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06-16-2026 - School Board - Minutes.pdf

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OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 
106 Hancock Road 
Peterborough, New Hampshire 
 
CONTOOCOOK VALLEY SCHOOL BOARD 
 
School Board Meeting 
 
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 
Immediately following a Public Hearing that begins at 7:00 p.m. 
Physical Location: SAU #1 Board Room 
Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/c/ConValEvents 
 
Minutes 
 
BOARD​
ADMINISTRATION 
Elizabeth Ahearn, Mary Armstrong,​
Dr. Ann Forrest, Supt.  
Tom Burgess,  Sarah Edmunds,​
Dr. Amy Stevenson, Asst. Supt. 
Curtis Hamilton, Dan Harper,​
Neal Cass, B.A.  
Michael Hoyt, James Kingston,​
Mark Schaub, Tech. Dir.​  
Carl Mabbs-Zeno​
Larry Pimental, CVHS A.D. 
​
Heather McKillop, CVHS 
 
1.​ Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance 
Michael Hoyt called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  
 
2.​ Points of Pride - Scholarships & Graduation 
Will Philips, NH School Board Association, was invited to share tonight. Will reported that he is the staff 
attorney at NHSBA and is present tonight to speak about one of the members.  Every year, the NHSBA 
offers a scholarship to a school board member’s child.  He shared things considered in the application.   
NHSBA is pleased to announce this year that the winner is Liam Armstrong, School Board Student 
Representative.   
Liam’s academic accomplishments are numerous.  Many were mentioned. Liam was recognized with an 
award.   
 
Ann Forrest said that the other point of pride is the high school graduation on Saturday.  A slide show of 
pictures and quotes was shared.   
 
3.​ Approval of Manifests (Board Vote Required) 
Neal Cass certified that manifests listed totaling $2,199,903.75 have been reviewed by him and found to 
be proper charges against the Contoocook Valley School District for goods and/or services received and 
have been properly processed prior to their submittal to the School Board. 
Jim Kingston moved to approve the Manifests as presented. Carl Mabbs-Zeno seconded. 
Unanimous.  
 
Curtis Hamilton motioned to add looking at the CVAA agreement to the agenda. Tom Burgess 
seconded. Unanimous.  
 
4.​ Public Comment 
None.  
 
5.​ Reports 
a.​ Facilities Committee - Tom Burgess 
Tom Burgess reported that the Facilities Committee is creating a schedule to meet with the ConVal 
communities to discuss the similarities and differences between the two middle schools to help guide 
decisions needed around the middle school program.  
 
 

 
b.​ Communication Committee - Curtis Hamilton 
Curtis Hamilton reported that the School Board Facebook page and timeline was discussed.  The launch 
is scheduled for the end of July.  
The School Board’s website contact site was discussed with the aim at making it easier for people to 
email board members from there.   
It was noted that a new communication around the Francestown withdrawal process was discussed and 
is present in the School Board folder drive for tonight’s meeting.  It talks about setting up an SAU Board, 
who is eligible to come, how voting works, and other information.  
An agenda item has been added out of necessity which include two letters on bills related to a tax cap 
and another which seeks to mandate a vote every year by district voters to authorize, or reauthorize, the 
retainage of funds. In the Executive Session, they voted that authorization to retain funds would be 
rescinded.  
These two letters were discussed.   
 
c.​ Education Committee - Kat Foecking 
Amy Stevenson reported assessment data was discussed in deeper detail.  Curriculum goals were 
discussed along with different needs.  Amy will consult with stakeholders over the summer and come up 
with a curriculum renewal cycle to bring forward in the fall.  
Jim Kingston added that it was a good meeting and will lead us down the right path with curriculum.  
 
d.​ Student Representatives - Marcus Jordan 
Mike Hoyt reported that Marcus Jordan is not present tonight.  Soon, a new member will be coming to 
replace Liam Armstrong.  
 
e.​ Legislative Update - Curtis Hamilton 
Curtis Hamilton spoke about the over 50 pieces of legislation that relate to education.  They all have to 
work together for near immediate implementation.  Curtis said that he counted 16 unfunded mandates. 
There is work to cap administrative spending in school districts. Curtis shared that he hopes that there is 
some pause at the Governor’s office.  
There are several bills that govern by ballot measure and call it governance.   
HB1610 - our voters voted to approve the ability to retain funds.  It creates an emergency fund.  To 
disenfranchise voters is unfair.  
Curtis Hamilton cautioned everyone to pay attention to legislation.  
 
Mike Hoyt said that the policy committee will have to look at the outcome of legislation should policy 
updates be required. The State is requiring us to do things that the federal government says we should 
not be doing.  It will require balance.  
 
