it was not successful. Um and it didn't work for the students in the program. It didn't work for the students in the rest of the school. It was disruptive to all the students in the school. Um and it did it didn't do

076what we had hoped it would do when the program was instituted. Um I just want to say that first of all I wanted to also say that the staff um even if we moved them here if we moved the students here the staff's not going to go away. It's still going to cost the amount of money that it costs for staff. Um, also I think something that we need to look at is if we were to do away with that program, we would be doing away with CSI. CSI does pay rent to the school to the district um for that for what they use. Um, CSI also graduates uh anywhere from 15 to 25 students a year um from Marramac Valley School District as well as any other many other school districts. um that would

077probably be 15 to 25 students that would not graduate from high school, which would I think would be a terrible disservice to those students. Um also, when the um school district needed paving, um CSI helped with half the cost of the paving. So, I I don't know, maybe we could ask CSI again to help us with some of the costs or um I don't know how that works. But um anyway, I the program has worked incredibly well and I would hate for it to move back here because I think it would suffer. So, it was Laura, then Julia, then Stacy. And please, please, and then uh Amanda, I'm sorry. Please um try to I know that we have spoken about this a lot. And so, if we're going to keep talking about it, let's try

078and make sure that we're speaking about things that haven't been said. Um, I can't remember the exact year, but I think it was between like 2005 and 2010. We had a group that included community members, schoolboard members. Fred kind of led the group, but we and and Martin was the superintendent. He was pretty involved in it. We went and looked at Washington Street, what was there, all the advantages and disadvantages. Spent a lot of time doing that. I can't remember his name, but the person who owned Bey wanted to give us that building properly for free. So, we went over and looked at it. It ended up having too many environmental problems besides it might not have been a good fit fit, but the environmental problems scared us away. Uh-huh. >> Then we thought about

079what if we were to build a building >> and we we thought some land might be available near Hill here in Pinnacook at the time and looking at the basic cost of building a new building was very expensive just to have a couple of classrooms and not have all the advantages of Washington Street. So, we've done that kind of work before. >> Thank you, Julia. Um, I was just going to say that I value everybody's questions and opinions, but I was wondering if we could do a roll call vote just to see where we're all at right now before we >> So, are you asking to move the question? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. >> I just have one other >> uh Sorry. >> It has to go with >> Right. It does have

080to go in the um the speaking order that but the we are move but then once the spooky so I'm sorry. So once the speaking order that I've already set up, which was Stacy, then Amanda, um then we will um vote on moving the question. Stacy, >> I'm going to I'm going to forego my comments and support. >> Okay, Amanda, >> I have a few questions, but just quickly, a quick yes or no. You said we are not at full capacity for students down there. So currently we have um we have the middle school has 10 students which it's approved for 12. Um out of those 10 we we receive out of district tuition for two of them. Um at the high school level we have two programs. We have the special ed program and

081alternative ed programming which is for students who are not identified. Um, so the high school has two special ed teachers, which means they could have 24 students. They have 18. >> Okay. So, we currently have eight vacancies. Um, and I'm saying that because um, you anticipate that we could fill the program to offset the cost. You there was talk about being able to use that tuition to offset the cost of the renos. Um and then do we have a daily running cost? Is the is it a deficit or do we have a flat number of the daily running cost >> like with all things considered? >> You mean >> for for >> building operations? >> Yeah. Um standard basic invoicing if you will. Um some of the things that Tom mentioned >> Yeah. >> the

082same things that you get at your house. It's $55,000 a year >> for [clears throat] the district. >> Okay. >> For the entire building. >> Oh, for CSI. >> For the Oh, sorry. [clears throat] >> 55. Now, if the boiler breaks down, that obviously is going to add to the cost, but operational cost is right around 55,000 a year, and CSI's lease is 30,000 a year. And then just to make sure that I understand the motion correctly, it's a two-part motion, correct? Say, and um one is to keep the program and one is the facility itself. And you're combining that into one? >> No, it's it's one motion to basically maintain what we have, but allow the district to move forward with this plan. >> By maintain what we have, I mean maintain the programming

