WACKY WEDNESDAY
During Read Across America Week at Pittsburg School, students dressed up in crazy outfits on March 6 for Wacky Wednesday, named for the Dr. Seuss book of that title, and the first-graders made some faces to match. From left to right are Stanley Krouse, Antonio Rioux, Christian Mathieu, Karsten Anderson, Devina Robidoux, Aubrie Rancourt, Piper Thilkey and Amaya Cunningham, with teacher Wanda McGuire in the back. (Ann Gray photo)
Colebrook Rejects Expansion for Second Time, Approves Support Staff Contract
By Karen Harrigan
Trask Gymnasium was packed to the rafters for Colebrook's annual school district meeting last Tuesday night, when voters rejected the school board's second attempt at a building expansion and approved the 2024-25 budget by only 15 votes. District moderator Jonathan Frizzell had appointed Skyler Lindor and Dean Woodard-Neary as assistant moderators for the night, with attendance high as predicted for a vote on the controversial expansion proposal. Only registered voters, administrators, advisors as authorized and media were allowed in the gym, and non-residents gathered in the cafeteria to observe by closed-circuit TV. School board member Tanya Young spoke to Article 1, which contained the $12,525,118 proposal for renovation and expansion of the school building. Of that amount, $7,515,071, or 60 percent, was to come from state building aid, with the remaining $5,010,047 to be raised by grants or donations by June 30. If the funds were not raised, the article would be null and void, and the project would not be undertaken. Discussion of the article took less than an hour, with principal architect Lance Whitehead of Lavallee Brensinger Architects on hand to answer questions. Included in the project are $1,261,440 in renovations that "have to be done," he said, and in answer to one question explained that the project budget includes a contingency fund. "Anything left over goes back to the state and the donors," he said. "We cannot go over the amount raised tonight." Mrs. Young's presentation on the article mentioned consolidation with other schools in the area, stating that the Colebrook board "supports revisiting collaboration," and specifically, the Connecticut River Collaborative Committee's Model D, which called for a regional high school in Colebrook. Former school board chairman and Collaborative Committee member Brian LaPerle and committee member Don Tase stood before the crowd, and Mr. LaPerle asked everyone to raise their right hand if they care about education, and their left if they care about taxes. "See, we're all on the same page," he said, when virtually everyone raised both hands. He read a statement recapping some of the committee's work (see page 4 of today's issue for the full statement), and encouraged investment in education, which he called an investment in kids. "We're requesting that the board, if expansion fails, go back to the drawing board, include regionalization, and make this project a home run," he said. "If it passes, find a way to add regionalization to it, and make it a home run." There was some further discussion, about the questions of maintenance costs, how the Career and Technical Education programs are running now, and whether state funding will be available for another couple of years. Board chairman Nathan Lebel explained that Colebrook would remain "on the list" for state building aid for two years, but where it stood on that list could change. A motion to move the question was approved just before 7 p.m., and due to a petition bearing five signatures, the vote took place by secret ballot. A half-hour later, Mr. Frizzell announced the results: 122 votes in the affirmative, and 239 against the measure. A separate proposal in Article 2 called for construction of a new gym, with $2,102,630 coming from state building aid and the remaining $1,401,754 from grants and donations. Because its consideration was contingent on passage of the first article, it was passed over, and the meeting moved on to turn its focus on Article 4, which proposed a three-year contract with support staff. Mr. Lebel explained that the bargaining unit consists of "everyone in the building who's not a teacher," to include custodians, classroom aides and office staff. The article sought a $44,615 increase in salaries and benefits for the first year, $17,319 for the second year, and $17,278 for the third year in 2026-27. "This is the second contract we have negotiated with the school board," stated administrative assistant Jessica Dagesse, who is the building rep for the support staff union. "We continue to be in competition with area schools and repeatedly lose staff to those that pay a higher wage, provide health insurance, and offer a pension. We did not negotiate these items because we knew it would cost our community too much money. We are taxpayers as well, and we were very conscientious about our proposals and agreement. We believe Article 5 is fair and we are asking that you vote to support this." Middle school math teacher Tyler Snyder asked for the starting salary of a classroom paraprofessional, and Mr. Lebel looked it up: $16.87 per hour. Voters approved the contract with a show of hands, and approved a motion by Mr. Lebel to restrict the article from reconsideration. When introducing the district's $8,232,614 proposed budget in Article 8, Mr. Lebel noted that 35 percent of the $533,882 proposed spending increase over the current year consists of higher health insurance premiums. "That killed the budget," he said, adding that other significant increases included the SAU 7 budget, contracted services such as out-of-district placements, school resource officers, and a new crossing guard post. Mr. Lebel said revenues are projected to be $541,564.54 lower than those of the current year, an 11.1-percent reduction. Including a three-cent state tax rate increase, the budget results in a $5.94 increase to the local property tax rate. He also pointed out that state adequacy aid--provided for what the state considers an adequate education--has increased by $288 in ten years, from $3,498 per pupil in 2014 to $3,786 in 2024. During that same period, the actual local cost per pupil has increased by $7,339, from $14,765 in 2014 to $22,104 in 2024. Mr. Lebel noted that the district has 68 employees in the current year, and budgeted for 66 next year. "So even though the budget is going up, we have cut two positions," he said. Before the article went to a paper ballot vote, again by petition, district treasurer Gaetane Boire asked what would happen if it failed. "Then we'd have to discuss what amount the voters want to raise," Mr. Frizzell said. "The meeting will not be adjourned until we have a dollar amount." The budget passed, 155-140, and again voters approved Mr. Lebel's motion