6.​ Consent Agenda 
a.​ Acceptance of School Board Meeting Minutes 
1)​ June 2, 2026  
 
b.   Personnel 
Dr. Ann Forrest referenced five nominations including a principal for Temple Elementary School. Ann 
shared that they are excited about the filling of the principal position  
 
Curtis Hamilton thanked Larry Pimental for his years of service.   
Mike Hoyt shared that Larry was Peterborough Elementary School Principal for sometime and then 
moved to the Athletic Director position. 
 
Curtis Hamilton moved to accept the consent agenda.  Carl Mabbs-Zeno seconded. Unanimous.  
 
7. SAU Report and Presentation of Business 
a.​ Monthly Events Calendar 
The monthly events calendar was reviewed and updated.  

 
b.​ Superintendent’s Report 
HB1610 was reviewed by Curtis Hamilton previously.  Ann Forrest shared that she got a legal brief that 
this bill will potentially impact our fund balance this year, as of June 30th.  The NHSBA and NHSAA wrote 
letters encouraging board members and Superintendents to also write letters to the governor.  
Curtis Hamilton drafted a letter and Ann and Neal Cass drafted a letter from the SAU.  
HB1300, if signed, will be voted by ballot.  The potential pairing together with HB1610 will artificially lower 
the tax rate and HB1300 could cap the tax rate. 
Neal Cass said that it is a bill that almost retroactively takes back retention.  One of the things under 
consideration is the opportunity to encumber funds from FY’26 to lower our surplus and contract allowable 
things eg. boilers, roofs.  The unknown is whether the fovernor will sign this or not.  If signed before July 
1, Neal recommended encumbering funds.  If that happens, all of the surplus plus all of the contingency 
will return to lower taxes.  If the bill is vetoed, it is business as usual.  If it is vetoed after July 1, he 
recommends encumbering funds and voting in August on how much of the surplus from this year to 
retain.   
Jim Kingston said that he would not want to encumber any more than the 2.5% we said would be 
retained.   
In order to encumber, we have to vote on the encumbrances.  A list will be sent to the board.  A special 
meeting will be required to vote on this before June 30th. Mike Hoyt proposed a meeting on June 29th at 
6:00 p.m.  The meeting would be set up to look at the proposed encumbrances and vote on them.   
 
 Ann Forrest said that if funds were not encumbered, and the Governor signed this, all funds would be 
returned.  If HB1300 passed, a tax cap would be set, which would hurt the district significantly.   
Curtis Hamilton said that with HB1610, the legislation included language for the ballot that would appear 
before voters.  He shared the language, which he said is a bias statement.  When we retain funds, we 
hold them for emergencies and they make interest.  It is not a loss.   
Neal Cass said that the vote on the tax cap is on the November ballot and not in March, which is different.  
 
Ann Forrest said that the board will be asked to approve the communications mentioned.  
Jim Kingston asked if we have to return our available funds at the end of the year in full, would that 
preclude adding to our trust funds from available funds.   
Neal Cass said that because it was voted, those trusts would be funded.  
 
c.​ Assistant Superintendent’s Report 
 Amy Stevenson shared that she has been here for one year and has spent the year learning.  She 
shared that the fields are amazing and gave Tim Grossi a shout out.  She also gave Heather McKillop and 
all involved in graduation a shout out as well.  
 
Amy Stevenson shared a presentation on 2026-2027 Curriculum Priorities.  The purpose is to present 
curriculum priorities and associated budget allocations for FY’27.   
The first initiative she wanted to bring to ConVal was Vector, which was piloted this year.  The purpose is 
for Vector to free up some of the PD days to do some of the mandated training.  It has gone very well.  
She credited Mark Schaub with the sync and Carly Giggi, her admin. Assistant.   
The Mentoring Program is set up and will begin next year.   
Illustrative Math will continue into grade 6 next year and other grades moving forward.  A Literacy 
Program adoption is underway.  
Work done in AI in this district is cutting edge.  Funds have been secured for the Flint platform.   
Funding for a consultant and professional learning has been secured.  Grant funding has been secured 
for all of these initiatives.   
Amy Stevenson shared her experience at Pierce School with students and turtles.  Recently, the turtles 
were released to their natural habitat.  
 
8. Old Business  
a.​ 2nd Read/Adoption Policy (Board Vote Required) 
-​
DM: Cash in School Buildings 

Mary Armstrong shared that the only change in this policy is the removal of language related to removal 
of cash from vending machines daily.  
Jim Kingston moved to adopt policy DM as presented. Sarah Edmunds seconded. Unanimous.  
 
b.​ 2026-2027 ESEA Consolidated Application 
Amy Stevenson shared that the goal is to upload everything on Friday.  
 
