[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6228526,"mediaKeyId","3471837-59cbdfa65f5531a36359eed8c303d271","parentId",3471837,"title","Board approves Ekman Construction and Civil Works for elementary renovation pre-bond work","audioSeconds",3898,"startMs",4551000,"endMs",8449000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3471837-59cbdfa65f5531a36359eed8c303d271&start=4551&end=8449","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3471837-59cbdfa65f5531a36359eed8c303d271/thumbnail_4551000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6228526/New-Hampshire/Board-approves-Ekman-Construction-and-Civil-Works-for-elementary-renovation-pre-bond-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228526-27b683d314aa06a8a66856bf77c6bc4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161053&Signature=RuW7EtSa0L0~IDmrFrR28j6UQ~7O51qrfPtUY40XiwD4VeMZ66ADn4wkB5b3-56kWcnXVJ7qywcsisXAHpWDLKvTiXBOIEouqS363aLN3u3abn64ropewkmE5zitFRkjdeWelubcEME5wy9jYfGA5ZtYUNV20OYuQAA4pfTAJ~47OLkwBpvVzvJdzVfkipPIebuYYHiHxk9hJk-NSLhUeqaXdgRsjpJ9eqw~1qB5L9IbqMmi2PdKmXQwxXbuREuW22B6m0SeNyc9Uu-vS-2bdkOIZ35Ru0bRjizLY6Hb6mBOCxZdioJww5bqVHGAohyOcEqUN1oRoVFt6MlwCfeSXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oyster River Coop School District","date","2025-05-23T21:11:59.103Z","article","The Oyster River School Board approved two procurement recommendations May 21 to advance design and pre-bond work for a planned elementary renovation and expansion: Ekman Construction as construction manager and Civil Works as civil engineer.

District facilities staff described the competitive request-for-proposal process: six firms submitted responses after a mandatory bidders walkthrough; evaluators shortlisted three firms and interviewed them. The scoring rubric emphasized experience with phased, occupied K'12 projects, site logistics, personnel and preconstruction cost proposals. Ekman scored highest in the committee's evaluation.

A notable contract term presented at the meeting: Ekman offered to perform pre-bond preconstruction services at no cost if the bond did not pass; if the bond passes, Ekman's preconstruction fee would be $30,000. District staff said that Ekman's experience and the at-risk preconstruction offer were important factors in the recommendation.

The board also approved Civil Works (sometimes called Veil Works in discussion) as the civil engineer for sitework and geotechnical coordination at a proposed price of $65,500. Staff said the civil scope includes site cut/fill planning and coordination of required borings for structural design.

Why it matters: Approving these vendors allows the district to move from schematic design to a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) and positions the project for a potential March bond vote. Board members said building-safety logistics and minimizing disruption to students during construction were top priorities.

Next steps: The district will continue design team coordination (architect, MEP, structural) and iterative cost estimating with the construction manager to produce a GMP and prepare materials for the bond process and the 2026 budget timeline.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting May 21st, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board accepted Ekman Construction as construction manager and Civil Works as civil engineer for the district's elementary renovation and expansion project; Ekman offered pre-bond services at-risk if the bond fails.","taxTitle","Oyster River Coop School District, School Districts, New Hampshire","taxId",64937,"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},6228530,"Career-technical programs and student ELOs draw strong interest; district reports growing applications and student wins",1325,1681000,3006000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3471837-59cbdfa65f5531a36359eed8c303d271&start=1681&end=3006","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3471837-59cbdfa65f5531a36359eed8c303d271/thumbnail_1681000.jpg","/articles/6228530/New-Hampshire/Career-technical-programs-and-student-ELOs-draw-strong-interest-district-reports-growing-applications-and-student-wins","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228530-58554280c9eb81f9054fd33c2659a655/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161053&Signature=RT5pIY8mSy3c4h2KnqQNK4LVxVy6QgGJCzx~bljH0Kwccv~rtBRdmx~EdnpIDkn~-yVYgtywk8Lgavi-BRqmtvd~1GUC94nFELQ7DltcYoEdSJk7jDrLWXUQNyz-COx9rCD253OZOL4oO~jbwUIWyNm0TLAZityYX4S4KhKcaOlkU9uQuK9M8~q48mXMjnB0V0wQqMvUtCYy4VZI-aVUKxzZjhXWzcFrUcbnbAAbZgjYMYLTVb1TVohuoUMZ4xLwni1hUhMBflmdvD82isGWaeVIGKf~YkcVa9yaN3Kb9Ujm1OzBk-RNCUS6AIKSkeKhI47lBF-C9-LL0L3Hz4kAHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Students from the district's career-technical and extended learning programs presented projects and described internships during the May 21 meeting, while district staff reported rising demand for CTE and details on placement, credentials and partnerships.

