All towns · sau-8

Meeting Minutes Approved- April 6, 2026

Document

Board of Education Minutes – April 6, 2026 
 
In Attendance: Pamela Walsh - President, Cara Meeker - Vice President, Liz Boucher - Secretary, Jess 
Campbell, Alex Dubois, Barb Higgins, Madeleine Mineau, Sarah Sadowski 
 
Absent: Brenda Hastings 
 
Administration: Timothy Herbert – Superintendent, Matt Cashman, Jack Dunn, Michele Garon, Terry 
Wolf, Kimberly Yarlott, and Jeni Mosca (virtual) 
 
Call to Order 
Ms. Walsh called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Ms. Boucher conducted the roll call of attendance. 
 
Approval of Agenda 
The Board voted 8-0 to approve the agenda. (Moved by Ms. Meeker, 2nd by Ms. Boucher). 
 
Motion to amend the agenda to add a policy matter to the superintendent report (Moved by Ms. 
Meeker). 
 
The Board voted 8-0 to approve the agenda as amended. 
 
Consent Agenda 
a. Regular Monthly Meeting (March 2) 
b. Budget Work Session #4 (March 2) 
c. Budget Work Session #5 (March 4) 
d. Sustainability Committee (March 5) 
e. Building Committee (March 5) 
f. Instructional Committee (March 9) 
g. Budget Work Session #6 (March 9) 
h. Budget Work Session #7 (March 11) 
i. Budget Work Session #8 (March 16) 
j. Budget Work Session #9 (March 18) 
k. Executive Committee (March 23) 
l. Public Hearing Work Session #10 (March 23) 
m. Public Hearing Work Session #11 (March 25) 
n. Work Session #12 Open Session (March 30) 
o. Work Session #13 Post FY27 Budget (March 31) 
 
Motion to approve Consent Agenda (Moved by Ms. Meeker, 2nd by Ms. Boucher). 

 
 
Monthly Board of Education Meeting – April 6, 2026 
Page 2 
The Board voted 8-0 to table and remove from the Consent Agenda the minutes from all budget work 
session minutes and the sustainability committee minutes (Moved by Ms. Boucher, 2nd by Ms. 
Campbell). 
 
The Board voted 8-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. 
 
School Celebration: ADS 
Teachers and students from Abbot- Downing School presented the departmentalized fifth grade 
instructional model. The model allows students to remain in a homeroom while rotating among 
subject specific teachers for math, reading, and writing, supporting strong content instruction and 
preparing students for middle school. Teachers reported using a waterfall schedule in order to see 
students at different times throughout the day. 
 
Students reported that switching classes improved learning, increased confidence, and helped them 
develop independence and readiness for middle school.  
 
Teachers also shared how students actively track assessment data, set academic goals, and reflect on 
growth in reading and math, promoting student ownership of learning. 
 
Champions for Children 
Jim Richards: Rundlett Middle School 
Katy Liberty: Abbot-Downing School 
Shawna Lavoie: Beaver Meadow School 
Alexa Trolley Hanson and Jennifer McKinney: Broken Ground School 
Danielle Moran: Christa McAuliffe School 
Hannah Buiel: Mill Brook School 
Jennifer Speidel: Concord High School 
 
Recognitions/Reports 
Student representatives Aryn Bernardo and Clementine Mayala provided updates on Concord High 
School activities and events. They reported that Quarter 4 has begun and the school year is nearing 
completion. Upcoming events include a college fair on April 13, and the All State music festival will be 
hosted at CHS on April 16–18. Spring break will begin on April 27. 
 
Additional updates included the start of spring sports, with some logistical challenges noted for track 
and field due to limited access to Memorial Field. Juniors are completing SAT testing, with additional 
statewide science assessments scheduled. It was also reported that over 56 seniors received National 
Honor Society graduation chords, and 43 juniors were recently inducted into NHS. 
 
Superintendent Report 
The Board received a presentation from Great Schools Partnership on the district’s Opportunity and 
Equity Audit. Consultants provided a brief overview of the audit process, which examined school 
environments, family engagement, PTO/PTA involvement, and student participation in cocurricular 
activities. Data sources included building walkthroughs, interviews, focus groups, and review of 

 
 
Monthly Board of Education Meeting – April 6, 2026 
Page 3 
student participation data. Key recommendations included expanding relationship based family 
engagement strategies, reducing systemic barriers to participation, and implementing annual 
districtwide culture and climate surveys. The full report was included in the Board packet. 
 