083we have. >> Okay. So, it is two. It's the program and the building. >> It's one motion, >> right? But it's two in one. I'm just making sure I understand it correctly. It's not just the building. It's not just the program. It's both. >> Okay. >> Um, though I [clears throat] will say that facility doesn't really get to make that decision. Um, but it was the uh motion that was made in facilities about programming. That's not that. >> Okay. So the motion right now is to move the question from Julia. All those in favor of moving the question say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Any abstain? So we're moving the question. So now we're moving on to the motion that Jessica made and that is to um go forward with the facilities. Um

084and you already did >> been [laughter] a while >> but thank you. But it was a while ago. So motion is to go forward with the facilities uh motion to uh the facilities recommendation to um go forward with the renovations. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Oh, that's right. Julia wanted a roll call vote. Yep. >> So, can you ask um So, you're right. I'm sorry, Julia. Thank you. >> Can you call the roll call, Candy, please? back up there. >> Sure. No problem. >> All right. So, Tracy, >> yes. >> Sally Hersh Dickinson. >> Yes. >> Tom Liberty. [clears throat] Um, >> great program. I don't have enough information. My questions weren't answered. Um, so I'm going to abstain. Melissa Muzzy. >> Yes. >> Jessica Wheeler Russell. >> Yes. >>

085Laura Vincent. >> Yes. >> David Nesbet. >> Yes. >> Julia Jones. >> Yes. >> Stacy Jarvis. >> Yes. Laura Carlile. >> Yes. >> And Amanda York. >> The way it's currently um in motion. No. >> So the um two nine yeses, one no, one abstension. The motion passes. Thank you. So, next we're going to um I have a um I am asking for if something doesn't get put on the agenda, I need to [snorts] ask for a vote to put it on the agenda. Um we forgot to put um I'm sorry, we forgot to put the New Hampshire School Board Association report. Um, Jessica went to the uh NHSBA um file meeting and I forgot to put it on the agenda. So, I'm sorry. I'm asking if you all would allow that to be on

086the um agenda. All of those in favor say I. >> I. >> Uh were you going to make a motion, Tom? >> Yeah, I thought that's what I needed to do. >> Yeah. Okay. Probably that would be best. Tom. The motion by Tom, seconded by Jess. Uh, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Thank you for allowing that, Jess. >> Thank you. So, yes, um, both Stacy and I did go um to the NHSBA um, delegation and there was a uh, very robust conversation around a few of these items. I will say that the majority of them kind of passed as we expected um within the um recommendations from NHSBA, but there were two that I wanted to at least mentioned that were changed. Um so items oh goodness 13, 14,

08715, all three of them were around um uh open enrollment and after much discussion um it was actually uh vote it was actually modified instead of the recommendation which was to have a a whole paragraph and list and things as under question 13 that we um the body decided to vote for a simpler resolution which is NHSBA opposes statemandated open enrollment. Um to be transparent I did vote yay for that one after the conversations that were had. And then the last one was item number 23 which was around catastrophic uh special education. Um initially the recommendation had been to just keep using a um currently existing um proposed resolution or a continuing resolution, excuse me, and that um that it wouldn't be supported. But then the currently existing resolution was actually modified um to read

088and I wrote it down here. Hang on one second. To instead uh to now read uh let's see what was it 2B now reads NHSB supports reducing the threshold for determining the local share of catastrophic special education aid um and to advocate for full funding by the state legislature. And I did also vote yay for that. >> Any questions for Jess or Stacy about their time in the delegate assembly? >> Okay, thank you. Next, uh the assistant superintendent search process update. Randy, [clears throat] >> this will be quick. Just a reminder that we are coming up on November 12th, which is the the uh the final date where you know the uh we are down to two finalists. um through we just got through the visitation round and now we'll have uh on November 12th

089starting at 4:30 um so you're welcome to attend any of the three u we're going to have uh panels of people asking questions but we're going to have an audience for each uh each one of those groups and you're welcome um to sit in on any one of those groups so there'll be an administrator group a faculty staff group and a community group. Um, and the the final two candidates will be doing a little roundrobin going around to those three groups and then we'll move on. >> Is that here? >> It's going to be here at the high school. Yeah, I'll send you a a little blur with all of the all of the details. Yes, Jess. >> Um, if if folks would like to be part of the community panel, do they need to

