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School Board Draft Minutes 9-8-2026.pdf

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Unapproved Draft Minutes 
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EXETER SCHOOL BOARD  
Un-approved minutes of the meeting held on September 8, 2026 
Action on the minutes will be taken at the Board’s next meeting 
 
The Exeter School Board held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 
 
PRESENT: School Board Members: Patrick O’Day, Heather Ikemire, Kathleen Pratt, Tim Reed, 
and Shonni Holmes 
 
ABSENT: None 
 
Administration: Assistant Superintendent Alison Bryant, Assistant Finance Director Michelle 
Larson, LSS Principal Ryan McCluskey, LSS Assistant Principal Deanna Donnelly, MSS 
Principal Beth Cadorette, MSS Assistant Principal Max Ferguson, Special Education Director 
Diana DeNitto, MSS Director of Instruction Karla Putney, LSS Curriculum Director Julie 
Lambert, and Facilities Director Travis Thompson. 
 
1. Call to Order 
a. Ms. Ikemire called the meeting to order at 6 PM.  
 
2. Pledge of Allegiance 
a. Ms. Ikemire led the Board and the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. 
 
3. Public Input 
a. Ms. Ikemire “started the clock” for public input for 30 minutes at 6 PM. 
 
4. PTO Update 
a. There was no PTO update at this time. 
 
5. Approval of Minutes 
a. June 9, 2026 Public Board Meeting 
Corrections: Ms. Ikemire said on page 9, Arlynn’s name was spelled incorrectly. 
Ms. Holmes said in 11C, New Business, the primary election is in September. 
b. June 9, 2026 Non-Public Board Meeting 
c. August 3, 2026 Public Board Meeting 
Ms. Holmes made a motion to accept the June 9, 2026 public meeting minutes as 
amended, and the June 9, 2026 non-public meeting minutes and the August 3, 
2026 public meeting minutes as presented. Ms. Pratt seconded. The motion 
passed 5-0.  
 
6. Principal Reports 
a. 6.1 Main Street School 
Ms. Cadorette introduced two new MSS staff members: School Nurse 
Cheryl Thibodeau and Speech and Language Pathologist Jackie Derby.  

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Ms. Cadorette said regarding summer staff development, there was a 
summer institute where teachers could collaborate. The focus was on Universal 
Design for Learning (UDL) and AI. They also learned about infusing Sign 
Language into literacy. Staff from MSS and LSS came together for a “day of 
equity and belonging” work session and discussed the future of holidays and 
celebrations in our schools. Teachers had a training on multi-tiered system of 
support (MTSS), working with a behavioral lens, and strengthening identification 
of student needs. Teachers had four days of professional learning on OGAP, an 
ongoing assessment project for instruction; we will offer that training again in 
2027. 
Ms. Cadorette said upcoming school events are an open house on 
Thursday 9/24 for students to share their learning and MSS school picture day on 
Tuesday September 29. 
 
b. Lincoln Street School 
Mr. McCluskey said the “Meet the Teacher” event was well-attended and 
had great weather. Students had a great first week of school. Teachers had a 
professional learning week in August which emphasized Purposeful People, our 
SEL program adopted last year. We also had a virtual all-staff training. Teachers 
had a training on Infinite Campus, our new learning management system.  
At the end of last year, the Board approved the blue light system, and 
work was ongoing through the summer and continues. At the August meeting, 
the Board approved the LED lighting project; that is underway and is about 90% 
done. Ms. Ikemire asked regarding the blue light system, how do you make 
people aware they can use it? Mr. McCluskey said we’ve had internal 
conversations with staff. Mr. O’Day asked when the project will be done. Dr. 
Bryant said if the Board wanted to hear more about the blue light project, we 
could discuss it in non-public session.  
 
