District says PFAS issue resolved, bus service restored to nine routes; clerk vacancy and preschool meal changes noted

At its September meeting the SMS School Board received several administrative updates: the district said PFAS-related deficiencies in its public water system have been resolved; the transportation coordinator reported the district is operating nine buses; the district still seeks applicants for a school clerk; and a federal change now requires that preschool attendees be served meals while at school. Administration said the PFAS treatment work had been underway for about 13 months through a federally funded program and that a letter confirming the deficiencies are resolved had arrived. "We just got a letter saying that the deficiencies are completely resolved and that that system is good to go," an administrator said. On busing, the transportation coordinator reported that Stratham is running nine buses at the start of the school year, reversing last year's delayed start. The district changed run order to move more distant runs earlier and is planning an additional high-school run in the new year to free travel time. Staff noted route and stop adjustments were made following resident requests to reduce impacts for some families. Administrators said the district received no applications for the school clerk opening and will repost the job with the town. They also said federal rules now require meals for children in school regardless of hours attended; the district trained staff and adjusted preschool meal service to be served in classrooms. In other administrative news, the board was told the district received an $11,075 robotics grant to be used through May; board members praised the team who applied for the award.