[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6086840,"mediaKeyId","2894101-c8eca69022c26ac510327b7ba6da6ebc","parentId",2894101,"title","Board discusses Lakes Region special‑education consortium proposal and classroom behavior concerns; some members warn against segregation","audioSeconds",343,"startMs",3712000,"endMs",4055000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894101-c8eca69022c26ac510327b7ba6da6ebc&start=3712&end=4055","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894101-c8eca69022c26ac510327b7ba6da6ebc/thumbnail_3712000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6086840/New-Hampshire/Board-discusses-Lakes-Region-specialeducation-consortium-proposal-and-classroom-behavior-concerns-some-members-warn-against-segregation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086840-5426063011909ed72caa73af59eb57a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163169&Signature=mxodX3~2dheCoXjfKFajDnUT9HT7HFbwI1cV0UcBsiFC8112OW9YEklwejQZKcrTIpHt1NoXhQTxptYgKcnYbOvLV~wt7al4Tq1kMy~~HTB3YfE8erKIqIMbnCPHGObaxPCJG1Ls7~YMTc9h7Bh-iZNiHBxnTChJVXAxdE20MIctrq5c7rWp~LvPiMTghgZcs4B-1QrQMjufb50V8UsM2n4tVeLs3iU2ftVrY9HKMKI1caMqHY8~HgUUsVZ6eO1IC5hvVlG5WiAjPpWzzYlwwReTRrwGIcFGBQRDHwp4bc8GDNdnEBjnyRe8bRtYoQfkDtlaufb0j-YMAwcbqtvHDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Concord School District NH","date","2025-04-08T08:48:16.817Z","article","The Concord School District Board of Education discussed a Lakes Region special‑education consortium and a related memorandum of understanding at its April 7 meeting, and board members, staff and public speakers debated whether shared services could reduce costs without moving toward segregated placements.

The superintendent said she received two documents from the Lakes Region: (1) a 10‑year consortium agreement focused on curricular exchanges and shared services and (2) a one‑year memorandum of understanding whose language the superintendent described as “fairly vague” and which referenced conversations about building a separate school. She told the board she has not finalized anything and would bring any proposal forward for board review before signing.

Board members and public commenters raised concerns. One board member said “we should have segregationist thinking off the table,” and another public commenter argued the consortium conversation is a “manufactured economic imperative” that results from inadequate federal IDEA funding and state school‑funding structures. The superintendent said Concord’s practice is to prioritize inclusive placements and that, while the district places a modest number of students out of district when appropriate, Concord is “conscientious” about keeping students close to home when possible.

District staff explained there are existing regional consortia (named examples included Seacoast Learning Collaborative and Strafford/South‑Central groups) that some districts use to access specialized staff or programs; the board said it expects the superintendent to bring any final consortium language, memoranda or agreements to the board for review before signing. One board member asked whether the superintendent had seen the consortium language; the superintendent said she had and that she would bring it to the board when ready.

Behavior and inclusion in regular classrooms also received sustained discussion. Board members, staff and parents described classroom disruptions that can pull teachers away from instruction. The superintendent and special‑education staff described training (CPI/noncrisis intervention), restorative practices, on‑staff behavioral expertise and programs for students with behavioral needs; they said most students are served in district programs but acknowledged there are occasional placements out of district when necessary. Board members asked for clearer data on frequency and impact of disruptions and for any necessary follow up in nonpublic sessions if student‑specific information was required.

Why it matters

Shared services or new regional placements could reduce costs and expand access to specialized staff, but community members and some board members warned such efforts must not lead to the segregation of students with disabilities. At the same time, classroom disruptions raised by parents and board members prompted requests for better data on how frequently instruction is interrupted and what programmatic steps the district is taking to limit lost learning.

