Mountain Valley School Board Approves Field Trip and Staff Resignations

The RSU 10 Board meeting held on July 21, 2025, focused on several key agenda items, including student trips, staff changes, and administrative approvals.

The meeting commenced with an enthusiastic proposal for an overnight trip for students to a cabin at Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire. The trip, which includes hiking and gourmet meals, aims to provide students with a unique outdoor experience. The board discussed a previous successful trip to Zealand Falls Hut, where students enjoyed skiing and cozy accommodations despite frigid temperatures. The motion to approve the upcoming trip was unanimously passed, allowing students to participate in this enriching experience.

Next, the board addressed staff changes, announcing several resignations and transfers. Notable resignations included Jody Ellis, principal of RES, and Ian Kara Kier, an eighth-grade math teacher. The board also approved transfers for several staff members, including Samantha Blanchett, who will transition from kindergarten to pre-kindergarten teaching, and Emily Rowley, who will move from high school math to eighth-grade math at Mountain Valley Community School.

In old business, the board approved a self-evaluation survey for the school board, ensuring ongoing assessment and improvement of board functions.

The meeting also covered new business, including a resolution for funding related to the Universal Services E-rate program, which supports internet services for schools. This annual vote is crucial for maintaining necessary bandwidth for educational purposes. The board approved the funding resolution without opposition.

Finally, the board approved the recommendation of Abigail Wakefield as a health teacher at Mountain Valley Middle School for the upcoming school year, further enhancing the educational offerings within the district.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to providing enriching experiences for students and maintaining a responsive and adaptive educational environment. The next steps include preparing for the approved student trips and managing the transitions of staff members as the new school year approaches.