090like contact you or can they just appear? Uh what as far as being on the uh committee, Chris Barry is the facilitator for that. Um so folks could uh reach out. Um I believe uh building principles are looking at their PTO's and PTGs and PTAs um to uh get some some folks uh sent her uh sent to Chris's uh attention. >> Thank you. Any other questions about assistant super? Okay. Next is manifest and journal entries. Melissa and I have both signed them digitally. Um so I'll need a motion. >> Just Julia rather and moved by Julia, seconded by Laura to um business. >> Oh, sorry. >> So, totally sorry. We're going to do manifest and journal journal entries and then we'll go back to new business. It wouldn't be a meeting without me skipping one

091thing. Um, so all those in favor, >> I have one question. I just have one question. >> Manifest and journal entries. Sorry. >> It's okay. Um, so I did see obviously school school choice uh school care in here. Um, but I'm looking at one a couple lines here that are for health trust. Is there like is that a different entity or is that involved in our current >> I got it. So uh school >> can you turn that on? Can you turn on your mic please? >> It is on. Um so school care is health insurance. Health trust is dental. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you. Other questions. >> Okay. So now we can vote on the manifest and journal entries. All those in favor of the manifest and journal entries say

092I. >> I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? Excellent. Now, we'll go back to new business. Sorry, Kathleen. I did not mean to skip you. >> That's quite all right. Um, in your packet, you saw the list of uh retirements. November 1st is the retirement notification date for teachers and support staff who um are going to retire by the end of June or at the end of June and they've had 15 to 19 years in the district. Um there are three in the packet. Uh two power professionals that work at Bosquin. Um Diane Ross and Joan Joseph uh teacher here at the high school, Bob Mullen. There are two that are not listed in the packet. Lynn Bousard, a teacher at Lowden, and Kelly Lewis, a teacher at the middle school. >> Thank you. The next is

093the board chairperson report. Um, I'm gonna go on to assistant super report. >> We did not receive good news from music boosters, did we? >> Okay. Well, pass that around and check that out because there's quite a bit in there. Um, so a group of [clears throat] sixth grade science students in Mrs. Kilmister's class was selected as one of two middle schools in the country to be in a live presentation with Discovery Education for their futures fair. Um, this group is going to be meeting with Jenn on November 5th. The title of the presentation that they're participating in, science that heals, exploring biotech breakthroughs with Genentech. Um, and the description of that program that they're participating in is step into the world of biotechnology and explore how science, technology, and a passion for helping others

094come together to create medicines that make a difference. Um, students are going to learn how biotech is transforming healthcare and discover what it's like to work in one of the most exciting fields in science. So, that's a great opportunity for some of our sixth grade scientists. >> Um, last Nick, Nick, we didn't we didn't confer before >> [laughter] >> this time. So, last week we uh had Halloween celebrations in all of our elementary schools and uh the marching band went to PEES on Friday afternoon to lead their parade. That's always um a highlight not just for the musicians and the elementary students, but the many many community members that show up to attend that. Uh Veterans Day is fast approaching and we have events planned in all of our schools in recognition of the holiday.

095Um, if you saw the packet cover, um, the ALES student council recently visited the veterans home and they had an opportunity to spend time with the veterans and ask them questions about their service and life experiences. Uh, the 8th grade DC trip is scheduled to depart next Monday. Unfortunately, if the government does not reopen, the trip will be cancelled um, at at least for now. But it's possible we we may not be able to reschedu. Um, our vendors have been very generous. We have a deadline of 1 pm on Thursday. So, cross your fingers. Hope the government reopens before them. Um, and lastly on my list, Louden Elementary School is implementing Alice. Um, ALS stands for alert, lockdown, inform, counter, evacuate. It's an approach to violent intruders. It's an expansion of our safety responses. Um