The Board will consider adoption of the Opportunity and Equity Audit report and its 
recommendations after Public Comment. 
 
The District received multiple anonymous donations totaling $250 in support of Food Services. 
Appreciation was expressed to the donors. 
 
The Board was informed of a $3,000 donation from Capitol City Subaru through its Subaru Loves 
Learning program. The donation supports classroom materials, resources, and supplies to promote 
equitable learning opportunities for students. This year’s receiving school is Christa McAuliffe School. 
 
The Board will vote to accept the donation after Public Comment. 
 
Dr. Herbert reviewed the Statewide General Assurances document related to federal grant 
applications. The assurances confirm that the Concord School District will comply with all applicable 
federal and state requirements associated with grant funding. Administration explained that the 
Board’s role is to acknowledge receipt of the assurances, which authorizes the Superintendent and a 
Board representative to sign and certify compliance in order to pursue federal grant funding for 
upcoming school years.  
 
Administration reported that the annual audit of district grant fund usage was completed with no 
findings, confirming that funds were used appropriately and in compliance with grant assurances. In 
addition, Ms. Mosca reported that the district’s special education programs were reviewed across 
required indicators for the 2025–2026 school year, with no findings and full compliance noted. 
 
Dr. Herbert proposed Thursday, June 18, as the last day of school noting that the district utilized two 
snow days during the school year. The Board will vote to approve the proposed last day of school after 
Public Comment. 
 
Administration and staff discussed transportation challenges resulting from athletic fields coming 
offline and increased use of off-site practice locations, including facilities in Penacook and Pembroke. 
Partnerships with neighboring schools and the New Hampshire National Guard have provided 
temporary practice locations; however, transportation capacity remains limited due to driver 
shortages and scheduling conflicts. 
 
It was noted that the current transportation policy, originally adopted decades ago, does not fully 
align with current practices or the district’s present operational constraints. Administration proposed 
consideration of an emergency policy to allow greater flexibility in transporting students to school 
sponsored athletic practices and events, including limited circumstances where parent transportation 
may be necessary. The proposal was reviewed by legal counsel and the district’s insurer. 
 

 
 
Monthly Board of Education Meeting – April 6, 2026 
Page 4 
Board members discussed safety, liability, equity of access, volunteer requirements, insurance 
considerations, and the need to ensure students are not excluded from participation due to 
transportation barriers. Administration emphasized that district provided transportation remains the 
priority whenever feasible and that the emergency policy would serve as a temporary measure while 
a permanent policy revision proceeds through the regular policy process. Consideration of an 
emergency transportation policy will be held for a vote following Public Comment. 
 
Facilities Update 
Mr. Cashman provided an update on district projects and upcoming work. During April vacation, a 
new 3000amp electrical service breaker will be installed at the high school to avoid disruption during 
the school session. Chiller work will be completed at Christa McAuliffe School and Mill Brook School. 
Sidewalk replacement at Rundlett Middle School will proceed during the break to minimize impact, 
with temporary use prior to opening the new school. Head custodians are preparing end of break 
cleaning plans, and capital projects approved during the budget process are being scheduled for the 
upcoming eight-week period. 
 
Middle School Project Update 
Mr. Cashman provided an update on the new middle school project stating that early bid packages 
have been issued, construction documents are approximately 60% complete, and the project remains 
on track to reach 100% completion by August 1. Site mobilization, including fencing and trailers, is 
anticipated in early to mid-May, with initial foundation work beginning mid-to-late May. A 
neighborhood survey will be conducted prior to land disturbance. Full construction is expected to 
ramp up during the summer and fall. A Building Committee meeting is scheduled to review abutter 
feedback and discuss plans for a future groundbreaking event. 
 
During follow-up discussion, a Board member noted increased public curiosity and neighborhood 
activity around large construction sites and suggested the use of signage at Rundlett Middle School 
once fencing is installed. Suggestions included posting informational signage, QR codes, or contact 
information directing community members to project updates. Administration confirmed plans to 
install a project storyboard and provide opportunities for transparency, including sharing updates and 
offering site tours when conditions are safe and appropriate. 
 