c. Student Assessment Schedule 
LSS Curriculum Director Julie Lambert gave a presentation on the Lincoln 
Street School student assessment calendar. “iReady Diagnostic” is now “iReady 
INFORM,” and they have shortened the test slightly. It’s given three times a year, 
in September, January, and May.  
Mr. O’Day asked if the data will still be comparable year to year, and Ms. 
Lambert said that’s what we’ve been told.  
Ms. Lambert said Acadience Math tests are given twice a year, in 
September and January, to all LSS students. Acadience Reading is given three 
times a year, but only to students who need tier 2 or 3 supports. The NH SAS is 
given once a year, in April or May. The WIDA exam is given once per year only 
to multilingual learners, over a period of four days.  
Ms. Ikemire asked about the testing schedule. Ms. Lambert said at the 
summer institute, we looked at the assessment calendar, why we’re giving them, 
how we’re using the data, and how many minutes we’re spending on testing. The 

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SAS is non-negotiable with the State; iReady is a district-wide initiative; and 
Acadience is something that started here but now is used across the district. This 
amount of testing is the minimum. Mr. McCluskey said the iReady piece in 
particular drives scheduling and intervention.  
Mr. O’Day said he’s heard there is a delay in receiving state data or that 
the data was partial. Ms. Lambert said we get the State data almost immediately 
for about 90% of our students, but some are randomly selected for hand-scoring 
and aren’t available for a couple of days. Acadience is on the individual level and 
is not connected with any of our publishers; it’s a third-party assessment we use 
to triangulate our data.  
Ms. Pratt asked for more information about the multilingual testing. Ms. 
Lambert said the WIDA program was chosen by the state. It’s given every year, 
for as long as they are enrolled in our multi-lingual program, until they test out or 
the parents opt them out.  
Ms. Holmes asked if the students know between the tests that they’re 
taking or why they’re testing so frequently, and how they ensure students take it 
seriously. Ms. Lambert said we talk with students regularly about upcoming 
assessments and how teachers use it to work on what they need to learn next. If 
there was an issue with not filling out the test correctly, the teacher would make a 
call about whether they should retake the assessment. The NH SAS is presented 
to students as a report card for the State on how we’re doing as a school. Ms. 
Donnelly said there's a lot of conversation in the classroom around iReady about 
goal setting and meeting their goals.  
Ms. Holmes asked if they notice more parents opting out of the State 
testing due to the amount of other testing that happens. Ms. Lambert said opt-
outs have dropped steadily over the last four years. In 2021 there were a lot of 
opt-outs, but since then it’s been a steady drop-off.  
Ms. Ikemire said she’s heard concerns about “teaching to the test” with 
iReady, as well as privacy concerns. Ms. Lambert said our math curriculum, 
Ready Classroom Math, is a paper-and-pencil-based curriculum. iReady is a 
digital-based assessment. iReady pathway is digital individualized learning; you’ll 
receive more questions in domains that you didn’t do as well in. The goal for the 
pathway is 30-45 minutes per week, but a lot of students don’t hit that goal. Math 
WIN is all hands-on work, and is not a time for tech. Some students love the 
iReady pathway work and do it at home.  
Ms. Ikemire said it’s helpful to see the schedule in one place. Can we 
make this information available to caregivers? Ms. Lambert said she would defer 
to the principals on how she wanted to communicate this.  
MSS Director of Instruction Karla Putney said Main Street School doesn’t 
have the state testing, otherwise the testing schedule is similar. The triangulation 
of data becomes more clear each year for the students as they get used to the 
testing. We use iReady Inform math and reading tests similarly to LSS. 
Acadience Math and Reading are given three times a year. It has different 
subtests in K-2, but students do not see all of them each time. The test is 15-20 

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minutes and mostly involves one-on-one assessments with an adult. MSS also 
does WIDA access testing for multilanguage learners. EDP has an required 
assessment, the DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile), an observation-
based test.  
 
7. PTO update 
Jessie King, the new PTO Co-President alongside Kate Costelanski, gave 
a PTO update. The PTO is looking to create a stronger sense of community 
around the schools, with the theme “setting the stage for success.” Tomorrow 
night is the PTO kick-off meeting, and we will hear about the new report card 
grading system.  
 
