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2026-09-14 BOSC Minutes.pdf

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BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE 
MANCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT SAU #37 
 
Monday, September 14, 2026 
6:30 p.m. 
 
1. 
Mayor Ruais called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  
 
2. 
Mayor Ruais called for the Pledge of Allegiance. 
 
Mayor Ruais welcomed Principal Watson and students from Bakersville Elementary School to lead 
the Pledge of Allegiance. Committee Members Potter, Garrity and Smith introduced the students: 
 
Bakersville Elementary School – Principal Bryan Watson 
 
 
 
Jailah Santiago – Grade 4 
 
Emilio Betancur D’Amore – Grade 2 
 
 
Jayden Ward – Grade 4 
 
Mia Garcia – Grade 2 
 
3. 
A moment of silence was observed.  
 
4. 
The Clerk called the roll.  
 
Present:  
Committee Members Turner, Parr, Want, Taylor, Bergeron, Stewart, 
O’Connell, Potter, St. John, Garrity, Hamer, O’Neil-Wong, Smith and 
Mayor Ruais. 
 
Absent: 
Committee Members Georges and Bergeron. 
 
5.       RECOGNITIONS 
 
There were no recognitions this evening. 
 
 
PUBLIC FORUM 
 
6. 
The purpose of the public forum is to give the residents of Manchester the opportunity to 
address the board.  All people wishing to speak will have up to three (3) minutes to do so, 
and any comments must be directed to the chair.  Any resident wishing to speak will come 
forward to the nearest microphone, clearly state their name and address when recognized and 
give their comments.  
 

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 2 of 16 
 
Speakers may offer comments on school operations and programs that concern them.  In 
public session, however, the Board shall not hear personal complaints of school personnel or 
complaints against any person connected with the District.  Other channels are provided for 
Board consideration and disposition of legitimate complaints involving  school district 
employees, which should be referred to the Superintendent.  Speakers are requested to refrain 
from providing confidential information during this comment period.  Any comments that are 
given regarding personnel matters, will not be responded to by the Board or Administration 
during the public meeting, as these items should be discussed in non-public session.   
 
 
There was no one present wishing to give public comment. 
 
7. 
Response to Public Comment 
 
As no comments were given, there were no responses. 
 
 
8.   
PRESENTATIONS 
 
There were no presentations this evening. 
 
9. 
ACTION AGENDA 
 
There were no items on the action agenda this evening. 
 
10. 
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 10 – 17)  
 
a. Mayor Ruais advises if you desire to remove any of the following items from the Consent 
Agenda, please so indicate.  If none of the items are to be removed, only one motion will 
be taken at the conclusion of the presentation.  
 
No items were removed from the Consent agenda for discussion. 
 
The approved consent agenda was as follows: 
 
b. Approval of minutes from the Board of School Committee meetings on: August 24, 2026. 
 
c. Report(s) of the Committee on Policy, if available. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
d. Report(s) of the Committee of Teaching and Learning, if available.  
 
  
 
1. Tango Flight Curriculum Funds 

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 3 of 16 
 
2. Manchester School District 2026-2027 Assessment Calendar 
 
e. Report(s) of the Committee of Finance and Facilities, if available. 
 
  
 
1. Treasurer’s Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
2. Grants, Gifts & Donations Report ($122,962.62) 
 
 
  
3. City Service Invoices ($438,731.76)  
 
 
 
  
4. Manifest of Authorized Expenditures – September 2026 ($32,767,444.28) 
5. Indemnification Contract Language  
 
 
 
  
6. Vestibules at Smyth, Gossler, and Jewett  
 
 
 
  
7. Cookson Communications Contract   
 
 
 
  
8. Financial Reports 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
f. Report(s) of the Committee of Student Conduct, if available. 
 
 
g. Report(s) of the Committee on Education Legislation, if available. 
 