Next steps

The superintendent said she will bring final consortium or memorandum language to the board for review before signing and noted the district’s participation in regional collaboratives. The board asked for more data on classroom disruptions and planned to follow up as needed in public or nonpublic sessions depending on data sensitivity.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Concord School Board Monthly Meeting 4-7-25","oneSentenceSummary","The board reviewed a Lakes Region special‑education consortium proposal and a memorandum of understanding and also heard sustained concerns about classroom disruptions and inclusion, with multiple speakers insisting segregationist options be off the table.","taxTitle","Concord School District, School Districts, New Hampshire","taxId",60242,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6086845,"Threat written in CHS bathroom prompts early dismissal; police, SRO and administrators investigate",2163,2162000,4325000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894101-c8eca69022c26ac510327b7ba6da6ebc&start=2162&end=4325","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894101-c8eca69022c26ac510327b7ba6da6ebc/thumbnail_2162000.jpg","/articles/6086845/New-Hampshire/Threat-written-in-CHS-bathroom-prompts-early-dismissal-police-SRO-and-administrators-investigate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086845-41fbceea73af2a22a873ed5b45233537/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163169&Signature=URUdtBKr7PahraufZ0SD-QgHkRlJFxdTUAD17dKTrLE2DU3-q-9hT64BcAG391o63YqrcZfsVwxMrN7vps0ut5-nzDO6Jb6HhCq-rl1P7kT5kC67d7qBDLg9E9E6bvuW3nwiatKmsVpSilKta1RQYvJBQaaC-~yvJzTUaio2LdHEF1zYHgFVLuWu8XHFboVCj1c7v9qR5DcrIjodeYPYXpdekZOCWADbM0vP1r9CzE57XLoIt3iQ1WA-ALPmG-Xrw8GiGXDFSa6KffHtGOfDRqMwJEfxATsLDaGG9NUWmIInp57X6O4X0ilgMh9lBpFIi-A4vzaJUUK8OGQMb0ZPDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A threat written in a Concord High School bathroom on April 7 prompted school officials to dismiss students early at 1:30 p.m., cancel after‑school activities and call local law enforcement, the student representative and the superintendent told the Concord School District Board of Education.

Student Van McKenna reported to the board that the written threat resulted in the dismissal and the cancellation of the National Honor Society induction scheduled that evening, which was to induct “over 50 new juniors for next year.” McKenna told the board that school and local law enforcement responded and that the incident served as a reminder about staying alert.

The superintendent and staff said the school resource officer (SRO) and administrators reviewed hallway video, are comparing writing samples and are investigating. Superintendent said Chief Osgood was notified and sent additional patrols; the district also placed additional officers in schools for visibility and comfort. Transportation staff and school administrators worked to get buses and special-education vans in place so students could be dismissed safely; one out‑of‑district bus from Deerfield arrived late and staff coordinated care until it arrived.

The superintendent said the investigation is ongoing and that consequences for the perpetrator will be “severe” if a responsible party is identified. Staff emphasized the disruption affects the whole school and the district will debrief its response procedures.

Why it matters

Threats of violence at schools trigger safety protocols, law-enforcement involvement and community concern. The district said it would continue to investigate and to provide updates to families and the board.