8. Central Office Update 
a. Administrative Update 
SAU 16 Facilities Director Travis Thompson gave an update on the LSS 
LED Lighting project, which is 95% complete. The classrooms should be done 
but the hallways, cafeteria, and gym still need to be completed. He has no 
concerns about getting it completed in the time frame of the end of the year. 
There was a slight change in the scope of the project; when he worked with Unitil 
to sign the financing, there was a component to install exterior lights as well, 
which added $9,000 to the project. The Board was specific in the dollar figure 
approved, but we decided to go forward with that part of the project. We’re not 
paying for that piece. Initial discussion, Unitil provided a calculator for cost/benefit 
and ROI. We financed the project for six years. We should see a savings of 
$1,200 over the next six months, which will continue to improve over the life of 
the project. We can prepay without penalty, he got that confirmation in writing.  
Mr. Thompson said he now meets monthly with Steve Cronin at Exeter 
Public Works. They’re starting to work on the School Street project, and it will be 
about a month before the work is in front of EDP. They know they need to 
maintain a lane on that street and that the school needs ADA access at all times.  
Ms. Holmes moved to approve the change to the LED project for an amount 
up to $205,229.46. Ms. Ikemire seconded. The motion passed 5-0.  
 
Dr. Bryant said SAU 16 Leadership is looking at streamlining the 
information for school boards, put together a schedule of topics for upcoming 
meetings. Ms. Ikemire suggested that this be made public in a format apart from 
the agendas.  
Dr. Bryant said regarding public comments made at the previous meeting, 
Dr. Andriski is on the Governor’s task force on screentime. She spoke with Jill 
Lazier regarding the public commenter’s concerns on iReady, and she said there 
was no merit to the concern. Curriculum Associates, the makers of iReady, 
provided a statement that data is used only for educational purposes, never sold 
or used for advertising. We also have signed data privacy agreements with each 

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of our contractors. Ms. Ikemire said she knows of a caregiver group focused on 
the topic of screentime, is that a group we should invite in?  
Dr. Bryant said she attended a stakeholder meeting for the train station 
area in August, with a lot of people in attendance. There was a conversation 
about the impact on parking in this area.  
Mr. O’Day asked if the Board could revote on the August 3 minutes; he 
would like to abstain, as he was not present at that meeting.  
Ms. Holmes moved to approve the June 9, 2026 Public Meeting Minutes as 
amended and the June 9, 2026 Non-Public minutes as presented. Ms. Pratt 
seconded. The motion passed 5-0.  
 
Mr. Reed moved to approve the August 3, 2026 meeting minutes as 
presented. Ms. Ikemire seconded. Mr. O’Day abstained. The motion passed 
4-0.  
 
b. Public Comment 
A member of the public indicated that they wished to speak outside of the 
public comment period, and the Board agreed to allow it.  
Laura Knott, parent of 2nd grade and K students, said she was the 
member of the public that spoke at the August 3 meeting. She still has concerns 
about device use in elementary schools, especially one-to-one devices such as 
iPads or Chromebooks. Children who use them can develop issues with gross 
motor skills and emotional regulation. Our brains have evolved to learn from 
social interactions, not screens. There are many teachers who dislike iPad and 
Chromebook use and feel these devices are a distraction from learning. She also 
has concerns about specific applications such as iReady. In December 2025, 
California parents sued iReady alleging that they unlawfully collect student data 
and share it with commercial entities. This seems like an unwarranted use of our 
children’s data. Regarding the assessments done through iReady, she got the 
impression from the presentation that the Acadience test provides more 
information about the student’s abilities and challenges. The Board should review 
the latest research on devices and AI use in the classroom. She would like to see 
a committee formed to examine device use in classrooms and provide the Board 
with recommendations for policy changes.  
Dr. Bryant said Dr. Andriski is part of the screentime task force for the 
State. Later this month, Dr. Andriski will meet with the School Board Chairs and 
there could be next steps for the District at that time.  
 
c. Financials 
Assistant Finance Director Michelle Larson said there is no financial in the 
Board pack; that will start with the October Board meeting. In the June meeting, 
we predicted the amount of $289,117 could be returned to the taxpayers. Due to 
a significant increase in revenue from Medicaid and a relief of encumbrances, 
that figure is now $574,053.49.  