  
 
1. Legislative Advocacy Priorities 
 
 
h. Report(s) of the Joint School Buildings Committee (City Committee).  
 
 
i. Special Committees, if applicable: 
 
o Report from the Special Committee on Athletics, if available. 
 
On motion of Committee Member O’Connell, duly seconded by Committee  Member Turner, it was 
moved to approve the balance of the consent agenda.  All were in favor and the motion passed. 
 
COMMUNICATIONS 
 
11. 
Superintendent’s Communications.  
 
a) 
Superintendent Updates: 
 
Dr. Chmiel and administrative team provided updates regarding enrollment, transfer requests, class 
sizes, assessment results, personnel, transportation, athletics, and upcoming District events. 
 
 

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 4 of 16 
 
Enrollment 
The Administration reported total District enrollment of 11,830 students, including preschool and 
CTE students.  K–12 enrollment, excluding preschool and out-of-district MST CTE students, 
increased by 107 students from June, from 11,053 to 11,160 students. 
 
In-District Transfers 
The District had received approximately 221 in-district transfer requests, with 148 approved. 
By level: 
 
Elementary: 99 requests; 53 approved 
 
Middle School: 48 requests; 39 approved 
 
High School: 74 requests; 56 approved 
Administration continued attempting to maintain two available spaces at each school whenever 
possible to accommodate students moving within the District. 
 
Class Sizes 
Administration reviewed the District’s class-size policy, which establishes maximums of: 
 
20 students in grades K–4; 
 
25 students in grades 5–12; and 
 
24 students in laboratory courses. 
Administration acknowledged that a number of classes exceeded those limits as a result of budgetary 
constraints but stated that it would not recommend changing the policy. 
 
Elementary 
Elementary enrollment decreased slightly from 4,444 students in June to 4,401 students. 
Administration explained that the primary issue was not overall enrollment but changes in where 
students were attending.  Green Acres increased from 367 to 388 students, while Weston increased 
from 334 to 348 students.  Class-size concerns were concentrated at Gosler, Green Acres, Highland, 
Jewett, Smith, and Weston. Most classes exceeding the policy maximum contained 21 or 22 
students, with a small number at 23. 
 
 
 

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 5 of 16 
 
Middle Schools 
Middle school enrollment decreased from 3,363 students at the end of the prior school year to 3,305 
students.  Hillside Middle School had two classes above 25 students.  McLaughlin Middle School 
had 33 classes above 25 students, with most containing 26 or 27 students.  Parkside Middle School 
had three classes above the policy maximum.  Southside Middle School had 14 classes above 25 
students, all in eighth grade.  Administration stated that the majority of middle school classes 
remained at or below the policy maximum. 
 
High Schools 
High school enrollment increased by 206 students, from 3,246 in June to 3,452 students.  Central 
increased by 86 students, MST by 78, West by 33, and Memorial by nine.  Administration reported 
classes exceeding established maximums at all four high schools and stated that principals were 
working to rebalance schedules where possible. 
 
The Administration noted that high school scheduling is particularly complex because moving a 
student from one course can affect several other courses, lunch schedules, electives, or graduation 
requirements. 
 
Vacancies were also being reviewed to determine whether filling positions could allow additional 
sections or student redistribution. 
 
State Assessment Results 
Ms. Doherty reported improvement in reading and writing, mathematics, and science.  Positive 
results included gains in reading and writing in grades three through five, improvement in 
elementary mathematics, and significant improvement in grade five science.  Some individual grade 
levels within schools increased reading and writing proficiency by more than 20 percentage points in 
one year, while some mathematics results improved by more than 15 percentage points.  A more 
comprehensive assessment presentation was scheduled for the September 22 Teaching and Learning 
Committee meeting. 

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 6 of 16 
 
Ms. Doherty emphasized that state assessment results represent only one measure of student success 
and should be considered alongside local assessment data, attendance, graduation, and college and 
career readiness data. 
 