to restrict it from reconsideration. Before the meeting was adjourned at 8:53 p.m., the assemblage recognized Deborah Greene for her seven years on the board, and superintendent Dr. Debra Taylor, who will leave her post at the end of June. The Day After "I'm not entirely sure where the board goes next," Mr. Lebel said on Wednesday. "I think a lot of that is going to depend on the outcome of next week. The town is really split on adequately funding public education and how much they can afford. I was really worried about the budget this year, because we cut about everything we had left before it would become detrimental to the education of our students." "Sports and extracurriculars was next on the list," he added. "I'm very glad we didn't have to have those discussions." "Maybe the next step is to come back together and finish the work on figuring out regionalization," he said. "In both models, significant building work had to be done to accommodate a single high school. Determining what impact that is going to have on all of the towns will probably help everyone make an informed decision in the best interest of the students." As for any thoughts of expansion, "Colebrook stays number one on the list for building aid for the next two years," Mr. Lebel said. "It's going to be at least another year before we know if the state will fund it again. Maybe it can be considered when discussing regional models again." "In order to reduce local taxes there has to be more of a contribution from the state," he concluded. "Contributing more towards a state education tax would distribute more evenly to poorer areas like ours and take some of the burden off of the local taxpayer. If people want to change their property taxes, Concord is going to be where they need to focus."
(Issue of March 13, 2024)
Dana Hilliard
Somersworth's Hilliard to Head SAU 7
By Karen Harrigan
SAU 7 announced on Monday that Dana Hilliard of Somersworth was selected as the new superintendent to replace Dr. Debra Taylor, who announced her resignation early last fall. A search committee composed of one member from each school board in the SAU, and chaired by Robert Murphy of Colebrook, began its work in October. Under the guidance of the New Hampshire School Board Association, the committee contracted with The Bryan Group for a facilitator to assist with the process. "The process involved workshop meetings learning the different types of leadership styles, character qualities, and other skills useful to application reading and the interviewing processes," stated committee spokesman Stacey Campbell. "Due to somewhat of a shortage of superintendents in New Hampshire, we knew it would be challenging, as there are lots of openings throughout the state." The committee started with a field of eight candidates, she said, but dismissed a few quickly because they lacked qualifications for the position. After multiple interviews, the committee recommended Mr. Hilliard to the SAU board, which unanimously approved the selection at its Feb-ruary meeting. Following that decision, the N.H. School Board Association negotiated the hiring contract. "We feel fortunate to have Mr. Hilliard join us at SAU 7," Mrs. Campbell said. "He comes from an area with many similarities to our North Country. He believes one of our biggest assets is that we are small, rural, and know our population well. He is looking forward to meeting our people and leading us down the path of success for all of our students." Mr. Hilliard was born and raised in Somersworth, where he attended and later served the same school systems from which his mother and all siblings graduated from. A graduate of Somersworth High School, he earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Keene State College in 1996 and and a master's in educational leadership from Plymouth State University in 2011. Last year, he earned a Certificate of Advance Graduate Studies in Education Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University, with certification in superintendency. Mr. Hilliard began his 23-year career in public education working as a paraprofessional for two years at Somersworth Middle School before teaching social studies at Somersworth High School for six years. He then left the classroom and went into administration, serving as assistant principal at Somersworth High for three years, and as principal of Somersworth Middle School for 10 years. In 2021 he moved to the SAU level, where he served as the Director of School District Operations. For his 21st Century approaches in educational leadership, he was named the 2013 A+ Administrator by the New England League of Middle Schools. He received the New England Education Opportunity Association Achiever Award in 2009, and the Council for Opportunity in Education National TRIO Achievers Award in 2014. Somersworth Middle received several accolades under his leadership, including the N.H. Department of Education Commissioners Circle of Excellence for 2013-14; the National Title 1 Distinguished School in 2014; the New England League of Middle Schools Spotlight School for 2014-20; and the New Hampshire Middle School of the Year in 2019. Throughout his time in public education, Dana's passions have included working with at-risk students. "Our duty as educators is to find a pathway for every student, regardless of the barriers which must assure them that we care and will help them find a way to reach success," he said. "Public education is about exploring and finding the passion that lies within each student. A one-fit approach does not reach every child, and we must be open to exploring all options so every student in SAU 7's dreams can come to fruition." Entering elected public service when at age 20, Dana served five terms in the New Hampshire House from 1993-97 and from 2005-08. He served two terms on the Somersworth City Council, representing Ward 4 from 2002-04 and At-Large from 2006-10, and served as Mayor of the City of Somersworth from 2013-23. He has served on numerous city committees, boards and commissions since high school. In 2022 he was appointed by President Joe Biden as a member of the National Board of Educational Sciences, a position he still holds. Dana has been the recipient of several accolades for his leadership style. He was awarded the Pink Triangle Award in 2008 from the University of New Hampshire, for his commitment to diversity and civil rights; the New Hampshire Democratic Party Kathy Sullivan Courage and Leadership Award in 2013; Key to the City of Somersworth in 2023; and the New Hampshire Democratic Party Leadership Award in 2023. Dana and his husband Sean reside in Somersworth. He enjoys watching and attending Bruins games, traveling, running, biking, hiking, and spending time with his dogs Bruske and Ethel and cats Zae and Anu.