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Dr. Bryant said both MSS and LSS received $5,700 in robotics grants 
from the Federal government.  
 
9. Committee Reports 
a. Equity (Kate Pratt and Patrick O’Day) 
Ms. Pratt said this committee has not met. They’ve moved the time to the second 
Monday of the month from 7:45 - 8:30 AM, which she can’t do. Mr. Reed said he 
can take it on.  
 
b. Policy (Patrick O’Day and Heather Ikemire) 
Ms. Ikemire said this committee did not meet. Dr. Bryant presented two policies 
to the Board for consideration. 
i. 
IHBG Home Education Instruction 
Dr. Bryant said this is a revision. It bypassed the policy committee 
because the law has changed and the new law is in effect as of July 1st. 
It removes district oversight and evaluation of students. The policy is 
mostly redlined now. Families need to notify the district if a student is 
withdrawing or if a home ed student wishes to participate in an activity or 
course.  
Ms. Holmes asked about where to find information on co-curricular 
activities per section G. Dr. Bryant said it’s described in policy JJJ.  
 
ii. 
JICK Bullying Prevention - Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention 
Dr. Bryant said there are quite a few changes in this policy due to bills 
from last year and this year. Our obligation now carries across districts 
and even out-of-state. It now includes language on cyberbullying. There 
are changes on when to notify the Superintendent's office. There's a 
requirement to engage with stakeholders to develop the policy; she 
recommends adopting the policy now and modifying it later with input 
from stakeholders. It will come back to the policy committee in December 
or January.  
Ms. Ikemire said she thought it had to be finalized by January. Dr. 
Bryant said she will look into that. There was a report due by January 1st 
on how we will integrate it into our curriculum.  
Ms. Ikemire said she would like to discuss the policy at a Board 
meeting but also have a separate event for feedback. This is a chance for 
education around bullying. 
Mr. O’Day said in the policy, under “definition of bullying,” there 
are five definitions plus a sixth one, “occurs on or is delivered at school 
property or at a school-sponsored activity.” That’s not a definition of 
bullying. Also, under appeals, it says they are done according to board 
policy ACA, but ACA says the first appeal is to the principals, the second 
to the Superintendent, and the third to the School Board. This says that 
the level 3 decision is final. That doesn’t match how the State Board of 

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Education sees its role. They review School Board decisions. We can’t as 
a Board restrict the State’s jurisdiction. Dr. Bryant said she can speak 
with the principals and make revisions for the next meeting. Mr. O’Day 
asked if she could bring it to the Policy committee this month.  
Ms. Holmes asked if the event definition is intended to cover 
school buses. Dr. Bryant said yes, it covers school buses, sporting 
events, and other out-of-school incidents.  
Ms. Holmes said she understands why we need to vote on IHBG, 
but policy JJJ doesn't seem to jive with what’s happening. Why is the use 
of the facilities open and available? Dr. Bryant said we are required by 
law to offer this to home ed students.  
JJJ will be reconsidered at the next meeting. 
Ms. Pratt moved to approve Policy IHBG as amended. Mr. O’Day seconded. 
The motion passed 5-0.  
 
c. Strategic Planning Committee 
Dr. Bryant said there was no update for this committee. 
 
d. Facilities (Patrick O’Day) 
Mr. O’Day said there were no facilities updates other than those already 
discussed. 
 
e. Wheelwright Trust (Tim Reed and Kate Pratt) 
Mr. Reed said there are two proposals: one for equipment for inclusive 
travel, and one for an Exeter school district branding request. If we accept 
both, that would fully spend all funds in the Wheelwright Trust.  
The travel proposal is requesting adaptive community 
transportation equipment for students who have safety and physical 
needs so that they can be safely transported with the rest of the class. 
The committee recommended to fund this project. Ms. Ikemire asked if 
the cost is $2,000 or $1,820. Mr. Reed said the Board could approve “up 
to $2,000”.  
Mr. Reed said the second proposal is introducing a logo for the 
Exeter School District, mirroring something Newfields Elementary has 
done. The project cost request is $9,000 of the $10,500 quote; the PTO 
will cover $1,500.  
Ms. Ikemire asked about the current balance of the Wheelwright 
Fund, and Ms. Pratt said $11,998. Ms. Cadorette said costs fluctuate. The 
proposal for inclusive travel decreased. If we do the equipment for $1,820 
and branding for $9,000, we would have $428 left.  
Ms. Cadorette said we’ve been working with a company in 
Newfields on the logo. This would be a logo and set of visuals which 
would create a sense of belonging for students and staff in all three 
schools. This ties in with completing our mission and vision statement. 