Personnel 
Ms. Evans clarified that 41 positions had been reduced through attrition at the end of June 2026. 
From May through late August, the District hired 168 replacement employees, including 75 teachers, 
26 paraprofessionals, and 55 employees in other positions.  As of September 14, the District reported 
22 open teacher positions, including 10 special education positions, and 14 paraprofessional 
vacancies.  Human Resources continued targeted recruitment efforts for difficult-to-fill positions. 
 
Home-to-School Transportation 
Dr. Espinola reported that thousands of students were being transported daily while the District 
continued addressing driver vacancies, route adjustments, capacity concerns, and communication 
issues.  Approximately 14 bus runs were open each day and required coverage.  Five drivers had 
recently resigned from driver positions, although two had accepted internal promotions and 
continued driving routes when necessary. 
 
She has continued moving toward centralized neighborhood bus stops when safe and appropriate and 
consistently applying the District’s 1.5-mile transportation guideline.  Actual ridership information 
was being used to adjust routes and capacity. 
 
Dr. Espinola stated that transportation conditions had improved since the first day of school but that 
additional work remained. 
 
Specialized Transportation 
Mr. Roth reported that at the end of the previous school year, approximately 909 students were 
receiving specialized transportation. At the time of the meeting, 844 students were actively receiving 
service.  Approximately 356 students completed the required process before the June 17 deadline. 
Since then, staff had worked to complete or update transportation information for approximately 488 
additional students. 

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 7 of 16 
 
He identified inconsistent student information among District systems as one of the most significant 
challenges.  The specialized transportation team consisted of three staff members supporting 
approximately 1,000 students, 87 daily buses and vans, 87 drivers, and more than 40 monitors. 
Administration reported that the number of immediate transportation concerns was beginning to 
decline as routes stabilized. 
 
Athletics 
Dr. Espinola welcomed student athletes back for the fall season and recognized the work of athletic 
directors, coaches, trainers, administrators, and other staff supporting District athletics. 
 
Upcoming Events 
Dr. Chmiel announced: 
 
McLaughlin Middle School ribbon cutting — September 24 at 10:00 a.m. 
 
City Year Opening Day at Hillside Middle School — October 1 at 9:00 a.m. 
 
State of the District — October 1 at 3:30 p.m. at the Welcome Center 
 
Board questions and comments included: 
1. Committee Member Potter discussed specialized transportation enrollment and costs and 
emphasized the importance of reviewing transportation provisions in IEPs when appropriate. 
Mr. Roth noted that the goal is also to increase student independence when appropriate while 
ensuring necessary supports remain in place. 
2. Committee Member Turner recognized the positive assessment results and discussed 
transportation, high school transfers, paraprofessional vacancies, and specialized 
transportation processes. 
3. Committee Member Turner requested that paraprofessional vacancies again be included on 
the Board’s job-opening report. 
4. Committee Member Turner also requested a closer review of specialized transportation 
systems to determine whether additional preparation could occur during the summer.  The 
Administration explained that incomplete information received after the June deadline 
creates significant backlogs and stated that transportation restructuring and staffing needs 
were being reviewed. 

