Epping School District

The retreat focused on updates regarding District Goals across Focus Areas: Student Growth, Professional Growth, and Community Engagement. School and Department Reports highlighted progress on EMHS goals, curriculum development, and initiatives at Epping Elementary School, such as the Recognition Tickets program and MTSS implementation. Districtwide highlights included IT support for board meetings, Food Service improvements leading to reduced debt, and departmental collaboration on a Spring Safety Support Newsletter. Student Services reported on increased student engagement via conferences and the development of a comprehensive Suicide Prevention Plan for Board review. Board discussion addressed requests for information on preschool services and utilization of non-student days. Significant time was dedicated to Budget Guidance Reflection, identifying strengths in communication and collaboration, and outlining opportunities for improvement, such as scheduling an additional budget-focused meeting and clarifying protocols for routing budget questions. Governance discussion focused on ensuring committee work is valued and strengthening Board-Administration relationships. Two motions were passed: one to rescind a prior motion and another to appoint Samantha Leonhard as School Board Clerk.

The meeting included a student presentation covering club activities and fundraisers, along with student reports on current learning topics and extracurricular activities. Committee reports highlighted a successful bowling event, ongoing work on job descriptions for Long-Term Resource Planning, and an Emergency Management discussion regarding a repeater audit and the awarding of $20,000 for a drone purchase. The Superintendent reported on developing partnerships with UNH and SNHU for interns and discussed future joint meetings with Fremont. Several policies were adopted, including those pertaining to Data Records & Retention, Local Records Retention Schedule, Termination of Non-Certified Personnel, Employment of Non-Certified Personnel, Inventory and Management of Assets, Earning of High School Credit, and High School Graduation. The Board also approved payroll and accounts payable disbursements for mid-January and early February. Finally, the Board added an additional $10,000 for teachers to complete graduate-level coursework outside of school hours.

The first session of the annual meeting focused on deliberation and debate regarding warrant articles. Key discussion points included a review of the proposed 2026-2027 operating budget, totaling $27,088,923.00, and Warrant Article 01, which addresses the operating budget, including a discussion on the default budget amount and per-pupil spending comparisons with state data. Warrant Article 02 proposed adding up to $375,000.00 to the Buildings and Grounds Capital Reserve Fund, prompting clarification on the Budget Committee's vote due to an amendment. The session also covered the upcoming second session for official voting on warrant articles and the election of School District Officers, including School Board Members and the Moderator.

Key discussions included public comments regarding the importance of retaining the Library Media Aide position despite budget cuts, with public members urging reconsideration due to the impact on students and staff morale. Scheduled topics involved the approval of the 7th Grade Outdoor Classroom field trip proposal and updates on Minimum School Standard policies, specifically the shift toward competencies rather than seat time. During the 2026-2027 Budget Review, the Board temporarily paused for a non-public session and ultimately decided to support the Library Media Aide position, instructing the District to find the necessary $55,475 reduction elsewhere, and agreed to increase the substitute pay line item. Principal reports highlighted achievements in sports and the success of the National Honor Society food drive. All policy items were tabled.

The meeting included reports from the Student and Superintendent, and a detailed discussion regarding NHSBA Resolutions. Key directives were given for voting, including non-support for open enrollment and support for full state funding of public education. Policy discussions involved moving several student conduct and transgender policies to a fifth or second read, while Policy KCD - Public Gifts and Donations was approved. The Board also discussed open personnel positions, received budget updates, approved several payroll and accounts payable manifests, and scheduled a future forum to explain special education costs to the community.