[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6052326,"mediaKeyId","3400876-81f4eae84d2f16c8b15571d345676adc","parentId",3400876,"title","Bedford senior proposes 'smart flower' solar unit for pilot educational project","audioSeconds",524,"startMs",116000,"endMs",640000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3400876-81f4eae84d2f16c8b15571d345676adc&start=116&end=640","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3400876-81f4eae84d2f16c8b15571d345676adc/thumbnail_116000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6052326/New-Hampshire/Bedford-senior-proposes-smart-flower-solar-unit-for-pilot-educational-project","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6052326-430d2080592304ebbdcb5432c9ad40b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154640&Signature=FA8QwhFidTAc2C0ZR~xC3R5-9Aw-tl3MaBg0~hjn4yOQzl6eRFqSrIqb2Du8mwXFVLO1TpeSN2uROyhPi2nna0kws88-nD93kYcm1sEqr3fca9iLbndqeJH~hAwdzy~LogK9PqF1KKsqw7lD39Hi5pMXBsYNT9VqAYvR76aBmTrRTMOCL-5d4K4UQHS4LmbThF0JLruUwCO8CQV8m3VqUyBBZV-ZnMAmcxUw05af8i09oYP97Zt9WTl0Qrv25q46yWPIS6YwxOpXa40ANLzytLedqDBV5jmbIzOiMMdLPeDxE6uG-8Qb-R93j4FY8r55vYVlxTJF6OTQWYE63Zlz~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bedford School District NH","date","2025-05-12T00:00:00Z","article","Annabelle Juris, a senior at Bedford High School, presented a proposal Monday to pilot a movable ‘‘smart flower’’ solar unit on district property as part of her senior project.

The most important detail: Juris estimated the purchase and installation cost of a single smart flower at $25,000 to $30,000 and said the units have a roughly 25‑year lifespan. She told the board one unit could generate roughly 18,000 kilowatt‑hours per year, while the school district’s annual usage is about 2,000,000 kilowatt‑hours — meaning a single unit would make only a modest contribution to total consumption but could serve as an educational demonstration.

Why it matters: Juris framed the proposal as both an instructional tool for environmental and energy work in the curriculum and a visible district commitment to sustainability. Board members and staff suggested pilot uses such as powering the stadium snack shack, some stadium lights, or a smaller district outbuilding so students could link the installation to hands‑on lessons.

Key points from the presentation: Juris said she observed student learning at a campus powered by solar during a semester program and that the movable “smart flower” has automated sun‑tracking, simplifying upkeep compared with rooftop arrays. She said roofs in the district would be suboptimal because of roof replacement cycles and cited a staff comment that roof replacements on district buildings occur on a relatively short timescale for capital projects. Juris identified potential grant and state funding sources and acknowledged that subsidies would likely be needed to cover installation costs.

Board response: Members praised the student initiative and encouraged small pilot steps tied to curriculum. One board member said, “It'd be kinda neat to, like, incorporate into a curriculum up there,” and others recommended staff and community fundraising partners such as the Bedford Education Foundation or PTG explore grants for an initial unit. No board vote or commitment of funds was made; Juris’s presentation fulfilled part of her senior‑project requirement and the board encouraged follow‑up research on grants and pilot sites.

Next steps: Juris and district staff plan to explore funding sources and specific pilot locations; board members recommended linking a pilot unit with an existing class for ongoing student engagement. Juris said she will pursue the project as part of her senior work and follow up with administrators about potential grant opportunities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bedford School Board Meeting Monday May 12 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Bedford High School senior presented a senior‑project proposal to place one or more automated 'smart flower' solar units on district property, estimating $25,000–$30,000 per unit and suggesting grants or targeted placements (stadium snack shack, field lighting) as pilot options.","taxTitle","Bedford School District, School Districts, New Hampshire","taxId",55207,"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},6052331,"Bedford board hears BCTV funding squeeze; seniors’ graduation coverage to be preserved for 2025",3238,52000,3290000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3400876-81f4eae84d2f16c8b15571d345676adc&start=52&end=3290","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3400876-81f4eae84d2f16c8b15571d345676adc/thumbnail_52000.jpg","/articles/6052331/New-Hampshire/Bedford-board-hears-BCTV-funding-squeeze-seniors-graduation-coverage-to-be-preserved-for-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6052331-a534b67939f465700331f8a10287211f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154640&Signature=An1ab1nRliJRwSlgvfkCy4UWmZ5YLnqvDjRwdOUGw11Ejuh0~GzE1GATHp8Z~NL-zrRn0kYynwe~QNWhK7K0kwMSohKYd0OJ2F0s5wjHqnAmt2Iegd6VKJzis8tzYNSKK7DjZuuXMXOSxVGHyJAWOXshrAsPDV8R57II~TRcGGB7leD8-ZGPKxRWl0-GA-wLY3FgbX3revyZFVqCmimFq689OqoC8XnjvFsYUW3M2b7EORhMmtwWQLVO3GhQL~-nWkj7JPKqra0FVwkIWGRNi2JAa8ac3LIiME-HwoUs7-WU0BZCoSgkV4xwKY2WVQeR8KRPujixni07DxrTfTGueA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bedford School Board members on Monday discussed a shortfall at Bedford Community Television (BCTV) that could reduce the local public‑access station’s ability to provide multi‑camera coverage of Bedford High School graduation. The district’s superintendent said the administration will ensure this year’s seniors receive the same graduation coverage while longer‑term funding options are explored.