Follow-up

District staff said they will continue the investigation, review evidence and coordinate with police. The superintendent said she would debrief staff and bring any lessons learned to the board.","A threat found written in a Concord High School bathroom led to an early dismissal at 1:30 p.m., cancellation of after-school activities and a police presence; the district is reviewing video and forensics and has asked for increased patrols.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6086850,"Concord expands world-language exposure to sixth grade; district plans half-year exploratory next year",238,2448000,2686000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894101-c8eca69022c26ac510327b7ba6da6ebc&start=2448&end=2686","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894101-c8eca69022c26ac510327b7ba6da6ebc/thumbnail_2448000.jpg","/articles/6086850/New-Hampshire/Concord-expands-world-language-exposure-to-sixth-grade-district-plans-half-year-exploratory-next-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086850-73c7c62c2d9e434ba07c8b7f20aab786/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163169&Signature=c2JPIQF1t~ZF4Pvge8ZPdBuo3VvRNejUPZA3xtU2YzG2ej-osUzd04KYQKY35dnbzB-eveNZD19SpkqUGpMB5LGyqbmpdlvYiu44vUYIY3ZY3O~NR6UVQyRJc-Aa~ISJu5mKESXARVLyCy~phViLThd8CiM6jx55mKuNpXdj1wnWh7g3l0uZszAPDm1P2easRgWKAUpSNy5E4DaI9D9ubJauAdpSejgVLpdEeXkYPEP2ugepEy1cYgKIMnjlJ7PIZ6gn7L3EX3uBFJTSyEXEY-MCYR0x9uK1iPxCXDk5QpvxrEc9qeJUkFONKirztxanw86bwzRXV-9XnSEh-tVYGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Concord School District reported April 7 that it has moved world-language exploratory instruction from seventh grade into sixth grade and will expand the exposure time for incoming sixth graders to the equivalent of a half‑year next school year.

District staff told the board that current enrollments at the high school are steady and that the district currently manages level 4 and level 5 language courses by combining those students and differentiating instruction. The exploratory program introduced at sixth grade this year runs one quarter; board discussion and staff reports indicated the district will move to two quarters next year so students have roughly a half‑year of exposure before selecting a language for seventh grade.

Administrators said the expansion can be implemented without hiring additional staff by adjusting schedules at Runlet Middle School. The district packet noted associated field trips, extracurricular language clubs and national exams in Latin and German; staff also described proposals for new courses (examples listed in the packet include “Spanish: Latin roots for science literacy” and “Spanish for health care”) that have not yet gone to the instructional committee and are not slated for immediate adoption.

Why it matters

District leaders said earlier exposure is designed to boost student interest and accelerate access to high-school language credit. The change affects middle-school scheduling and course selection for entering students.

Next steps

Staff will implement the two‑quarter exploratory model next year and bring any new course proposals to the instructional committee for formal review and potential approval.","The board heard a report that the district moved world-language exploratory to sixth grade this year and plans to offer two quarters (half-year) of exposure next year without hiring additional staff; proposals for new high-school courses remain under review.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6086855,"Superintendent delays signing federal nondiscrimination attestation, cites legal review and funding risk",385,3754000,4139000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894101-c8eca69022c26ac510327b7ba6da6ebc&start=3754&end=4139","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894101-c8eca69022c26ac510327b7ba6da6ebc/thumbnail_3754000.jpg","/articles/6086855/New-Hampshire/Superintendent-delays-signing-federal-nondiscrimination-attestation-cites-legal-review-and-funding-risk","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086855-e2c2a6795d5804727fb86fd1dfe50620/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163169&Signature=d00CiKNTr1ZNteT0eKMTvXhnsts2sZujSN2d3RTVLFLuRC0VJ2xBO~vCnfLdQcPN5WJK2yYQEI13zwnCqAga0T2OqJB~kjFwezSf5cLeSEg6DhPTJxTM2wy0pfr3Xv5bFqI859D2CHPgG5FU~ycw2pa6IG8oKcioG5M7fT5OvfVut0JwIRZg6M2WwGY7~tQN-0QHHIELWzNTnx7PXXiANzgLYZ-QlhvzVUgt55hE9qnJaJKQ9bbAJR7xqIs2urQzh8MaTDaPxH0mOpPlv1DBympZws6csD-WKK6bxd8b4dO9oQenZiYbtCnfCsyft2MD62ZYFTVytgFG2CrwvSBv0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Concord School District superintendent told the board on April 7 she has not signed a federal attestation that the district is in compliance with nondiscrimination requirements and is awaiting legal advice before doing so.

The document, received Friday and with a stated April 10 deadline, “attests to the fact that there is, no discrimination, in the district,” the superintendent said at the meeting. She said there are “consequences” if it is not signed by the deadline and that, if mishandled, the district’s federal funding could be jeopardized.

