Kristine S. Hikel

This document, presented as an Annual Report for School Administrative Unit #45, includes the organization structure, vision, mission, and core values. Key discussion topics derived from the included minutes from the Annual School District Meeting held on March 15, 2025, involved voting on budget-related articles, including a rejected proposal for a 0% tax cap and a rejected petition for a three-bid purchasing policy for goods and services over $10,000. The meeting also saw the approval of the School Board compensation structure and the authorization for the annual financial audit. Significant discussion occurred around Article VII regarding raising and appropriating costs for the collective bargaining agreement with the Teachers' Association, which passed, and Article VIII concerning the support staff agreement, which also passed. Article IX addressed the general appropriation for school support and official salaries, which passed, along with appropriations to the Buildings & Grounds Expendable Trust fund and the Technology Reserve Fund. Reports from the School Board Chairperson detailed facility improvements from the 2024 bond project, and the Superintendent reported on student academic performance and staffing stability. Other reports detailed curriculum initiatives, including the development of the Portrait of a Learner and expansion of mathematics supports, and athletic participation statistics.

The meeting included recognition of retirement notices from Richard Carrier and Patrick Andrew, and the formation of a committee to find a superintendent replacement. The board discussed SAU 45 news articles, approved a field trip request for the Sports Literature Class to attend a Red Sox game, and reviewed the proposed goals for the 2025-2026 school year. An update was given on the ABC committee and interviews, and the board approved conditions for a MOU with the Town. Reports were given regarding the cell phone policy, fall sports, homecoming, special education, elementary school, middle level, and high school. The board reviewed expenditure and revenue reports, bond report, curriculum and instruction report, and enrollment numbers. The Building and Grounds Committee discussed Phase 2 and completion of Phase 1, while the Policy Committee discussed policies for a first read. The Athletic Committee approved a Bass Fishing Team Raffle and discussed coaching staff.

The meeting included recognitions and personnel announcements, specifically the approval of the MA coaches list. The audit report was presented, highlighting unmodified opinions on all opinion units except for the school district food service fund, which received a qualified opinion due to timing. The board discussed bus routes for the 2025-2026 school year, the Tech-at-A-Glance report, SAU 45 news articles, and a generator proposal for MCS. A policy regarding parental objections to specific course material was approved, and several support staff policies were shared and approved. The Technology Committee presented its report, including the Technology Plan 2025-2030. The Athletic Director shared a summer update and a list of coaches for the 25-26 school year, and proposed fundraisers were approved. The Superintendent reviewed enrollment numbers and reported on the administrators' retreat and legislative updates. The board also discussed a safety update, the 2025-2026 teacher list, and a student enrollment request during a non-public session. A stipend was granted to acknowledge the Business Administrator's additional contributions.

The Moultonborough School Board's goals for 2025-2026 include recruiting and retaining high-quality staff, researching child care options, and providing timely staff reviews. The Buildings and Grounds Committee aims to complete projects on time and within budget, review buildings for future maintenance, and communicate progress regularly. The Instructional Committee focuses on improving student achievement in reading and math, enhancing student voice in curriculum, and improving communication with families. Other goals cover athletic staffing and facilities, policy updates, special education compliance and communication, technology enhancements, and mental health crisis preparedness.

The retreat included meetings with administrators to set goals for the 2025-2026 school year. The board discussed the auditor's note regarding the unreserved fund balance, leading to a motion to return $200,000 to the town to offset taxes for 2025-2026. Additionally, a motion was made to allocate up to $706,000 for facility and technology upgrades. The Board also expressed interest in having the auditor attend a future meeting.