Three students described their CTE coursework and supervised experiences. Jackie Rucker, a senior in animal science, summarized her three-year sequence that included internships at the New Hampshire SPCA and Hero Pups and awards through FFA competitions. Alison Dotchen described a high-school teaching program that included 30 internship hours in an early-learning classroom and the creation of an illustrated children's book. Dalen Jo, a junior in biomedical sciences, summarized a biofabrication-based project focused on 3D-printing and decellularization approaches to address liver cirrhosis; his class placed second in a regional BioTREC competition.

Sean Peschel, the district's CTE/ELO coordinator, provided data: 167 students applied to regional CTE programs for 2025-26; 17 withdrew, leaving 150 under review; 28 students were accepted to programs and 22 were waitlisted. The programs creating waitlists were auto technology, health science, sports medicine and criminal justice. Peschel said some students who do not get into year-two sections may be offered alternative pathways such as community-college certificate programs (for example, a welding certificate through Great Bay Community College).

District staff also highlighted competition results: Travis Fall, a senior electrical-technology student, won first place in the state SkillsUSA electrical competition and received a community-college tuition waiver and tool awards; he will represent New Hampshire at nationals.

Why it matters: District staff said CTE demand is rising and that partnerships with postsecondary providers can expand credentialing options for students who cannot access second-year seats at regional centers.

Next steps: The district will continue to build master schedules, attempt to place waitlisted students as seats open, and pursue partnerships and funding to expand CTE access and certificate pathways.","Students presented career-technical education (CTE) projects and extended learning opportunities (ELOs); district staff reported rising CTE applications, waitlists in several programs, credential offers for top competitors, and partnership plans with Great Bay Community College.",{"_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},6228535,"Oyster River presents cell-phone study; district keeps in-school limits, recommends continued review",1575,3735000,5310000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3471837-59cbdfa65f5531a36359eed8c303d271&start=3735&end=5310","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3471837-59cbdfa65f5531a36359eed8c303d271/thumbnail_3735000.jpg","/articles/6228535/New-Hampshire/Oyster-River-presents-cell-phone-study-district-keeps-in-school-limits-recommends-continued-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228535-ee02901abc14f61ccde2c4a66b8d06ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161053&Signature=kIXBZsCxPR8Wnmb~s5jFf4oF8DcY7xjN6JgXr3Wg5AQEcsJSnRBo1uakZAOL~Th4wxQnUZnVHx3rOVX90oFRjUsYpTdsEApbcliKI4ubJuh4SCrw3y26VrUlBvzbxjpTCL~nDadR2Tfp5MEIf3FlRO8CBl9mfiEBEA~i2J8mb8EZY~BlWRY3C9~alsN7CmeK8P9mO3CNSiWy0~Nj~5HM-jPnN9j-L9CLJIK5~4nLhi9rOq4IT~JHR-PwyuH9F04JsTyi78cwe1e2altFQZZ8SG-hxl-1bGNk~iVoaiTAFOKNwRPeImI83O8Rvh3RKEGjCHCwhn1luH~WA3DMAHvnew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A district wellness committee presented research, local survey results and implementation notes on May 21 and recommended that Oyster River continue current practices limiting personal cell-phone use during academic time while reviewing procedures annually and improving communications for students and parents.

The committee's review began in December and included literature review, conversations with building-level staff and surveys of students, parents and faculty. Health and psychology summaries presented evidence that having a phone within reach can lower working-memory performance and increase distractibility; speakers noted most adolescent phone use is spent on social media and that studies show correlations between heavy social-media use and anxiety and depression in some adolescents.

At Oyster River, elementary and middle schools already prohibit personal devices during the school day; high school staff implemented an \"all means all\" phone-zone system this year that places phones out of view during class and routes policy enforcement through assistant principals to avoid in-class confrontation. The administration said parents and students reported more positive-than-expected outcomes: parents (93% on the high school survey) supported limiting phones in class, and teachers reported improved engagement and fewer distractions. Students requested more flexibility in non-academic times such as advisory and flex periods.

Committee recommendations included continuing current building-level procedures, annual policy review by the policy committee, clearer communication to families and students about the research and rationales, and piloting graduated autonomy for older students (for example, senior privileges or supervised spaces where phones may be used outside academic classes). \"When the phone was either with them or in a bag, it actually impacted their working memory and also their cognitive capacity,\" said a district wellness presenter summarizing peer-reviewed studies cited by the committee.