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 8 of 16 
 
5. Dr. Chmiel indicated that transportation staffing would again be included in the District’s 
needs budget. 
6. Committee Member Parr asked about driver staffing, laboratory class sizes, under-enrolled 
high school courses, middle school Unified Arts and mathematics class sizes, and elementary 
students unable to attend their neighborhood schools because of capacity. 
7. The Administration reported 31 drivers operating District buses each day with 16 positions 
available to be filled. 
8. The Administration agreed to provide additional information regarding high school 
laboratory classes and elementary students unable to attend their neighborhood school 
because of capacity. 
9. Committee Member Parr also suggested reviewing the developing needs budget prior to the 
spring budget process.  Dr. Chmiel agreed to resend the previous needs budget to Board 
members as a starting point. 
10. Committee Member Stewart asked how teacher vacancies compared with the previous year. 
The Administration reported that vacancy numbers were considerably lower and attributed 
some of the improvement to teacher contract changes that strengthened recruitment and 
retention. 
11. Special education remained a significant shortage area.  The Administration explained that 
vacancies were being addressed through mitigation plans, including additional teaching 
periods, prep-mod coverage, long-term substitutes, and contracted services. 
12. Discussion also occurred regarding the impact of the delayed budget process on hiring. 
Administration explained that candidates are more likely to accept confirmed positions than 
anticipated positions. 
13. The Board discussed students who had not reported to school at the beginning of the year. 
The Administration explained that schools conduct outreach and attempt to locate students 
through District records, communication with families, and contact with other school districts 
when appropriate. Attendance outreach begins after three days, followed by more formal 
communication at 10, 15, and 20 days. Counselors and social workers are involved in 
contacting and supporting families. 
14. Vice Chair O’Connell asked whether the District was considering replacing or modernizing 
Aspen.  Dr. Chmiel reported that the IT Department would review Aspen’s current 

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 9 of 16 
 
functionality and the impact of District modifications before determining whether an RFP 
should be pursued. 
15. Vice Chair O’Connell discussed the need for a more modern student information system 
capable of better integrating academics, special education, multilingual learner information, 
transportation, and family outreach.  The Administration cautioned that some Aspen 
limitations may reflect historical underinvestment in training and customization rather than 
limitations inherent in the system itself. 
16. Vice Chair O’Connell requested that administration investigate technology that could allow 
families to view real-time bus locations.  He also suggested examining real-time video 
capability on school buses. 
17. Vice Chair O’Connell recognized the Administration and District staff for improvements in 
transportation, enrollment growth, and academic achievement. 
 
 
12. 
Board of School Committee Members’ Communications. 
 
a. 
Job Openings List  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
There were no questions or comments on this item. 
 
b. 
Board Goals 2026/2027 School Year  - by Vice Chair O’Connell 
 
 
 
Vice Chair O’Connell moved approval of the three Board goals previously developed. 
 
Committee Member Want thanked the Board Clerk for accurately capturing and organizing the 
Board’s prior discussion into three clear goals. 
 
On motion of Committee Member O’Connell, duly seconded by Committee Member Turner, it was 
moved to approve the Board Goals as submitted.  All present were in favor and the motion passed. 
 
c. 
Strategic Plan Ad Hoc Committee Assignment – by Vice Chair O’Connell  
 
Vice Chair O’Connell announced appointments to the Strategic Plan Ad Hoc Committee.  
Committee Member Want was designated Chair. Committee Members Parr, Hamer, Stewart, and 
Vice Chair O’Connell were also appointed. 

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 10 of 16 
 
Vice Chair O’Connell emphasized that the committee should establish its goals, complete its 
assigned work, make recommendations to the full Board, and then conclude its work as an ad hoc 
committee. 
 
 
13. 
Personnel Report.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
On motion of Committee Member O’Connell, duly seconded by Committee Member Potter, it 
was moved to approve the personnel report and supplemental report as submitted.   
 
During discussion, Vice Chair O’Connell requested that the Policy Committee review the District’s 
minimum-wage policy, noting that the $15-per-hour minimum established several years earlier may no 
longer be competitive for lower-paid positions. 
 
All present were in favor and the motion passed. 
 
The approved report was as follows: 
 
RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS: CERTIFIED STAFF 
Name 
Position 
Location 
Salary 
Gregory Parker
Social Studies Teacher
Memorial
$79,945.00
Heather Martineau
SAP Counselor 
Parkside
$89,960.00
Danielle Schulz
School Psychologist 60% FTE
Gossler Park
$35,743.80
 
