Committee narrows Brownfield-Denmark Elementary options to a K-2/3-8 plan

What happened

The board's ad hoc committee on the future of Brownfield-Denmark Elementary School (BDES) narrowed its options on Oct. 19, 2026. The remaining plan would make New Suncook School K-2 for the whole district and Molly Ockett School grades 3-8. Earlier scenarios estimated savings from about $122,500 to $462,500 in staffing alone. A full closure of BDES was estimated to save about $836,000. Presentations at each school were planned for the week of Nov. 9. The committee's recommendation goes to the board at its December meeting.

Why it matters to families

This would change which school every K-8 student in the district attends. Closing the BDES building would need a formal process, including a town referendum. Changing grade setups would not.

The evidence

Ad hoc committee recording #4 (Oct. 19, 2026) describes 'a K-2 elementary school at New Suncook for all district students and a 3-8 school at Molly Ockett'. The 'BDES Closure Cost Savings' sheet shows $835,951 in reduced costs, based on FY26 actuals.

The source