District says staffing gaps are preventing it from meeting all special-education needs
Claremont says it cannot currently provide all required special-education services because it lacks enough qualified staff.
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Saturday, October 24, 2026
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Latest New Hampshire stories
Board adopts revised Policy JICK to comply with new NH bullying law
The board approved updated Policy JICK (Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention) to align with revised New Hampshire bullying law requirements effective July 1, including a new 48-hour parent notification requirement after a bullying report and expanded definitions of bullying that increase documentation and investigation burdens on staff.
Board discusses proposed state tax cap (HB 1300) that could impact school budget
The board discussed House Bill 1300, a proposed New Hampshire school district tax cap question that will appear on the November ballot. If approved by three-fifths of voters, the cap would take effect immediately and impact the budget currently being developed, potentially affecting staffing, negotiated agreements, programs, supplies, and athletics.
Board declines to issue letter committing to pay outstanding Prospect Mountain tuition balance
The board voted not to provide a requested letter committing the district to pay an outstanding 2023-2024 manifest educational hardship tuition balance owed to Prospect Mountain High School, pending outcome of a related NH Supreme Court case and further legal guidance.
PFAS chemicals detected in wastewater from school floor-stripping project
The NH Department of Environmental Services detected several PFAS compounds in wastewater generated during a floor-stripping process at Epsom Central School, after the contractor had initially indicated the materials were PFAS-free. DES recommended the wastewater be collected and stored in containers rather than disposed of through the normal wastewater system, with disposal costs estimated at $2,500-$3,500.
Board reverses course, pauses CAES/SAU 7 soft-wash and window-wash project
At its August 18, 2026 meeting, the Colebrook School Board voted (5-2) to reconsider and then halt a previously approved building soft-wash/window-wash contract for CAES and the SAU 7 building, citing concerns about chemical safety near playgrounds so soon after school starts and recent $15,000 seal-coating work. The board directed staff to notify vendors the project will not proceed at this time and to revisit it later after further review, including sending the bidding process to the local policy committee.
Board denies nonresident homeschool student's request to play Colebrook Academy sports
The Colebrook School Board formally addressed a Vermont homeschool student's petition to play athletics at Colebrook Academy, concluding that under NH state law and NHIAA policy the student is ineligible unless enrolled at least 50% of the school day at Colebrook. The board upheld this determination after legal review, effectively denying the family's request while offering enrollment as an alternative path to eligibility.
FY26 year-end fund balance drawn down by $900K amid emergency facility repairs
The board approved retaining a $383,986 FY26 year-end fund balance, leaving zero dollars available to reduce taxes. Officials said the fund balance is about $900,000 lower than last year due to cost drivers including an unexpected mandatory School Care invoice and over $600,000 in emergency expenditures for stage lighting/electrical work, a high school gym floor replacement, and boiler replacements at the Littleton Academy building.
State HB 1300 tax-cap ballot measure could limit district budget and SAU spending
The board discussed HB 1300, a newly signed state law placing a local tax cap and SAU central-office spending limit question on the November 2026 ballot. If approved by a 60% supermajority, it would cap local property tax levy growth to the prior year's amount (adjusted for inflation/construction) and limit SAU central office spending to 6% of total district appropriations. The district will need to prepare two different budget scenarios until the vote outcome is known.
More from the news desk
Board reports $299,000 in approved school safety projects
The Board reported $299,000 in approved safety projects, with locks rekeyed, exterior-door replacement and emergency-door-arm installation underway, and the last contractor expected by August 31.
Board funds full-time student-support position
The Board moved $25,000 in year-end special-education funds to support a full-time student-support teacher.
Board warns proposed law could cut SAU funding
The superintendent said a proposed state-law change could require $200,000 to $568,000 in SAU 7 budget cuts.
Committee begins evaluating Pittsfield High School options
The High School Options Study Committee is evaluating whether to keep students in Pittsfield, send them to another district, or use a hybrid model; it is gathering information on facilities, special education, transportation, programs, and student outcomes.
Board approves 22 classroom safes
The Board unanimously approved purchasing 22 classroom safes after the principal described new SAU procedures for student-activity funds.
Moultonborough School District
Board heard proposal to use retained funds for capital projects
The Board considered using up to $650,776 in retained year-end unassigned funds for track resurfacing, paving work, and stairs.
Board accepts $150,000 grant for LED lighting
The board accepted a $150,000 SEED grant to upgrade school lighting to LED.
Board reduces planned bond issuance by $1 million
The Board unanimously authorized using $1 million in unexpended FY2026 appropriations toward capital improvements, reducing the authorized bond from $7.25 million to $6.25 million.
Board authorizes up to $264,000 in reserve-funded school work
The Board unanimously authorized up to $264,000 from reserve funds for discussed maintenance items and authorized limited window replacements if costs remain below prior estimates.
Board appoints Auburn Village School principal
The Board unanimously appointed Rebecca Noe as principal and approved a grade-three teacher.
Board approves one-year food-service contract
The board approved the food-service contract for one year while saying it would continue work on menu concerns and alternatives.
Mascoma Valley Regional School District
Board approved low-enrollment course offerings
The Board approved an amended list of Honors Physics, language, history and philosophy offerings after students and residents raised concerns about potential cuts.
Mascoma Valley Regional School District
Board approved $968,000 three-year grounds bid
The Board approved MTD for three years of plowing and mowing at $968,000.
Mascoma Valley Regional School District
Board authorized summer staffing decisions
The Board authorized the superintendent to hire certified, budgeted staff and accept resignations over the summer.
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