NOMINATIONS: CERTIFIED STAFF
Name 
Position 
Location 
Salary 
Mark Magoon
5th Grade Math/Science Teacher
Hillside
$54,142.00
Rosa Valente
7th Grade ELA/Social Studies Teacher
Southside
$47,741.00
Andrea Smith
Kindergarten Teacher
Green Acres
$47,741.00
Nicholas Skiba
CTE Criminal Justice Teacher 60% FTE
MST
$46,407.00
Kristy Lynch 
School Psychologist 
Northwest & Green 
Acres
$66,821.00 
Danielle Schulz
School Psychologist 60% FTE
Gossler Park
$35,743.80
Tara-Lee Lynch
Special Education Teacher
West
$77,345.00
Kaitlyn Clogston
Special Education Teacher
Central
$47,741.00
David Lindof
CTE Autobody & Collision Repair Teacher
MST-CTE
$84,182.00
Amy MacDonald
English/Language Arts Teacher
Southside
$94,777.00
 
NOMINATIONS: MEA NON-CERTIFIED STAFF (EA) 
Name 
Position 
Location 
Salary 
Marissa Sweeney
5th Grade ELA/Social Studies Teacher
Parkside
$47,741.00
Anthony Bernabel
Music Teacher
Jewett
$62,843.00

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 11 of 16 
 
 
RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS: NON-CERTIFIED STAFF 
Name 
Position 
Location 
Salary 
Grace Rivard
Paraeducator I
Highland GF
$17.51
Mariam Amiri
Paraeducator II
Beech
$18.03
Andrea Smith
Paraeducator II
Green Acres
$18.04
Sarah Mitchell
Crossing Guard
Parker Varney
$20.00
Angela Cubillos
Paraeducator I
McDonough
$18.04
Rafielys Tavera Germosen
Paraeducator I
Northwest
$18.04
Claire Robertson
Paraeducator II
McDonough
$18.03
Hilda Velez
Food Service Worker
Northwest
$17.86
Lucas Daugherty
Paraeducator I
Parkside
$18.04
Kristyann Tardif
Licensed Practical Nurse
District
$30,265.00
Jocelyn Thomas
Paraeducator I
Highland GF
$18.04
Aaron Bruton
Paraeducator I
McLaughlin
$18.04
Crystal Skinner
Paraeducator I
McLaughlin
$18.04
Jashline Valentin
Paraeducator I
Parker Varney
$18.04
Desiree Robb
Paraeducator I
Southside
18.04
Ann Mwaliasha
Paraeducator I
West
$18.04
Rachel Morris
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Smyth
$34.37
Leanne Morin
Paraeducator I
Northwest
$18.04
Janina Aubrey
School Bus Operator 
District
$28.00
Taylor Bennett
Registered Behavior Technician 
Parker Varney
$31.83
Sara Biondo
Paraeducator I
Highland GF
$18.04
Kishon Chapman
Paraeducator I
McLaughlin
$18.04
Carlos Santiago
Paraeducator II
Southside
$19.03
Abdoul Sy
Paraeducator I
Central
$18.04
Joshua Hanna
IT Support Staff
District Office
$67,620.80
Nicholas Dobe
Paraeducator II
Hillside
$18.57
Roberta Rozamus
Paraeducator II
Memorial
$22.72
 
NOMINATIONS: NON-CERTIFIED STAFF  
Name 
Position 
Location 
Salary 
Timothy Howe
JV Volleyball Coach
Central
$2,462.90
Eleny Arias
Paraeducator I
Northwest
$18.04
Sara Biondo
Paraeducator I
Highland GF
$18.04
Bryauna Hansen
Paraeducator I
Highland GF
$18.04
Kishon Chapman
Paraeducator I
McLaughlin
$18.04
Lakisha Mwano
Paraeducator II
Hillside
$18.57
Davanie Venkatasami
Paraeducator II
Southside
$18.57
Ann Mwaliasha
Licensed Nursing Assistant 
West
$34,049.00
Justin Tevepaugh
Paraeducator I
Beech
$18.04
Elizabeth Louis
Paraeducator I
Green Acres
$18.04
Mya Joseph
Paraeducator I
Green Acres
$18.04
Salma Kwizera
Paraeducator I
McDonough
$18.04
Michael Boucher
Paraeducator I
McDonough
$18.04
Cindy Greyling
Paraeducator I
Northwest
$18.04
Bethany Ste. Marie
Paraeducator I
Parkside
$18.04
Callahan Goulet
Paraeducator II
Green Acres
$18.57
Alyssa Long 
Registered Behavior Technician 
Parker Varney
$31.83
Denise Lawrence
School Food Service Worker
Beech
$15.00
Karina Rivera
School Food Service Worker
Memorial
$15.00
Anthony Annese
School Bus Operator I
District
$28.00
Nicole Peverada
Paraeducator I
Parker Varney
$18.04