​
9. New Business 
a.​ Appoint District Treasurers (Board Vote Required) 
Neal Cass reported that both our Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer will remain the same; Lindsay Carter 
and Judy Tremblay.  
Jim Kingston moved to approve the appointments.  Curtis Hamilton seconded.  Unanimous.  
 
b.​ School Board Communication to the Governor (Board Vote Required) 
Curtis motioned to approve the letters to Governor Ayotte in opposition to HB 1610, HB1300, and 
the letter from the Superintendent. 
Elizabeth Ahearn seconded. Unanimous.  
 
c.​ Withdrawal Procedures & SAU Board Governance Communication (Board Vote  
​
​
Required) 
Curtis Hamilton moved to approve this communication.  Sarah Edmunds seconded.  
Jim Kingston said that when it was first presented that a group of 12 to 15 people comprising the SAU 
Board could set a budget imposing that on communities he thought that it was insane. It turns out that it is 
the law.  He said that we are err in omission of telling the voters that there is the opportunity to vote on 
that budget.  He would like to see the alternative budget procedure expanded and he would like to see 
that explained in this letter.  
Mike Hoyt said that there is another bill that says that the SAU Budget would need to go on as a warrant 
article separate from the school budget and be voted on by that means.  Any current or alternative 
processes would be stricken if it is signed.  
Jim Kingston said that you can only address the current situation and he said that it should be explained. 
Mike said that as long as we are a two district SAU, that is the system that needs to be set up.  Because 
of the time table, the chances of not having to do that for a year are slim.  
Jim Kingston said that the SAU Board would set the budget which would go to the voters and is 
apportioned the same way.  There is no default, if the voters vote down the school budget, it goes to the 
default.  But, with a SAU Budget there is no default. There is no way to reject that budget.   
 
Curtis Hamilton motioned to accept this including an explanation of the RSA which defines the 
alternative pathway. 
Jim Kingston seconded.  
Elizabeth Ahearn asked where this letter will be out there. 
Curtis Hamilton said that he hopes it will be published on the district website. 
Mike Hoyt said that a public hearing would be required before a SAU budget would be adopted.  
Unanimous.  
 
Voting on the motion as amended: Unanimous.  
Curtis will change the language and send it out to the board.  
 
d.​ Ratification of MOA with the CVEA (Board Vote Required) 
Tom Burgess motioned to ratify the MOA with the CVEA. Jim Kingston seconded.  
Ann Forrest said that the MOA focuses on adding one additional lane to the payscale for our nurses. 
Registered nurses who have Associate Degrees will be added as a new column.  
Carl Mabbs-Zeno abstained.  All else in favor. Motion carried.  
  
e.​ Expense and Encumbrance Report (Board Vote Required) 
Neal Cass shared the end of May encumbrance report.  Regular salaries are under budget due to unfilled 
positions.  Benefit lines are under-expanded as well.  

Revenues interest is good.  Medicaid reimbursement is good.   
There is just over 94K requested in trust fund monies that has been received.  
Jim Kingston motioned to accept the Expense and Encumbrance report. Curtis Hamilton 
seconded. Unanimous.  
 
f.​
Budget Transfers (Board Vote Required) 
Neal Cass noted three budget transfers totaling $184,500.00.  
Jim Kingston moved to accept the budget transfers.  Carl Mabbs-Zeno seconded. Unanimous.  
 
CVAA AGreement -  
Jim Kingston motioned to approve the CVAA Agreement. Curtis Hamilton seconded. Carl 
Mabbs-Zeno abstained. Motion carried.  
  
​
10. Public Comment 
None.  
 
11. Non-Public Session 
a.​ RSA 91-A:3, II(l) Consideration of legal advice 
b.​ RSA 91-A:3, II(a) Compensation of a public employee 
Jim Kingston motioned to enter into Non-Public Session for matters of compensation of public 
employees at 8:26 p.m.  Elizabeth Ahearn seconded. Unanimous on a roll call vote.  
 
Jim Kingston motioned to exit the Non-Public Session at 8:40 p.m.  Carl Mabbs-Zeno seconded. 
Unanimous on a roll call vote.  
 
Jim Kingston motioned to enter into the Non-Public session at 8:40 p.m.  for matters which, if 
discussed in public, would likely adversely affect the reputation of any person, other than a 
member of the public body itself.  
Carl Mabbs-Zeno seconded. Unanimous on a roll call vote.  
 
Jim Kingston motioned to exit the Non-Public Session at 8:52 p.m.  
Carl Mabbs-Zeno seconded. Unanimous on a roll call vote.  
 
Jim Kingston motioned to enter into Non-Public Session at 8:54 p.m. for consideration of legal 
advice provided by legal counsel.  
Tom Burgess seconded. Unanimous on a roll call vote.  
 
Jim Kingston motioned to exit the Non-Public Session at 9:07 p.m.  
Sarah Edmunds seconded. Unanimous on a roll call vote.  
 
Jim Kingston motioned to enter into Non-Public Session at 9:08 p.m. for discussion about 
compensation of a public employee.  
 
Jim Kingston motioned to exit Non-Public Session and was seconded. Motion carried.  
 
12. Adjourn 
Jim Kingston motioned to adjourn.  Seconded. Unanimous. 
 
Respectfully submitted, 
 
Brenda Marschok