096they are going to be holding a community information night on November 19th at 6 pm. They're doing this in collaboration with both the police and fire chiefs in that town. Um and this is an approach that we're going to be looking to expand throughout both of our districts next year. So if you're interested in attending that community night. >> Thank you. >> November 19th. >> Yes. What time? >> 19th at 6 p.m. >> Sorry, I need to write that down. >> So, next uh superintendent report. >> One of the things I miss the most about being the assistant superintendent was getting to talk about good things happening around the district, then it comes to me and just talk about the the business. So, I'm going to throw in some of that. uh good news stuff,

097but you know, really just to give you a little update, we're full on uh obviously in budget season, you know, in in both districts, negotiations in both districts, they're moving along uh fairly well, but uh certainly uh something that keeps everyone on their toes and uh the assistant superintendent search process is taking quite a bit of time. But um so hopefully you saw in that list that out of seven finalists for kid governor, we have two out of the seven. So you know we're going to have some kids either as kid governor uh on the executive council for the kid governor which I think is awesome. Um the Chris McAuliff technology conference is coming up soon. We have um a presenter from the middle school who's going to be there and Tom W Liberty is

098going to be leading a panel. Um Tom, I don't know if you want to give a little plug for your your spot at uh Mclliff. No. All right. If you grab the program, if that's something you're interested in in attending, you'll see u Tom's name on there as well as uh Crystal Sierra from from the middle school. So, um good things. So, SAU 46 um showing up strong here in the public. >> Excellent. That's fabulous. So, next would be public comment. Thank you, Nick. [clears throat] >> Thank you, Louise Andrew from Salsbury. I am very disappointed in the school board because they have not come up with a way for us to borrow or put on the a school warrant next year to get rid of our deficit. This deficit is hanging over the heads

099of we the taxpayers. And if anything happens down the road and none of us can have a crystal ball and something happens that we have to spend more money this year, next year compared to what it's in the budget, we are going to have a big problem. I would love to see that taken care of. As far as the Marramac Valley Learning Center, it's great. What I've got to say has nothing to do with the school itself, but I am very disappointed that the school board made a decision tonight to go forward to make renovations on that building. That should have been done by the taxpayers at a public hearing or in March when we have our annual meeting. Whether that building is renovated or not or we sell it or not, that's up to

100the taxpayers. That isn't up just to the school board. And as far as bringing the children and students back here, I think it's a study whether you like it or not should have taken place. Two years ago at least, Washington Street School was brought up at an annual meeting and a study was going to take place. Nothing was done until this year when I asked for the report and there was no report. So nothing had been done. And now all of a sudden we're push push push to save the Washington Street School. And we don't really have accurate figures. Now I'm on a building committee at the Marat County Nursing Home and it's been an eyeopener and it makes you ask questions. So as far as the Washington Street School goes, there's not enough information

101as to what it's going to cost and how long it's going to take. You take every year that something's put off, it costs more money. So, I think more more accurate figures were needed before you could even make a decision to go ahead with renovations. And as far as bringing the students back to this school, I came up with some figures, and these came from the superintendent a while back. The New Hampshire Department of Education says the high school has a capacity of 1,265 students. The middle school has a capacity of 1900 918 students. I'm sorry. >> At the >> Louise, that's three minutes. Can you could you >> Yeah, I'll sum it up. >> Okay. At the current time, we have 491 middle school students and 697 high school students. >> That leaves 900

102spaces of students and I say we could bring them back. We could do a good job and we could do better than what is going to be done. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Lisa Laughlin from Lowden. Um, just because you can do something doesn't mean you should, especially when it comes to special education and diverse learning styles. I will leave it at that. Um, I will say as far as the Washington DC trip goes, I would like to strongly encourage that any opportunity to reschedu that trip, even if it's in May, please do it. I have a 25-year-old and a 21-year-old, both of whom went on those trips, they still talk about them. they are a bonding experience for the children who are able to attend and who choose to attend. So I think

103it's just a really great experience all around. So that's what I want to say. Thank you. >> Thank you, Lee. >> Anybody else? Tom, >> thank you. So I I got a couple things. Um, first, um, when I would just ask my fellow board members when we're talking about something so important, you know, Tracy said, um, you know, new new material, right? Um, I had a lot to speak and I feel like we should be able to speak till it's conversation is over. And uh so I was left with not knowing what I want to know about the project. And I would just ask from here on out that we allow the conversation to finish and not be struck down. So I got a I got a uh quick quick here. This take maybe two

