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09.09.2026 - Minutes - UNAPPROVED.pdf

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- UNAPPROVED - 
 
Strafford School Board Meeting Minutes 
September 9, 2026 
Strafford School Library 
 
UNAPPROVED 
 
1 School Board Members: 
 
2 
•  Ms. Katrina Labrecque, Chair 
 
3 
•  Ms. Jessica Grant, Vice Chair 
 
4 
•  Mr. Eric Almanzan 
 
5 
•  Ms. Michelle Wangerin 
 
6 
•  Mr. Jeffrey Hamilton 
 
 
8 Staff and Invited Guests Present: 
 
9 
•  Robert Seaward, Superintendent of Schools 
 
10 
•  April Brown, Board Secretary 
 
11 
•  Natalie Blackington, Principal 
 
12 
•  Jennifer Mone 
 
 
14 Call to Order: 
 
15 
•  The board meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM by Ms. Labrecque. A roll call vote was taken with 5 of 5 
members present. 
 
 
17 I.  Non-Public Session 
 
 
19 Mr. Almanzan moved to enter into a non-public session at 5:03 AM under authority RSA 91-A:3 II (a, c). 
Seconded by Ms. Wangerin. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 
 
22 Mr. Almanzan moved to return to public session at 6:43 PM. Seconded by Ms. Wangerin. A roll call vote was 
taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 
24 
•  While in Non-Public, the board discussed a student request to attend CBNA, an employee termination, the 
Superintendent's evaluation and audit findings. 
 
 
26 II.  Public Comment 
 
 
28 
•  Public comment was opened for 30 minutes starting at 7:00pm. 
 
 
30 III.  Pledge of Allegiance 
 
 
32 
•  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 
 
 
34 IV.  Agenda Review – Agenda+Signup Sheet+Intro 
 
 
36 
•  Several items were added to the Other portion of the meeting including an update on the audit findings and 
the maintenance position opening. 
 
 
38 V.  Prior Meeting Minutes Review 
 
 
40 
A.  Approval of Non-Public and Public Meeting Minutes from August 26, 2026 
 
41 
The board discussed having the non-public minutes state "superintendent evaluation" versus "personnel 
matters." There were no changes to the public minutes. 
 
 
43 Mr. Almanzan moved to approved the non-public and public board meeting minutes for the August 26, 2026 

 
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board meeting as amended. Seconded by Ms. Wangerin. 
 
 
45 A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 
47 
B.  Director of Student Services Report 
 
48 
The board briefly discussed each item on the Director's report. 
 
 
50 
1.  Staff Handbook Amendment -- Section 504 Procedures 
 
51 
The superintendent reiterated the Director's request that the 504 section needs to be added to the 
faculty handbook. Board members agreed. 
 
 
53 Mr. Almanzan moved to approve the addition of the 504 section to the faculty handbook as described in the 
Director's report. Seconded by Ms. Wangerin. 
 
 
55 A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 
57 
C.  Superintendent's Report: 
 
 
59 
1.  Manifest(s) 
 
60 
The manifest is currently in circulation. No issues were identified by board members. 
 
 
62 
2.  Capital Fund Statements 
 
63 
The fund statements for August 2026 were reviewed - No discussion. 
 
 
65 
3.  Action Items 
 
 
67 
a.  New Hires/Resignations 
 
68 
Mr. Seaward nominated Dianne Reardon for the Title I position.  She comes highly recommended 
with a wealth of knowledge and experience. The principal spoke about the nominee and strongly 
encouraged the board approve the position. She also explained this position is Title I funded. 
 
 
70 Mr. Almanzan moved to approve the nomination of Dianne Reardon for the Title I position at a rate of $30 per 
hour to be paid from the Title I grant. Seconded by Ms. Wangerin. 
 
 
72 A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 
74 
b.  Facility Use Forms - PTO Meetings; Heart Screening; Rec Basketball 
 
75 
Mr. Seaward presented facility use forms for PTO meetings, heart screenings, and Recreation 
Center youth basketball games. 
 
 
77 Mr. Almanzan moved to approve all three facility use request forms as presented. Seconded by Ms. Wangerin. 
 
 
79 A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 
81 
c.  Stipend Nominations 
 
82 
Mr. Seaward presented the nominations for several stipends. Art Studio x2 - Heidi Jordan and 
Mindy Grant for $1,050 each (Grant Funded); 8th Grade Advisor x2 - Kendra DeCota and Rich 
Redmond for $1,000 each; National Junior Honor Society Advisor - Jess Clark for $800 (Grant 
Funded); Yearbook Advisor - Jess Clark for $1,100; Camp Invention x4 - Sarah Pelletier, Audrey 
Dolan, Maria Jorgensen, and Darci Wilder for $500 each; ESY Teachers x2 - Jennifer MacNeil for 
$902.40 and Cynthia Hunn for $560; Substitute Coordinator - Jess Clark for $1,288. 
 