“As your superintendent I would never put this district in jeopardy,” she said, adding she is “waiting for legal advice” before signing. She told the board that the district receives entitlements on the order of “around 4 or $5,000,000” in recurring federal funds (programs she cited included special education, Title I and homeless services) and that, together with competitive federal grants, total annual federal funding can rise “up to 6 to $7,000,000.”

Board members asked whether signing could require the district to repay previously received funds; the superintendent said the document sets out enforcement consequences and that executive orders and federal requirements inform the rules. Board members also asked whether other districts were facing similar demands; the superintendent said she has been consulting the superintendent’s association and that, to her knowledge, the ACLU planned to petition courts over the document on the coming Wednesday.

Board members emphasized that the district’s DEI work has focused on equity for all students, including those who are low‑income, homeless or have learning needs, and said contracts for outside DEI work go through legal review. The superintendent said she has asked for formal legal review and for advice from the district’s counsel and from the association.

What the board did

No formal board action was taken at the meeting on signing the attestation. The superintendent said she would not sign until she had legal advice and would brief the board after counsel rendered an opinion.

Why it matters

The superintendent framed the attestation as carrying direct financial risk if it is not completed properly; the funds she cited support special education, Title I and other programs that serve vulnerable students. The board and superintendent said they are trying to balance compliance with federal requirements against caution about potential overreach or ambiguous language in the attestation.

Follow-up

The superintendent said she would present legal guidance in a nonpublic session if necessary and keep the board informed. Board members and staff said they are monitoring possible litigation and statewide responses to the attestation.","The superintendent told the Concord School Board she has not signed a federal attestation on nondiscrimination and is awaiting legal advice because the district could risk federal funds if it signs incorrectly; she described the document's potential consequences and said she was seeking counsel.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6086860,"Concord School Board approves policies, administrator contract, sets last day and advances middle-school schematic design",1243,7117000,8360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894101-c8eca69022c26ac510327b7ba6da6ebc&start=7117&end=8360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894101-c8eca69022c26ac510327b7ba6da6ebc/thumbnail_7117000.jpg","/articles/6086860/New-Hampshire/Concord-School-Board-approves-policies-administrator-contract-sets-last-day-and-advances-middle-school-schematic-design","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086860-c55e37685083f71604ab46c0c6cb6848/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163169&Signature=CJZPsi-3rl8MMBpkoSCDhZEY4KxuKAhmsS9UqwtvTAqg~RVDExqLKo22MF00vz9N1s4pc7N5u~CdKlqPx6G-JxQoSKQHNnS3BobZWOPZtRlsaJDjtJEJIAg-pqIA1KfayPnVyBV8~A8sh1pGsN1uOCS7SwnGsYwWOkkeObHF2WCwRIxudG5Tc0oEnqVGebZZ350QAHQSpn6gHipFoBNmF0A9zdgQzoQIniJG9Svh2IxtQFpjhWcVY6mJNlNqzBop9RSL1dAY072UJVyFVsmu~4DnUoPfwWJbNkf4rKFwBTeTBBmZfiLp8fV54wo0IFpvx4J10MZPRHoRa56fgQxHiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Concord School District Board of Education on April 7 approved amended district policies, ratified a three-year contract for administrators, set the district's last student day as June 17 and authorized schematic design work for a proposed new Runlet Middle School at the South Street site.

Board members said the votes keep planning moving while leaving later decisions — including whether to build — to future meetings and potential voter input.

The board approved three policy items on second reading: revised Policy 5.44 (weapons and firearms on school property) with added language for asking members of the public to remove weapons and to report threatening conduct to local and, if necessary, federal law enforcement; a repeal-and-replace of Policy 161 (nondiscrimination and equal opportunity) with associated plan; and new Policy 161.1 (discrimination and harassment grievance procedure). The board’s policy committee and the district lawyer reviewed amendments before the full-board vote.

