At the September 8, 2026 meeting, the board welcomed new staff: case manager Julia Olyri, teacher Jamie Newman, nurse Tessa Akens, fourth-grade teacher Anna Pulkari, library specialist Kathleen Rearen, substitute Francis Ricky, Spanish teacher Markeel Nalt, and health substitute Danielle Sabari. Three staff member deaths were noted.
A $117,000 PTA fundraiser check was received, but the PTA reported they have no volunteers to run upcoming events like Trunk or Treat or the winter Wizards event. Board committee assignments were adjusted: a member will attend a budget meeting on Tuesday, and Sarah will handle grants.
Dates set include a legislative meeting on September 18, a curriculum committee meeting for September 29-30, and an election secretary needs selection by the next meeting. Capital improvement projects were approved by committee and forwarded to the select board.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccgvVkdSFEI
The Hampton School Board met on August 11, 2026. SPEAKER_1 moved to approve the second reads of policies regarding fund balance, bidding requirements, indoor air and water quality, public access to records, mandatory drug and alcohol testing for bus drivers, health food distribution, computer security, email, internet usage, and employment references. The motion passed unanimously. The district completed its annual audit with no findings, returning $250,000 to the town and retaining a fund balance of $559,938. The board plans two warrant articles: one concerning a proposed tax cap in November, and another for the SAU office in the spring. Out-of-district special education placements decreased from five to three, potentially saving $100,000 to $200,000. The board introduced Dr. Thomas Waldron as interim leader and Lindsay Goucher as the new nutrition director. Center School received new windows, seven parking spots, and has a kindergarten enrollment of 77. The district also welcomed new staff members Jamie Newman and Tessa Akens.
The board authorized expending retained unassigned general fund balance. They approved utilizing funds for roof repairs totaling $615,000, specifically restoring Center School Section A ($390,000) and maintaining Center School ($30,000), plus replacing Marston School Section A ($125,000), coating Marston Sections I and J ($20,000), and Marston maintenance ($50,000). Additionally, the board voted to return up to $250,000 to taxpayers, placing any remaining excess funds in retainage. The board accepted the resignation of Dr. Neil Campbell with regret. An announcement was made regarding the hiring of Dr. Tom Waldron as interim middle school principal; he will begin duties July 1, 2026, with an introduction letter to be issued that day. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 11.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODgV7l_Aq9M
SPEAKER_1 welcomed the Class of 2026 and thanked supporters. The American Legion Post-35 Award was presented to Joshua Wiley, with Colin Milberg as runner-up. Will Davis received the Knights of Columbus One Who Cares Award. The Barbara Renaud Conservation Commission Science Award went to Alexa McSweeney. The New Hampshire Daughters of the American Revolution Ranger Chapter Award was given to Jason Hederson. Sidney Saw received the Krista Mikalov Award, and Rowan Condon received the Roger Lovett Memorial Award. Jay Jang won the Ruth Barnes Excellence in Science Award. Ava Mockelken received the Lori Cotter Excellence Award in Language Arts. Adara Hanlon was given the Gopolin Art Award. Belichucho received the Kathleen Collins Excellent in Mathematics Award. Bella Coucho received the John Peterson Memorial Award. Performing Arts Awards were given to Sebastian Finnegan, Miles Sforza, and Rowan Condon. Logan Griggs received the Outstanding Citizenship Award, and Cameron Frankor received the Positive Attitude Award. Presidential Awards for Academic Excellence were presented to Bella Coucho, Sebastian Finnegan, Emily LeBlank, Ava McQualkin, and Alexa McSweeney. Blue and Gold Awards were given to Charlotte Cromer, Liam Hanley, Emily LeBlanc, and Lucy Rufus. SPEAKER_1 read closing comments from Dr. Costa, and certificates of promotion were distributed to the graduating class.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ9qiq9iDpY
SPEAKER_1 introduced the student-created play "The Evil Pickle," noting students managed lighting and music. The plot involved students trapped by SPEAKER_6 (the Evil Pickle) in a dimension requiring survival of six levels, each corresponding to a fifth-grade class. Students passed levels including a "floor is lava" room, a comedy club, a shark encounter (featuring SPEAKER_8 as Doggy Shark), a "Is it Cake?" game show with participant Santino, and an emo/goth room defeated by playing "YMCA." The final circus scene involved a "Mission Impossible" task. SPEAKER_1 and SPEAKER_11 acknowledged the students' unique writing and performance efforts, thanking staff and parents.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTo_9gznUdQ