Somersworth School Board adopts policies, sets last day of school, hears budget and SRO updates; votes summarized

The Somersworth School Board on April 8 approved multiple policy updates, confirmed the last day of school and teacher workshop scheduling, and received several operational updates including a budget summary and School Resource Officer staffing plans.

Superintendent report and budget: The superintendent told the board the city council had approved additional support to the schools over the tax-cap-compliant amount, adding $458,894 to the school portion of the budget. The superintendent said the district did not receive the originally requested ~6% increase but that the extra city funding roughly halved the number of anticipated staff cuts. The superintendent also reported a signed one-year agreement to receive preidentified Rollinsford pre-K students (ages 3–4) at Edelhurst Elementary and said Chief Sunderland and Officer Ashley Fuller (a former SRO) will provide interim SRO coverage until the department hires a replacement who may shadow current staff before the end of the school year.

Special education: The board heard that a proposed special-education program at Maplewood would initially serve six students (with a potential to grow to 12) with intensive needs; presenters said the program requires existing staff and space and could reduce future reliance on one-to-one external placements.

Policies and formal votes: The board conducted second readings and adopted a set of policies updated for federal requirements and internal housekeeping. Policies read and adopted by title at the meeting included AC (Nondiscrimination / Equal Opportunity Employment), ACA (Discrimination and Harassment Grievance Procedure), ACF (Food and Nutrition Services Civil Rights/Anti-discrimination complaints), ACR (annual notice/update of contact information), GBAM (Accommodation of Pregnancy and Related Medical Conditions — Personnel), and IHBCA (Accommodation of Pregnancy and Related Medical Conditions — Students). Board members discussed that some ACF language reflects U.S. Department of Agriculture notice requirements.

School calendar: After discussion about two snow cancellations and an election-related closure, the board voted to keep Monday, June 16 as the last day for students, add an in-person teacher workshop day on Tuesday, June 17, and assign a remote, accountable professional-development assignment to satisfy contract hours for teachers. Board members noted the district operates by hours (not days) and that teachers were short two contractual days because of cancellations; the adopted plan preserves one in-person workshop day while meeting contractual obligations.

Consent calendar and recognitions: The board adopted the consent calendar (minutes and student enrollment) and opened the meeting with recognition for Somersworth School Resource Officer Scott South, who announced his departure from the district; staff and board members publicly thanked Officer South for his service.

Votes at a glance: - Consent calendar (minutes, student enrollment): Motion adopted (voice vote). - Policies AC, ACA, ACF, ACR, GBAM, IHBCA: Adopted on second reading (voice votes where recorded); specific discussion noted for ACF regarding USDA language. - Last day of school (set student last day Monday, June 16; teacher workshop June 17; remote PD assignment to satisfy contract hours): Adopted (voice vote; chair recorded aye). - Motion to join NEA v. U.S. Department of Education (ACLU representation): Adopted 4–1 by roll call (see separate article).