104minutes. And this is uh thinking about good news in the future. So recently the US News and World Report came out with the uh 20 best New Hampshire high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. And it it really kind of made me start to think and it made me think about how important good schools are for property values and for getting people to move in. Uh when I was a a principal here, uh Mike Martin was the superintendent and from the day I got here till the day I left, he talked about being in the bullseye. Being in the bullseye. He talked about it with leadership. He talked about it with um with the board. Um and that bullseye was student achievement. And Chris Barry, who is the school board uh was was the assistant

105superintendent, would annually share student results um with with the with the board. And so I've gone back and and I think of my time on the board and and watching meetings in those chairs and watching them at home. I think that's kind of gone. I don't think that we've been doing that. And I've gone back and I looked at the last six annual reports and I even put them in AI and and looked for how our kids are performing academically. Um and I and I haven't found it. Um, so and I also think about what we do as a board. We do three things, right? We do a budget, we do policy, and we create district goals. Um, and the long range plan, we don't have academic goals. We don't have any, right? We don't

106talk about how our kids are doing. And I'm going to say that there's no one test that says how we're doing, but a series of tests does. And We have the New Hampshire state um assessment that we've had for couple few decades now. Um that has a it's a common test over the years and like all public schools um we're required to have our third through eighth graders take ELA and math tests. They some also have to take the science but I'm just focused on on ELA and math. um those assessments are aligned to the the learning frameworks um that are the expected outcomes that our kids are supposed to have and when we have years of data it tells a story and it shows trends. >> Tom, that's three minutes. Can you >> Yeah.

107Okay. Wind. Yep. Yeah. So what I'm requesting then is for a good news so to start a meeting that we have the information on how our kids are performing over the last 10 or 12 years. What's that look like and what we are doing in the school system to support our learners. So we have a K to2 Can I just have like 30 seconds? We have we have a K to2 math and ELA specialist. I would love to know how they work with Katherine, how they work with the building principles. I would love to know how the building principles >> Okay, Tom. >> Seriously. >> Yes, Tom. Everybody else, I cut them off at three minutes. You, too. >> I'm sorry. >> I think Stacey has anything to talk about. >> Anybody else um have

108good news or have public comment? >> Yeah, I have public comment. Um just in response to to the comment that was made earlier by Tom. um you know, not getting to to address things and there's things that he um has questions still and wasn't answered. This was not the first opportunity to discuss Washington Street. There have been months of committee meetings, facility committee meetings that could have been attended. You could have addressed your concerns, your questions could have been answered. Um so as a board member, there is opportunity to fully discuss these things. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. Them >> seriously, >> we're not supposed this is not about back and forth. This is time for public comment. >> Is there anybody else who has a public comment? >> The public comment about the purpose

109committee. >> Yes. >> So, um I do have public comment. We do have a Marramac Valley food pantry that is supporting some of our families. I have been running um I've I've gone um at least one week um bringing some food to the pantry. Um I am willing to pick up [clears throat] food for folks who might wish to be donating to the MBLC food pantry. Um frozen vegetables that is not broccoli would be greatly welcomed. [laughter] Um >> I think they want Brussels sprouts. >> No, don't give them Brussels sprouts. I've got corn for y'all in my freezer right now. um um things like that. Um shelf stable foods, you know, fantastic, but I think that there is a great need for like um butter and margarine and I am willing to um take

110a drive um to [clears throat] pick some things up when I make my next run. I'm hoping to do that probably next Monday. Um, if you folks have something to donate, please email my um, the email I'll read to you right now, which is my name, Jessica Wheeler Russell for the number four, mbsdgmail.com. And I'm hopeful I can arrange a pickup or if you want to drop stuff off at my house, whatever is most convenient for you, please feel free to contact me for donations. Thank you. >> Thank you. We have another Nick. We have somebody in the back. Thank you. >> Hi, Irene Artega, resident of Pentacook. I have a question in regard to the Washington Street School and the proposal to push through to vote it through for um accepting the renovation of

111the school. I asked the question to Jess Wheeler um about whether or not the process for this meeting today would be to vote for it or would it go to warrant and I was told that it would need to pass first to the school board. I am questioning what is the criteria for this situation where it would need to have a warrant. This is a taxpayer dollar um agenda item and I agree with Miss Andress and others that this does belong on the school district meeting as an item for a warrant, not just as it passed through the school board as it is today. And one other thing about transparency, I am a little bit frustrated. I've asked for information or why we're not posting this more readily to make these meetings accessible to people.