 
84 Mr. Almanzan moved to approve stipends as presented. Seconded by Ms. Wangerin. 
 
 
86 Add the list of nominations to the minutes. 
 
 
88 A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 

 
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90 
4.  Informational/Discussion Items 
 
 
92 
a.  Ongoing and Completed Board Meeting Task Items 
 
93 
Several tasks have been completed and additional items have been added to the list. The board 
requested additional items. 
 
 
95 
b.  Student Enrollment Projection Report for End of August 
 
96 
Mr. Seaward presented a projection from June to August. Strafford is larger at the high school level 
than forecasted currently by 8 students but hopes that will look better after we get the first official 
bill from CBNA where we may see that some moved out as well. The board discussed reaching out 
to the community with questions regarding future CBNA student forecast, particularly centered 
around home school students who are intending to return to public school for high school. 
Discussed how kindergarten has a significant size bubble this year. Also, there was some 
discrepancy between the Principal's numbers and the official numbers. It is anticipated that is 
reflective of the ongoing shifts in Pre-K enrollment. 
 
 
98 
c.  Dental Plan Change + Options 
 
99 
Mr. Seaward presented the need to reopen negotiations or develop a MOU regarding the dental 
plan changes.  The dental plan 2A is ending effective June 30, 2027 and the district will be required 
to select another available plan. Available plans are listed in the board packet. 
 
 
101 
d.  Food Service Menu 
 
102 
Mr. Seaward explained there had been a number of community complaints about the food service 
menu at the start of the school year and that after some investigation, it was determined that the 
current menu was limited in its ability to properly reflect what the district serves for food. Mr. 
Seaward created an app to replace the limited menu with a more robust version allowing for 
images of the district's own food to be displayed, helping the community see the high quality 
products the kitchen is serving to students daily. The board discussed the concern about peanut 
butter vs. sunbutter and the superintendent explained the district uses Jif Natural peanut butter as 
option C daily. This product is a middle ground between pure natural peanut butter and the more 
sugary regular brand of Jif. 
 
 
104 
e.  Fire Alarm Communicator Repair Update 
 
105 
Mr. Seaward presented the update of the fire alarm communication system. While the district is 
still awaiting parts to arrive, the current communication system is limping along. The district 
anticipates installation of the new system as soon as all the parts arrive. 
 
 
107 
D.  Principal's Report 
 
 
109 
1.  Enrollment Report 
 
110 
Ms. Blackington stated that her enrollment report does not contain out of district students and that 
Pre-K enrollment is increasing regularly. 
 
 
112 
2.  Cell Phone Enforcement Update 
 
113 
Ms. Blackington presented the cell phone enforcement update. From now on, Bell to Bell ban on cell 
phones will mean from the very first bell around 8:30 am until the very last bell at 3:25 PM. In essence 
this means no cell phones will be out from when a student enters the building until after they depart 
the building. They must be off and away between those two bells. Bell to bell aligns with the current 
law and handbook requirements so no board action is required. 
 
 
115 
3.  Consultant - Sarah Shirilla 
 
116 
Ms. Blackington presented Sarah Shirilla, the "Wit & Wisdom Lady" who was referred to the district by 

 
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a parent. Sarah is helping support the teachers and is being paid through grant funding. She focuses on 
how to use reading as a tool and as a resource in learning. Unfortunately, there is a national decline in 
reading practices. The priority is putting what is tangible for the students. The board discussed how 
education has been an easy target over the last several decades, with blame placed on teachers and 
technology. Worksheets are abused more than anything. Flashcards are a valuable home tool for 
education. It takes the community. Ms. Blackington is looking at patterns and trends. The current 
students are making gains in the upper grades. High quality instruction is the ultimate goal. The 
2025-2026 SASS scores are found in the DOE data. There was mention about adding a kiosk on the 
Chromebooks. 
 
 
118 Mr. Almanzan moved to approve Sarah Shirilla for Title II Consultant $2000 per visit, paid through grant funds. 
Seconded by Ms. Wangerin. 
 
 
120 A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 
122 VI.  Correspondence 
 
 
124 
A.  Thank you card from School's Main Office 
 
125 
A thank you card from the front office for the start-up. 
 
 
127 
B.  CBNA November 10, 2026 Regional Board Meeting Invite - Not a normal board meeting day 
 
128 
The board discussed that CBNA has scheduled the Regional Board Meeting on Tuesday, November 10th to 
avoid conflicting with Veterans Day on November 11th. The board discussed and agreed to attend that 
meeting without holding the traditional board meeting afterward. Mr. Seaward will post the meeting, as all 
five members plan to attend. 
 
 
130 VII.  Community Calendar 
 
 
132 
•  Budget season and a welcome to the coaches. 
 