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Ms. Holmes asked if the goal is to exhaust the funds. Ms. 
Cadorette said yes. Ms. Ikemire said there was a point where there were 
a lot of proposals which created a lot of work for the staff.  
Ms. Holmes asked where they would get the funds to replace the 
travel equipment at the end of their lifespan. Ms. DeNitto said we could 
budget for them if they proved to be useful. 
Ms. Holmes asked if the branding company is opposed to AI. Is 
this the right company to do this? Ms. Cadorette said she and Ryan had 
multiple meetings with the company. They went through the process for 
Newfields. It’s not just a logo, it’s all the different types and formats for 
logos, merchandise, and letterheads. We can bring staff in to make 
decisions on some of the visuals.  
Ms. Ikemire asked if there's a style guide for SAU 16. Dr. Bryant 
said no.  
Mr. Reed said the Wheelwright Committee recommended the two 
projects.  
Ms. Pratt said the company has a connection to Newfields. The 
feeling is that it won’t just be AI driven. Getting the feel and the culture of 
the schools into the branding is important.  
Mr. O’Day made a motion to approve the inclusive travel proposal for 
community building. Ms. Holmes seconded. The motion passed 5-0.  
 
Ms. Pratt Proposal made a motion to approve the Exeter School District 
branding project. Mr. Reed seconded. The motion passed 5-0.  
 
f. Sabbatical/Professional Growth Fund (Shonni Holmes and Heather Ikemire) 
Ms. Ikemire said this committee will not meet until January.  
 
g. Superintendent Evaluation - (Tim Reed and Heather Ikemire) 
Mr. Reed said this committee will meet September 21. Dr. Andriski’s 
goals will be ready for the committee to review. We’ll be setting the 
protocol for the year when the meetings and evaluations will be, as well 
as a mid-year check-in with the committee.  
 
h. Safety and Security (Shonni Holmes and Tim Reed) 
Ms. Holmes said this committee will meet October 1. 
 
i. 
School Meals Advisory Committee (Shonni Holmes and Kate Pratt) 
Ms. Pratt said this committee met in August and discussed the language 
and consideration around filling out the free and reduced lunch forms. We 
need language that explains the decision to provide these meals for free 
as well as the need to fill out the forms. We also talked about whether 
there would be an increase in waste. Ms. Holmes said the teachers and 

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administrators have done a good job of making clear the need to fill out 
the forms.  
Mr. O’Day asked if we could measure data against previous years. We’d 
need data by December in order to make budget decisions this year.  
 
A member of the public indicated that they wished to speak. 
Ms. Pratt moved to extend the public comment period. Ms. Ikemire 
seconded. The motion passed 5-0.  
Kate Costilansky, the PTO Co-President, said parents should fill out the 
form for school lunch even if they don’t think they’ll qualify.  
 
Mr. O’Day moved to close public comment at 8:18 PM. Ms. Holmes 
seconded. The motion passed 5-0.  
 
Ms. Ikemire said we’ve taken off the standing agenda item for old 
business because we want full transparency with the public about what will be on 
the agenda.  
 
10. Non-Public Session 
Ms. Ikemire made a motion to enter into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3II(i), 
information related to carrying out emergency functions. Mr. O’Day seconded. In a 
roll call vote, the motion passed 5-0, and the meeting entered non-public session 
at 8:20 PM. Non-public session ended at 8:26 PM. 
 
11. Adjournment 
 
 
 
Respectfully Submitted, 
Joanna Bartell 
Recording Secretary