Christopher Lessard

This document outlines the Nashua School District Facilities Master Plan, detailing a project overview, goals, options, costs, and subsequent steps to address the immediate, 10-year, and long-term capital needs of the district's aging school infrastructure. Key objectives include enhancing building conditions, improving safety and security, resolving parking and traffic concerns, and aligning with the district's broader strategic plan. The plan provides an analysis of existing facility conditions, capacity utilization, and enrollment projections, proposing five distinct options for elementary schools that involve various combinations of repairs, program enhancements, school closures, and new constructions. Additionally, it addresses necessary repairs and upgrades for middle and high schools, all geared towards achieving a proactive, sustainable, and cost-effective solution for future-ready teaching and learning environments.

The committee meeting agenda included a review of current human resources updates and personnel recommendations. Key discussions focused on a proposed performance evaluation form for school administrative employees and recommendations for restructuring advisor pay through a Stipend Committee. Additionally, the committee reviewed the non-affiliated staff handbook and discussed potential topics for a nonpublic session regarding public employee compensation, hiring, and potential legal matters.

The committee discussed and approved several policy updates for recommendation to the full board, including District Security (ECA and ECA-R), Use of Cameras on School Buses (ECAF), Risk Management (EI), Professional Development (GCI), Student Attendance (JH), and Attendance Intervention Protocol (JHA). The committee also voted to rescind policies regarding Employee and School Board Member Indemnification (EIE) and Student Attendance Procedure (JH-R). Additionally, members deliberated on the potential establishment of a CPAC committee, updates needed for facilities rental policies, and planning for future meetings.

The committee discussed several key projects and financial items. The meeting included the review of Broad Street PTO donation-funded projects consisting of an audio-video system, a horizontal climbing wall, and an outdoor classroom. The committee also approved energy efficiency projects across five school district locations, initiated through the NHSaves program to achieve long-term savings. Furthermore, the committee approved the purchase of 800 Chromebooks for the upcoming ninth-grade class. Two annual contracts were approved with the Adult Learning Center regarding the Clearway High School program and facility rental for before- and after-school programs. The committee reviewed the April budget transfer report, discussed rising legal expenses, and received a detailed overview of the fiscal year 2026 year-end budget forecast, highlighting projected deficits in special education contract services, transportation costs, and substitute staffing, along with strategies for supplemental appropriations and fund balancing.

The committee meeting agenda included discussions and recommendations regarding the Broad Street PTO projects, plant operations focused on LED lighting and energy efficiency, and technology upgrades including the purchase of Chromebooks for Grade 9 students. The committee also addressed contract approvals and reviewed the FY26 initial year-end forecast, as well as the April financial and transfer reports. Additionally, the committee reviewed proposals for energy reduction projects at several schools and facilities, and agreements concerning alternative education services and child care facility space rentals.