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 12 of 16 
 
Ashley Moulton
Licensed Practical Nurse
District
$39,157.00
Alycia Torre
School Nurse
District
$55,541.00
Jenelle Desrosiers
HR Benefits Specialist
District
$68,500.00
Debra MacDonald
Food Service Worker
Parkside
$15.00
Lejla Bicic
School Food Service Worker
Northwest
$15.00
Haley Gardner
Paraeducator II
Weston
$18.57
Collin Nee
Paraeducator II
MST
$18.57
Megan McMahon
Paraeducator I
Southside
$18.04
Samantha Selimovic
Paraeducator I
Highland GF
$18.04
 
TRANSFERS:  CERTIFIED STAFF 
Name 
Current Assignment 
Current School 
Effective 
Date 
Caroline Glennon 
Social Worker 
Bishop O'Neil Center & 
MST
08/27/26 
Tara Hudson
Social Worker
Jewett
08/27/26
 
TRANSFERS:  NON-CERTIFIED STAFF 
Name 
Current Assignment 
Current School 
Effective 
Date 
April Mandeville
Paraeducator II
Parkside
09/02/26
Rachel Cote
Paraeducator II
Green Acres
09/02/26
 
 
14. 
TABLED ITEMS 
(A motion would be in order to remove any item from the table.) 
 
There were no tabled items this evening. 
 
CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC COMMENT- 7:33 P.M. 
 
There was no one else wishing to speak. 
 
 
15. 
NEW BUSINESS  
 
Committee Member Turner –  
1. Central High School Security Fence 
Committee Member Turner requested an update regarding the previously discussed security fence at 
Central High School.  The Administration agreed to follow up with Facilities. 
Vice Chair O’Connell noted that the proposal had previously been reviewed by the Finance 
Committee and was no longer active because of cost, feasibility, appearance, and questions 
regarding whether it would accomplish its intended purpose.   
 

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 13 of 16 
 
Upon further review, it was determined that this was not reported to the committee and will need to 
be looked into. 
 
Committee Member Stewart –  
2. Opening of School 
Committee Member Stewart thanked principals and staff for creating a positive opening to the 
school year and recognized the District’s social media coverage highlighting students and schools. 
 
Committee Member Hamer –  
1. Teacher Supply Drive 
Committee Member Hamer recognized a community effort organized through Manchester Ink Link 
to collect classroom supplies for District teachers.  A community registry had been established for 
frequently requested classroom items, and donations could also be delivered to the Ink Link offices. 
A community event was scheduled for September 24 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. to distribute supplies and 
recognize teachers. 
 
Vice Chair O’Connell  
1. Stebbins Boys and Girls Club 
Vice Chair O’Connell recognized the opening of the Stebbins Boys and Girls Club on Kimball Street 
and highlighted the investment being made in young people and the West Side community. 
2. McLaughlin Middle School ribbon cutting 
He also recognized the upcoming McLaughlin Middle School ribbon cutting as another important 
investment in Manchester’s school facilities. 
 
Committee Member Potter 
1. Resignation 
Committee Member Potter announced that he would be moving out of Manchester in mid-October 
and would therefore resign from the Board following the second September meeting.  He reflected 
on his service to Manchester, beginning with his arrival in the city through City Year, and expressed 
pride in the Board’s work involving school facilities, student supports, class sizes, and other District 

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 14 of 16 
 
initiatives.  He stated that it had been an honor to serve and expressed confidence in the Board’s 
continued commitment to Manchester students. 
 
