School board approves Allied Health contract addressing salary and leave adjustments

The Londonderry School District held a School Board/Budget Workshop on January 7, 2025, focusing on key financial projections and contract negotiations. The meeting began with discussions on kindergarten enrollment projections, which have shown a significant decline. Officials noted that the number of incoming kindergarten students is now closely aligned with local birth rates, deviating from the previous trend of an additional 40 to 60 students each year. This shift is expected to impact future revenue estimates, as the district adjusts its projections based on these birth rates.

The board reviewed a bond warrant article, which was moved forward to a public hearing scheduled for January 14, 2025. The motion received unanimous support from board members.

Additionally, the board discussed the Allied Health 2025-2028 contract. Key highlights included an increase in sick leave, updates to the grievance procedure, and adjustments to salaries to remain competitive in the job market. The negotiations aimed to address disparities in pay and ensure alignment with teacher contracts. The board approved the contract with a unanimous vote.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude for the efforts of the Budget Committee, acknowledging the hard work involved in preparing for the upcoming budget discussions. Overall, the workshop emphasized the importance of adapting to changing enrollment patterns and ensuring fair compensation for staff.