 
134 VIII.  Committee Updates: 
 
 
136 
A.  Policy Committee (2nd Reading = JICK - Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention - Bullying - 2nd reading; 1st 
Reading = BBBC - Board Member or District Officer Resignation) 
 
137 
The board discussed page 42 regarding resignation policies. Capture copies simultaneously to the board. 
Page 48, removing the word "reprisal." Page 6, the board public forums, the board hosts and schedules the 
public forums with no board member. 
 
 
139 Mr. Almanzan moved to approve second reading for JICK policy. Seconded by Ms. Wangerin. 
 
 
141 A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 
143 Mr. Almanzan moved to approve the first reading for BBBC - Board Member or District Officer Resignation. 
Seconded by Ms. Wangerin. 
 
 
145 A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 
147 
B.  Transportation Committee 
 
148 
Meeting held today. Potentially change Coe-Brown routes, check the status of our contracts, looking at 
different options. Utilization data for three high school bus routes: one bus with 15 high school students, 
second and third buses with 17 high school students on each. Should a community questionnaire be 
considered with high school bus route changes? The next meeting is scheduled in December. 
 
 
150 
C.  Facilities Committee (Tree Survey Quote) 
 
151 
The tree survey quote; the goal is to cut the least amount of trees as possible. Mr. Almanzar and Mr. 
Seaward reached out to the county forester with no response as of yet. Quotes range from $1,000 to 

 
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$4,000. 
 
 
153 Mr. Almanzan moved to approve to accept the proposal bid from Chris for $1,057. Seconded by Ms. Wangerin. 
 
 
155 Looking to schedule a meeting soon. 
 
 
157 A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 
159 
D.  Athletic Committee (Committee Charter) 
 
160 
Student eligibility statement feedback for cleanup. Typically personnel matters are in regard to the end of 
the season surveys. There is a difference in the evaluation of the matter of the program versus the 
evaluation of the staff member. Spoke with the Coe-Brown AD; suggestions to have high school coaches 
come on campus for practices or provide camps. There are declining numbers in female sports teams, for 
example, soccer. Consider a co-op with other smaller towns to provide opportunities for the girls. Practices 
have been visited; the overall atmosphere is tremendous for each sport team. The conversation has been 
started to have a home meet for cross country. 
 
 
162 
E.  Food Service Committee 
 
163 
Meeting next Wednesday at 3:30. 
 
 
165 
F.  NHSBA Delegate (School Funding Tour) 
 
166 
The letter that was circulated in the last meeting, this year is too late yet seriously consider for next year. 
Delegate work is out; plan to put the new resolutions on the next meeting's agenda, adding as a separate 
item. School board stance on school funding and getting involved is not a good idea. 
 
 
168 
G.  Education Committee 
 
169 
Dean's meeting is scheduled. 
 
 
171 
H.  Dam Committee 
 
 
173 
I.  Wellness Committee 
 
174 
Meeting scheduled in October. 
 
 
176 
J.  Negotiations Committee 
 
177 
A separate non-public meeting to follow this public meeting. 
 
 
179 IX.  Set Future Board Meetings: 
 
 
181 
•  9/23/2026 
 
182 
•  10/14/2026 
 
183 
•  10/28/2026 
 
184 
•  11/18/2026 
 
185 
•  12/9/2026 
 
186 
•  1/13/2027 
 
187 
•  1/20/2027 
 
188 
•  1/27/2027 - Annual Budget Hearing 
 
189 
•  1/27/2027 - Follow up to Board Meeting 
 
190 
•  2/10/2027 
 
191 
•  3/3/2027 
 
192 
•  3/6/2027 - Annual District Meeting 
 

 
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193 
•  3/24/2027 
 
194 
•  4/7/2027 
 
195 
•  4/21/2027 
 
196 
•  5/12/2027 
 
197 
•  5/26/2027 
 
198 
•  6/9/2027 
 
 
200 X.  Other 
 
 
202 
•  Mr. Almanzan has talked to the auditors; Mike Campo has offered to join a board meeting to discuss the 
2024-2025 and 2025-2026 audits with recommendations. 
 
203 
•  Vacant full-time maintenance position - Mr. Seaward presented the changes in the facilities department and 
presented the potential to hire Will White for the full-time maintenance position or post either part-time 
position. 
 
204 
•  Concern - 2/3 of the playground is now at the end of life. Primex to come out to do an evaluation soon. 
 
 
206 XI.  Non-Public Session 
 
 
208 Mr. Almanzan moved to enter into a non-public session at 8:51PM under authority RSA 91-A:3 II (a). Seconded 
by Ms. Wangerin. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 
 
211 Mr. Almanzan moved to return to public session at 9:10 PM. Seconded by Ms. Wangerin. A roll call vote was 
taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 
213 
•  While in Non-Public, the board discussed employee situation and negotiations. 
 
 
 
216 XII.  Adjournment 
 
 
218 Mr. Almanzan moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 PM. Seconded by Ms. Wangerin. 
 
 
220 A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed 5-0. 
 
 
222 Minutes Recorded By, 
 
 
224 April Brown