Vice Chair O’Connell thanked Committee Member Potter for his service and indicated that Board 
members would have an additional opportunity to recognize him at his final meeting. 
 
16.   
NON-PUBLIC SESSION 
 
7:46 p.m. 
 
On motion of Committee Member Turner, duly seconded by Committee Member Parr, it was moved 
to go into non-public session under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II (a) The dismissal, promotion, or 
compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee, or the investigation of 
any charges against him or her, unless the employee affected (1) has a right to a meeting and (2) 
requests that the meeting be open, in which case the request shall be granted; (b) The hiring of any 
person as a public employee; (c) Matters which, if discussed in public, would likely affect adversely 
the reputation of any person, other than a member of the public body itself, unless such person 
requests an open meeting; (i) Consideration of matters relating to the preparation for and the 
carrying out of emergency functions, including training to carry out such functions; (j) 
Consideration of confidential, commercial, or financial information that is exempt from public 
disclosure under RSA 91-A:5, IV in an adjudicative proceeding pursuant to RSA 541 or RSA 541-A; 
(k) Consideration by a school board of entering into a student or pupil tuition contract authorized by 
RSA 194 or RSA 195-A and RSA 91-A:2, I (a) Strategy or negotiations with respect to collective 
bargaining; and, (b) consultation with legal counsel. 
 
Roll Call: Committee Members Turner, Parr, Want, Taylor, Stewart, O’Connell, Potter, St. John, 
Garrity, Hamer, O’Neil-Wong, Smith and Mayor Ruais voted yes. Committee Members Georges 
Bergeron were absent.  Motion passed. 
 
Present: Administration: Attorney Matt Upton, Karen DeFrancis, Ryan Roth, Dr. Espinola, Michelle 
Evans and McKenna Gladysz (Mayor’s Office). 
 

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 15 of 16 
 
Items discussed include: 
 
1. There was discussion on a student matter, exempt from public disclosure under the provisions 
of RSA 91-A:3, II(c) Matters which, if discussed in public, would likely affect adversely the 
reputation of any person, other than a member of the public body itself, unless such person 
requests an open meeting. 
2. There was discussion on negotiations, exempt from public disclosure under the provisions of 
RSA 91-A:2:I (a) Strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining 
3. There was discussion on items which were exempt from public disclosure under the provisions 
of RSA 91-A:2, I; and, (b) consultation with legal counsel. 
4. There was a discussion on a student matter, which fell under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3, II 
(k) Consideration by a school board of entering into a student or pupil tuition contract 
authorized by RSA 194 or RSA 195-A There was discussion on a legal matter, exempt from 
public disclosure under RSA 91-A:2, I (b) consultation with legal counsel. 
5. There was discussion on personnel matters, which fell under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II 
(a) The dismissal, promotion, or compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of 
such employee, or the investigation of any charges against him or her, unless the employee 
affected (1) has a right to a meeting and (2) requests that the meeting be open, in which case 
the request shall be granted; (b) The hiring of any person as a public employee; (c) Matters 
which, if discussed in public, would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person, other 
than a member of the public body itself, unless such person requests an open meeting. 
 
17. 
A motion is in order to call the meeting back to order. 
 
8:04 p.m. 
On motion of Committee Member Turner, duly seconded by Committee Member Parr, it was moved 
to call the meeting back to order. All were in favor and the motion passed. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

September 14, 2026, Board of School Committee 
Page 16 of 16 
 
ADJOURNMENT 
 
18. 
If there is no further business, a motion is in order to adjourn.  
 
On motion of Committee Member Turner, duly seconded by Committee Member Parr, it was 
moved to adjourn.  All were in favor, meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. 
 
True Copy.  Attest. 
Respectfully Submitted, 
  
 
Clerk of Committee