City & Community Relations 
Ms. Higgins provided an update on the current condition of Memorial Field and recent discussions 
with City officials. It was reported that the track is unsafe for competition, bleachers are condemned 
and scheduled for demolition, and drainage and pooling water continue to be significant issues. Fields 
have not yet opened for spring sports. The Board has previously approved funding only for initial 
planning and permitting costs and has not committed to construction plans at this time. 
The Committee discussed the City’s request for guidance on the School District’s priorities. After 
review, the Committee recommended not endorsing existing redevelopment options and instead 
focusing on a short-term, cost-conscious approach addressing urgent needs. Priority items identified 
include the track, infield, lighting, bleachers, and drainage, with the goal of restoring safe, 
multipurpose athletic use as quickly as possible. 
 

 
 
Monthly Board of Education Meeting – April 6, 2026 
Page 5 
It was noted that redesigning the track and infield could create a multi-purpose facility capable of 
supporting football, soccer, field hockey, and boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, addressing equity concerns 
raised previously. Parking and additional amenities were identified as secondary priorities. 
 
The Committee recommended directing the City and the School District, in coordination with the 
Athletic Department, to develop a revised, scalable plan focused on urgent needs and mindful of cost 
constraints, to be presented to the Board by May 31 to align with the City’s budget timeline. 
 
Finance 
Mr. Dunn reported several budget areas under close monitoring with three months remaining in the 
fiscal year. Professional services and student transportation expenditures remain over projections, 
though transportation costs are improved compared to the prior year. Out-of-district tuition expenses 
continue to show potential overages, partially offset by encumbered funds. 
 
Electricity costs may exceed the budgeted amount, as anticipated during budget development. 
Additionally, severance expenditures may fluctuate pending confirmation of retirements and contract 
changes.  
 
Mr. Dunn will provide updated projections and a clearer year-end outlook at the May Board meeting. 
 
Negotiations 
Administration reported that negotiations are ongoing with CEA, representing teachers and nurses. In 
addition, a preliminary meeting was held with the tutors’ bargaining unit, and a counteroffer has been 
presented. The district is awaiting a response. 
 
Personnel 
Ms. Garon presented a list of 6 new spring coach nominations for approval. 
 
The Board voted 8-0 to approve the list of new spring coaches as presented (Moved by Ms. Higgins, 
2nd by Ms. Meeker). 
 
The Board voted 8-0 to approve the list of CEA members being recommended for next school year 
(Moved by Ms. Higgins, 2nd by Ms. Sadowski). 
 
Superintendent Herbert brought forward the list of CEA members being recommended for the 
Veterans Salary Schedule for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years.  
 
The Board voted 8-0 to approve the CEA members being recommended for the Veterans Salary 
Schedule (Moved by Ms. Higgins, 2nd by Ms. Campbell). 
 
Ms. Walsh asked that the two requests for Leave of Absence be held until after non-public.  
 
 
 

 
 
Monthly Board of Education Meeting – April 6, 2026 
Page 6 
Public Comment 
Roy Schweiker Zone A expressed concerns regarding the financial impact of the middle school project, 
particularly the bonding structure and overall cost, and urged the Board to explore cost saving 
options, including adjusting the bond term or removing elements of the project. Mr. Schweiker also 
advocated for moderation in salary levels, suggesting that the district consider aligning compensation 
closer to statewide averages in order to reduce the burden on taxpayers, particularly those facing 
financial hardship. 
 
Votes 
The Board voted 8-0 to accept a $3,000 donation from Capital City Subaru (Moved by Ms. Boucher, 
2nd by Ms. Mineau). 
 
Motion to remove School Board support for the specifics of Memorial Field Option A and Option D 
(Moved by: Ms. Higgins; Seconded by Ms. Campbell). Motion was tabled following discussion Moved 
by Ms. Higgins, 2nd by Ms. Mineau). The Board voted 8-0 to table the motion. 
 
The Board voted 8-0 to request that the Parks and Recreation Department and Concord High School 
Athletics work together to develop a plan addressing and prioritizing urgent Memorial Field needs, 
including drainage, track, stadium, infield, lighting, and bleachers, to be presented by May 31 (Moved 
by Ms. Higgins, 2nd by Ms. Meeker).  
 
The Board voted 8-0 to set the last day of school as Thursday, June 18 (Moved by Ms. Higgins, 2nd by 
Ms. Sadowski). 
 
Motion to amend Concord School District Policy 712 regarding athletics and transportation on an 
emergency basis (Moved by Ms. Meeker, 2nd by Ms. Higgins). 
 
Amendment to add language requiring all parent drivers to be designated district volunteers (Moved 
by Ms. Walsh, 2nd by Ms. Higgins).  
 