112We said go to the website, look for the information there. If you really want people to be involved, if you really want people to come, if you really want people to participate, put it out in your schoolboard um your school marquee. do more transparent meetings, not just the day before or the day of these meetings saying come to the meeting, get to know what's going on. Not everybody can go out and look for meetings all day long. I work all day long. I have a lot of other obligations just like all of you, but I would like to see the information pushed out more than me having to go dig for it. So, I just a what is the criteria for having to push us through for a warrant and b for transparency? Let people

113know what's going on and give them the opportunity for that information. And that's all. Thank you. >> Thank you, Irene. Other questions for public comment? >> Marca. >> Hi. I noticed on the agenda, >> you need to say your name and I mean I know who you are. >> Marca Murphy Salisbury. It used to be on the agenda topics for the next board meeting. It's not on this agenda. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, excuse me. >> So, so no. So, Irene, public comment is for public comment. It's not a discussion back and forth. Um, so somebody will get back to you with that. Yep. Bill. >> Just because I said your name, Bill, you still have to say it, too. [clears throat] >> Bill Hines Bosquin. I'll see if I can lighten the tone

114a little bit. I'm talking tax. >> Uhhuh. Thanks. That's lightening things up. >> Well, that's the way it is. So, uh, a lot of the documents are available now for tax rate setting. And matter of fact, I think they might be done. I don't know if any communities have set their full tax rate yet or not. I haven't heard anything. Jeremy, probably you'd be all over that if it was. So, um, but I in reviewing ours, I've discovered a problem with precision that is being used to aortion the ADM and it's not small numbers. It amounts to the cost of a whole student that is not properly aortioned. Um, I've asked I copied Sam on that today. I asked uh the state Mark Mangello of the state did respond to my my question, but there

115seems to be some differences about uh what was said. So I I need to drill down on that a little bit more, but I am hope I mean it's $22,000 that uh is the high mark of variance between what's [clears throat] assessed to the various communities. Now it's not a lot in some of the numbers obviously. you know the high mark is 14,800,000 that is being assessed to Pinnacook. So uh you know it's not a big number but it's it's a it's a whole student practically just because of rounding precision. We used to round in every year that I could find back since last year by eight digits, eight decimal points, we go out. Um, and last year we went down to three and that's causing this error. And so I'm hopeful that it can

116get corrected, but uh I would urge you to stay tuned. And if there's anything that you can do to to perhaps maybe change that this year and correct it before tax rates are set, I think that would be a good thing. >> Thank you, Bill. >> Amanda, >> correct me if I'm wrong. Wasn't it um updated the policy updated that we could address questions if we had answers readily available? >> Point of order at the end. at the end, but >> we close public comment first and then we can address questions if we're able to. >> Okay. Thank you. >> But only if we're able to. Thanks. Public any more for public comment. Thank you. I'm going to close public comment. I do not have an answer for Irene, but >> there should >> But

117it is a question that will be answered. And let me just be um let me just say that whenever questions are asked during public comment, I do get in touch with people afterwards by email and answer their questions or Randy does. So just so you know, it will happen. >> Tracy, I am just asking permission to respond to Irene about my comments on social media with your permission. >> No. >> Okay. >> Thank you. We do have a reason to go into public comment. I mean to public comment. Nope, we already did that. I'm done. We did into non-public session under RSA 91A- I mean colon 3II. Um and we will come back and uh afterwards. So if you all want to wait outside, we will come and get you. >> Can we have your

118short break? >> You may take a short break. Yes. >> Sorry. Be Yeah. No. So before you