Why it matters: Board members said the district's approach aims to teach students self-management rather than simply imposing bans. Several board members urged the administration to share research summaries with students and families so expectations are clear and supporting evidence is available.

Next steps: Administration said it will continue implementation, consider targeted flexibility for non-academic times and discuss ways to share evidence and guidance with students and families early next year.","A district wellness committee presented research and local survey results on student cell-phone use and recommended maintaining current in-class restrictions while refining implementation and communication with families and students.",{"_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},6228539,"Oyster River board signs FY26 federal assurances with addendum, citing funding risks",1450,5832000,7282000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3471837-59cbdfa65f5531a36359eed8c303d271&start=5832&end=7282","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3471837-59cbdfa65f5531a36359eed8c303d271/thumbnail_5832000.jpg","/articles/6228539/New-Hampshire/Oyster-River-board-signs-FY26-federal-assurances-with-addendum-citing-funding-risks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228539-2de3c885394b69ad3746aafaf9eadd9a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161053&Signature=R1fj0II2vh3vrBIPOFDx5ChneLtlI5vQUH7msw6W6eByfOuD0cEnwtlrMZtY~7o35-xqiCY3mjR5869QFjv~WS0YNBAeSAck5eFDRIFIMiLX3~oue99SgxndQvWH0lLCZy~qIb5Ns0vYWC8qz--hVS1191nCOoinGBZjZLyAd0MKbw9tmx2s~P21PpEoIqS67XdQRAm8Yg95BYLNA-ZGVBT3eaoBTrZQhbMHpSLXEt-M0njgkTYjdenAYgLu3wO2wYHZdjVhcngd7MG~pAS6NWQSS2Zy6L6fHKrz0efITLt16jZEoiDeFhJAeseWZgJATfBu8Rk4ZkGV-2S11AJPZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oyster River School Board voted May 21 to authorize the board chair and the superintendent to sign the fiscal year 2026 federal general assurances, attaching a cover addendum (version 2) that records the board's objections to parts of the assurances while affirming the district's intent to comply with federal law.

The vote came after a lengthy presentation and discussion about changes in the assurances, pending state and federal proposals on diversity-related directives, and the district's ongoing involvement as a plaintiff in litigation challenging federal guidance. Superintendent Dr. Scheps explained the district's legal position and the practical stakes: \"There is an opportunity to challenge anything in the future or any other statutory actions through due process and through legal action as well,\" she said, describing the protections the district currently derives from the pending litigation.

Board members and staff told the board that failing to sign would effectively forfeit the district's ability to apply for specific federal funds. Officials identified the most material programs at risk as funds traditionally used to support special education and related services. The administration estimated the amounts at stake as roughly $504,000 for IDEA-related allocations, about $60,000 in Title II funds, and approximately $58,000 in school nutrition funding; combined figures discussed during the meeting put the total at roughly $721,000. The administration said that losing those funds would force salary shifts or program cuts equivalent to several full-time teaching positions.

After discussion, Board Chair (name not specified in the record) moved to authorize the chair and superintendent to sign the FY26 general assurances with the addendum (version 2). The motion was seconded by Heather Smith. The motion carried: five in favor, none opposed, one abstention (Gianna Galsi).

Why it matters: Board members who supported signing said the decision preserves federal grants that pay for direct services to vulnerable students, including those with individualized education programs. Members who spoke against withholding signatures said declining to sign would be unlikely to shield the district from federal enforcement and would instead immediately remove grant eligibility.

What happened at the meeting: Superintendent Dr. Scheps summarized the district's legal posture, noting recent edits to the assurances document and the district's participation in ongoing litigation (NEA v. U.S. Department of Education). Board members debated the legal language and the potential for future Department of Education complaints but ultimately accepted the administration's view that signing the assurances with the addendum both preserves access to funds and records the board's reservation about contested interpretations.

Next steps: The board empowered the chair and superintendent to execute the assurances with the addendum so the district can submit required applications and continue to pursue any legal remedies available in court if federal policy or guidance is subsequently enforced against the district.

","The Oyster River School Board authorized the chair and superintendent to sign fiscal year 2026 federal program general assurances with an addendum after discussion of federal guidance, a pending lawsuit and potential grant losses that could affect services for students with disabilities and other programs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves Ekman Construction and Civil Works for elementary renovation pre-bond work

Career-technical programs and student ELOs draw strong interest; district reports growing applications and student wins

Oyster River presents cell-phone study; district keeps in-school limits, recommends continued review

Oyster River board signs FY26 federal assurances with addendum, citing funding risks