BCTV requested $2,000 to preserve its customary graduation production after the station’s funding — tied in part to Comcast franchise revenue — declined. Superintendent Mike Fournier told the board he had suggested the PTG (Parent‑Teacher Group) consider a one‑time payment; if the PTG declines, he said he would cover the cost from the high school’s graduation account so graduates would not lose the service this year.

Why it matters: Graduation production involves multiple cameras and technicians; district and board members said a significant downgrade would change the ceremony’s recording quality and the video keepsake families expect. Board members also expressed concern that equipment replacement and future operating costs that had previously been borne by BCTV could fall to the district if the station’s revenue remains constrained.

Key details: The superintendent and board discussed that BCTV’s revenue depends on Comcast franchise fees and on local sponsorships; recent declines in franchise revenue and a town budget defeat have reduced the station’s available funds. Administrators said BCTV has a reserve fund but that some reserve dollars may not be contractually available for operating shortfalls. Board members asked for clarity on what events BCTV will cover as part of its regular service going forward and what would be treated as an a‑la‑carte, fee‑for‑service item.

Immediate decision: To avoid disrupting senior year plans, the superintendent said he will insure that the 2025 graduation receives the same BCTV services as in prior years while the district gathers precise cost and scope information. The board asked administrators to return with details about which events would remain covered, the station’s equipment‑replacement exposure, and possible budget remedies (including senior fees or a line item in the district budget) for future years.

Quotes that came up in the meeting: \"I don't think it's fair to our graduating seniors for this year for us to make changes,\" Superintendent Mike Fournier said. Bill Jennings, the longtime volunteer and BCTV contact, had told district staff that without a $2,000 contribution BCTV would need to scale down graduation coverage; district members said they would seek a clear list of services that will remain in a base package versus those that would require additional fees.

Next steps: The PTG will consider whether to fund the request; if not, the superintendent said he would use the high‑school graduation account for the one‑time expense this year. The board also asked for a follow‑up report in July showing final year‑end expenses and any equipment replacement cost exposure so the board can consider budget options for the 2026 cycle.","BCTV asked the district for $2,000 to maintain traditional multi‑camera graduation coverage after Comcast revenue drops; the board directed administrators to ensure this year’s seniors receive the same coverage while the district, the PTG and the cable station sort out long‑term funding and equipment responsibilities.",{"_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},6052336,"Bedford board weighs limiting VLACS grades on high‑school GPA while keeping credit access",2809,651000,3460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3400876-81f4eae84d2f16c8b15571d345676adc&start=651&end=3460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3400876-81f4eae84d2f16c8b15571d345676adc/thumbnail_651000.jpg","/articles/6052336/New-Hampshire/Bedford-board-weighs-limiting-VLACS-grades-on-highschool-GPA-while-keeping-credit-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6052336-55992be7c124572631c9073be71f940d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154640&Signature=VpOfbgBfuwhQh9j1uqAF-VTNWDH3vY4bpkn72v6DyyDLz3-ElW8aTqYGi~dJJ9u4ucTr1hsLg-D7D0Akqmg6rH7OdGzSsocEUDt7~xb8AQ7pr4bzzPag9s0ibTMGyoYoqfSx2Dbwx0NG9DUzEjjTQuy0~RKnW0rHgv0X6b2e9HoQM0NuxWKuvBIaFeIE7PV4MrSU6WJ69Qz0Up68O19rPc0pMFX6DOjXFD6VQGf1MwrYW2daRtKCzOn~28LizphJv7X9yI0HUa4yrBj2UW1t~fsskxut-xaU4mlrFvOHkN9~YEsiIqawS~Hz80GVHPsbBaT1nBrzPnqUWXy8Y~49YQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","School district staff on Monday proposed that most alternative-credit coursework completed outside Bedford High School be recorded as “credit only” on students’ Bedford High School transcripts, a change intended to protect the high school GPA and reduce incentives for students to overload their schedules.