By roll call vote (8-0) motion carries as amended. 
Ms. Campbell - yes 
Mr. Dubois - yes 
Ms. Higgins - yes 
Ms. Meeker - yes 
Ms. Mineau - yes 
Ms. Sadowski - yes 
Ms. Walsh - yes 
Ms. Boucher - yes 
 
Ms. Walsh asked that the policy committee review the proposed policy and report back at the May 
meeting. 
 
The Board voted 8-0 to adopt the Great School Partnership report (Moved by Ms. Meeker, 2nd by Ms. 
Higgins). 

 
 
Monthly Board of Education Meeting – April 6, 2026 
Page 7 
The Board discussed adoption of the Equity and Opportunity Audit report. Administration clarified 
that adoption affirms the report as a guiding framework to inform the work of the Equity Advisory 
Committee, reflect on district equity goals within the strategic plan, and guide future consideration of 
recommendations. Adoption does not authorize immediate implementation or funding of all 
recommendations, which would require separate Board action. 
 
Other Business 
Dr. Herbert presented the 2025–2026 enrollment progress report. School level enrollment shifts were 
reviewed, with slight declines at Beaver Meadow and Broken Ground Schools, while McAuliffe School 
enrollment remains strong. Kindergarten enrollment continues to be an area of focus due to higher 
class sizes, with instructional support in place. First grade enrollment at Mill Brook is also being 
monitored to maintain manageable class sizes. 
 
High school enrollment decreased by three students due to attrition within the district. There was no 
enrollment change at Rundlett Middle School or CRTC. Homeschool enrollment increased, with 
additional requests received that are expected to be reflected in the next report. Out of district 
placements decreased by one due to program completion, and special education charter school 
enrollment remained unchanged. The number of students experiencing homelessness increased by 
seven, and support continues through McKinney-Vento services. 
 
The Board considered a proposal to request that the Instructional Committee review Concord High 
School graduation requirements related to physical education and return with recommendations. It 
was noted that current district requirements exceed state minimums, and a review could identify 
opportunities to offer greater flexibility for students while potentially addressing staffing and 
scheduling constraints. Board members discussed how adjustments to requirements could increase 
access to advanced coursework, including AP classes, without increasing class sizes. 
 
The Board voted 8-0 to request the Instructional Committee review and present recommendations 
regarding Concord High School physical education graduation requirements (Moved by Ms. Campbell, 
2nd by Ms. Higgins).  
 
Proposed Calendars of Meetings 
4/8 Communication & Policy 5:30pm 
4/9 Building Committee 5:30pm 
4/13 Negotiations Committee 5:00pm 
4/13 Instructional Committee 5:30pm 
4/20 Negotiations 5:00pm 
4/20 Finance 5:30pm 
4/22 Wellness Event at Bank of NH State 5:30pm 
4/27 – 5/1 Spring Recess 
5/4 Board of Education Meeting 6:00pm 
5/7 Building Committee 5:30pm 
5/11 Communication & Policy 5:30pm 
5/13 Instructional Committee 5:30pm 

 
 
Monthly Board of Education Meeting – April 6, 2026 
Page 8 
5/18 Negotiations Committee 5:00pm 
5/18 Finance Committee 5:30pm 
5/20 Executive Committee 5:00pm 
5/20 City & Community Relations 5:30pm 
5/25 Memorial Day 
5/27 Distinguished Educators & CSD Retiree Ceremony 6:00pm at ADS 
5/28 CRTC Commencement Night 6:00pm 
 
Non-Public Session 
The Board, by roll call, voted 8-0 to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 A, C, D  
Moved by Ms. Walsh at 8:15 pm 
2nd by Ms. Meeker 
 
Motion to come out of non-public session made at 8:39 pm  
Moved by Ms. Higgins 
Seconded by Ms. Sadowski 
Voice vote in the affirmative 7-0 (2 absent) to come out of non-public 
*Cara Meeker left non-public session 8:25 pm 
 
Motion to seal the minutes of the non-public session  
Made by Ms. Boucher 
Seconded by Ms. Campbell 
Roll call vote in the affirmative 7-0 to seal the minutes 
 
Motion to approve leave of absence request  
Made by Ms. Higgins 
Seconded by Mr. Dubois 
Voice vote in the affirmative 7-0 to approve the leave of absence request 
 
Adjournment 
Motion to Adjourn at 8:39 pm 
Made by Ms. Higgins 
Seconded by Mr. Dubois  
 
 
Respectfully submitted, Sarah LeMay