On personnel and labor matters, the board accepted a three-year Concord Administrators Association (CAA) contract that calls for wage increases of 3.5%, 3.5% and 3% over the term and moves administrators to two new health-plan options as of July 1, 2025. The superintendent described technical cleanups, a new sick bank for FMLA events, a career longevity payment tied to advance notice of retirement, and other language updates.

Separately, the board set the last day of school for the 2024–25 academic year as June 17, citing compliance with required hours and the district’s calendar calculations.

On the district’s long-running middle-school project, the board voted to remain on the state prioritized list for school-building aid and to proceed with schematic design and design development for a new school at South Street, a package estimated in the board packet at about $2.99 million for the schematic/design-development phase. Board members and the capital facilities committee said the schematic phase will bring required site testing, geotechnical work, civil and stormwater design, and the full engineering team (mechanical, electrical, structural, plumbing, theater consultant and others) to produce a reliable cost estimate and allow later value-engineering options.

Board members emphasized the schematic-design vote is not a commitment to construct; it is a planning step the district’s building committee and a hired construction adviser will use to refine cost estimates and options. Members who previously favored alternate sites said public testimony supported South Street and they would follow that community preference.

The board also approved routine personnel actions: spring coaches, new teacher nominations and the veteran salary schedule for eligible retirees. The board accepted audit and finance reports and heard that a federal grants audit produced no findings.

Votes at a glance

- Policy 5.44 (Weapons/firearms on school property) — Moved: Miss Meeker; Second: Miss Boucher; Outcome: approved.
- Policy 161 (Nondiscrimination/equal opportunity) repeal & replace + plan — Moved: Miss Meeker; Second: Miss Boucher; Outcome: approved.
- Policy 161.1 (Discrimination/harassment grievance procedure) — Moved: Miss Meeker; Second: Miss Boucher; Outcome: approved.
- Concord Administrators Association (CAA) three‑year contract (3.5% / 3.5% / 3% wage increases; health-plan changes) — Moved: Miss Robinson; Second: Miss Hastings; Outcome: approved.
- Last day of school set to June 17, 2025 — Moved: Mister Richards; Second: (recorded) — Outcome: approved.
- Remain on State Building Aid priority list — Moved: Miss Robinson; Second: Miss Boucher; Outcome: approved.
- Proceed with schematic design and design development for new Runlet Middle School (South Street site) — Moved: Miss Boucher; Second: Miss Meeker; Outcome: approved.
- Routine personnel actions (spring coaches, teacher nominations, veteran salary schedule) — Outcome: approved.

Why it matters

Approving schematic design keeps the district ‘‘shovel‑ready’’ should state building aid return or other financing be available, but it also begins the next round of public scrutiny about cost, timing and location. The policy votes update the district’s nondiscrimination and incident/harassment procedures and add explicit language about publicly carried weapons on school property. The administrator contract and personnel votes set staffing and compensation terms that affect the district budget going forward.

Board discussion and next steps

Board members and staff said schematic design will produce the site survey, geotechnical testing, stormwater design and the mechanical/electrical/structural engineering needed to produce a firmer cost estimate and permit later decisions about scope and value engineering. Capital facilities and the building committee will continue follow‑up work; any construction decision would require further board votes and, if required by law or charter, voter approval.

The superintendent and finance staff said the district will continue routine budget close‑out work and present a year‑end fund balance projection in coming weeks.","At its April 7 meeting the Concord School District board approved three revised policies, accepted a three-year contract for administrators, set the last day of school for June 17, voted to remain on the state building-aid priority list and authorized schematic design work for a new middle school site.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board discusses Lakes Region special‑education consortium proposal and classroom behavior concerns; some members warn against segregation

Threat written in CHS bathroom prompts early dismissal; police, SRO and administrators investigate

Concord expands world-language exposure to sixth grade; district plans half-year exploratory next year

Superintendent delays signing federal nondiscrimination attestation, cites legal review and funding risk

Concord School Board approves policies, administrator contract, sets last day and advances middle-school schematic design