The proposal, presented by Lisa Jacques, Dean of Student Services, would keep the credit on a student’s record and allow students to send outside transcripts to colleges, but would exclude those outside grades from Bedford High School’s GPA calculation. Jacques said the recommendation responds to a rapid rise in requests and a mismatch between grades earned at the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) and grades earned in Bedford classrooms.

Why it matters: The board heard data showing rapid growth in requests for outside credit and a wide gap in grade distributions between Bedford courses and VLACS courses that are currently ported into students’ transcripts. Board members said they want to protect the integrity of the Bedford High School (BHS) diploma and to reduce pressure on students who pile on outside courses in addition to full in‑school schedules.

Most important facts: Jacques said requests for alternative credit were up sharply; in the first six weeks of a recent year the district saw 82 requests (up from 36 and 55 in prior comparable windows). Under current practice, students may earn up to one‑third of BHS credits (8 of the 24 required) via outside options. Jacques showed grade‑distribution snapshots: among Bedford students taking Algebra II honors, 48 percent earn an A, while 91 percent of VLACS students in Algebra II honors receive an A; she said, across VLACS courses on Bedford transcripts, roughly 90 percent are A grades, 9 percent B and 1 percent C.

The proposal: Jacques’s suggested procedure change would record “proof of successful completion” of alternative credit proposals as credit only on the Bedford transcript; the BHS GPA would reflect only courses taken at Bedford High School. She noted colleges can accept and recalculate GPAs with students’ external transcripts and that students may still submit VLACS or other outside transcripts to colleges for admissions purposes.

Board reaction and concerns: Jake Schuff, student school board member, described personal experience with VLACS AP and honors courses and said AP work through VLACS often required close monitoring by instructors and substantial effort, whereas some VLACS courses could be completed quickly over the summer. Several board members and staff said they support protecting the BHS GPA and students’ mental health but worried that a blanket credit‑only rule might unfairly penalize students who complete AP courses or other rigorous outside programs.

Next steps and direction: The board did not adopt a final change Monday. Members asked staff to collect additional data (including AP outcome data, if available), develop a clearer tiered approach that could treat AP differently from routine outside electives, and return to the board with recommendations. Jacques said she aims to update the student handbook and have any procedural changes in place by July 1; she noted August 15 is the usual deadline for approvals of outside courses for the coming school year.

Context and constraints: VLACS is a New Hampshire charter school whose transcripts currently may show honors designations based on course name or a high course grade; that practice has shifted recently and created confusion for Bedford staff when translating outside grades into the local transcript. Jacques said the district has already aligned its policy language to the state “Learn Everywhere” law that requires public schools to allow some outside credit options, but that procedures needed clarification.

Board members suggested options short of an immediate blanket change: (1) count AP courses taken through outside providers toward the BHS GPA because AP is externally moderated by the College Board; (2) treat foundational courses (for example, core math sequences) differently from elective or certificate courses; or (3) permit credit‑only recording generally while allowing colleges to see and recalculate outside grades for admissions. The board asked staff to return in two weeks with more data and to present draft handbook language for a July 1 effective date.

\"The goal is to really kind of make things fair for all Bedford High School students,\" Lisa Jacques said in presenting the changes. \"Students can always submit their VLACS transcript with their honors credits and their grades on their college application.\"","District staff proposed changing procedure so most outside coursework (including many VLACS classes) appears as credit only on Bedford High School transcripts; the board asked staff to collect more data and consider leaving AP courses counted for GPA before adopting a final rule for the handbook this summer.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bedford senior proposes 'smart flower' solar unit for pilot educational project

Bedford board hears BCTV funding squeeze; seniors’ graduation coverage to be preserved for 2025

Bedford board weighs limiting VLACS grades on high‑school GPA while keeping credit access