Londonderry board advances cell‑phone policy first reading, approves overnight trips and continues full‑day kindergarten planning

The Londonderry School Board on Sept. 23 conducted a first reading of a revised cell‑phone policy (JICJ) to conform with a state law signed by the governor in June that restricts phone use during instructional time, approved overnight student trips, agreed to form a committee to study a potential town tax cap, and continued planning for full‑day kindergarten and chronic absenteeism interventions.

Cell‑phone policy: The board reviewed revisions to policy JICJ that respond to a new state requirement banning phone use during instructional time. The draft deletes a paragraph that had created ambiguity about non‑instructional areas and clarifies that devices must be “away” (for example in a backpack or pocket, unseen) except where specific IEP or 504 accommodations apply. Administration said exemptions for students with disabilities are preserved and that the Department of Education guidance and a New Hampshire School Boards sample policy informed the changes. Student speaker Julian Brennan had urged clearer distinctions between instructional and non‑instructional time and asked whether phones could be pocketed for emergency access; board members agreed to remove the confusing paragraph and to prepare de‑escalation scripts for staff. Board member Sarah moved to approve the first reading; Tim seconded and the first reading was approved by voice vote.

Votes at a glance: The board recorded the following actions at the meeting — consent agenda approved (motion by Sarah; second Amanda; voice vote 5‑0), first reading of policy JICJ approved (motion by Sarah; second Tim; voice vote affirmative), and overnight student trips approved (motion by Sarah; second Kevin; voice vote 5‑0). At the close of the meeting a final motion (motion by Sarah; second Amanda) passed in a roll call vote with Kevin Gray, Tim Porter, Bob Slater, Sarah Lobson and Amanda Butcher all voting Aye.

Full‑day kindergarten planning: The administration reported progress on converting half‑day to full‑day kindergarten beginning with master schedules at each elementary school to determine staffing and space needs. The district plans an informal October preschool survey to estimate family interest and expects to use those numbers during budget development (budget delivery targeted for late November). Board members asked administration to present two budget scenarios — current operating budget and the budget with full‑day kindergarten (including moving/ furniture costs, staffing, bus routing and playground implications) — so voters can see projected marginal cost or savings. Several board members and a public commenter (Christina Chamatero) referenced past ballot figures (a March 2024 figure of $34,000,000 and a later $9,000,000 figure) and asked for clear documentation showing how proposals and costs have changed.

Attendance and chronic absenteeism: Administration recommended a longer study of chronic absenteeism and highlighted the work of attendance expert Professor Balfanz as a conversation starter. Causes cited included illness, transportation, housing and disengagement. Board members suggested consistent attendance teams at each school, teacher‑led first outreach for absences, public messaging to families about when to send a child to school, and an analysis of the district’s absenteeism data after the first quarter; district staff said they will prepare numbers and comparisons to grades and state test results.

Other business: The board heard an Eagle Scout presentation about 11 benches installed on the Nutfield Trail for North Elementary, and received liaison updates on school events and PTA activities. No ordinance or binding budget decision was made at the meeting; items that may require a voter decision (full‑day kindergarten implementation or a tax‑cap change) were discussed as work for future meetings.

Next steps: Administration will produce budget comparisons for full‑day kindergarten scenarios, run the preschool interest survey, continue to refine the JICJ policy language for a likely October second reading, and provide follow‑up data on chronic absenteeism after the first quarter.