(Issue of March 13, 2024)
CULINARY COMPETITORS
A team of culinary students from North Point CTE in Colebrook competed in the NH ProStart statewide culinary competition, a first-time endeavor that was a great learning experience and encouraging for future competitions. In the front are Moira Fraley, Jaida Santiago and Madeleine Champagne; in the back are Roman Chambers, Tayton Keezer and Taryn LaPerle. (Courtesy photo)
Colebrook Town Officials Discuss Trash, Parking, Safety During Eclipse Influx
By Jake Mardin
With the 2024 total solar eclipse less than a month away, the Town of Colebrook hosted a pair of meetings with business owners on Thursday morning at the Tillotson Center to give updates on planning, and to take questions and comments. Town manager Tim Stevens welcomed everyone and gave a brief overview of the eclipse. Colebrook, like many other northern New Hampshire and Vermont towns, lies within the path of totality. During the afternoon eclipse, the moon will completely block out the face of the sun. Mr. Stevens began his presentation by noting that all lodging in Colebrook, Pittsburg, Lancaster, Littleton, Berlin, Gorham, Bethel and Jay Peak is full. He said businesses can expect three different waves of people to come in. The first wave is locals coming in the week before to stock up on what they need, followed by the visitors coming in during the weekend who will be in the area for a few days, and then the people who are staying outside the area and are traveling north on April 8. He said stores and restaurants may face challenges in terms of food inventory and storage, and may have to adjust their delivery schedules. He also suggested restaurants consider simplifying their menus during the event, sticking with items that have a quick turnaround time, and extending their hours. He said he wants to see local restaurants do well and take advantage of the typically slow mud season, especially after a lackluster winter. Mr. Stevens said visitors may not be used to places that accept only cash or check, and he has been in contact with the local banks to see if they will have anyone on hand to check the ATMs to make sure there is enough money in them. There are several designated parking areas, and the town is waiting on others for approval. The rear lot at Colebrook Academy and Elementary School on Dumont Street will be open, but he noted that the front of the school will be closed off because the cafeteria will be used as a first aid station. There will also be another first aid station set up at the Community Baptist Church on Bridge Street, and both stations will be staffed by volunteers from the Medical Reserve Corps. Other approved parking lots will be the municipal lot across from Bangor Savings Bank, North Country Self Storage by LaPerle's IGA, and in the industrial park and American Performance Polymers on Bill Bromage Drive. Buses and RVs will be directed to park at the state rest area north of town on Route 3. Mr. Stevens said he has requests out to two more locations and he is waiting for approval. All of the designated parking areas will have attendants on hand, port-a-potties and trash cans. He said anyone who has space they'd like to offer for free parking can contact him. People may also charge for parking, but the town will only provide attendants, portable toilets and trash cans to free lots. He also said landowners, especially those with fields, should consider putting up some stakes and roping them off to prevent people from pulling off the road and parking on them. Black Bear Tavern owner Rick Nadig asked Mr. Stevens what he expects Tuesday, April 9 to be like when people leave the area. "I think Tuesday will be a busy day," Mr. Stevens replied. He said at Northern Comfort Motel, which he owns, they did two-night minimum stays to try and help alleviate traffic. "I'm leaning into it being a more overwhelming experience," he said. Mr. Stevens said N.H. Homeland Security and Management has been working on eclipse planning for over a year to coordinate with other state agencies like the Department of Safety, Department of Transportation and Health and Human Services. He said there will be a large contingency of law enforcement on hand; the Colebrook Police Department will handle most of the local issues, while N.H. State Police and other agencies will assist where needed. Mr. Stevens also said cell phone companies are bringing up portable towers to help mitigate increased usage.
(Issue of March 13, 2024)
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