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Board recommends 'yes' on custodial, paraprofessional and operating warrant articles; tables open‑enrollment language
Summary
After the budget presentation the board moved to recommend 'yes' votes for Articles 2–6 (custodial, paraprofessional/secretary/food service contracts and the operating budget), approved MS‑26 and default budget forms for signature, and tabled Article 7 (open enrollment) for further review following attorney feedback and peer‑district comparisons.
At the close of the public hearing, the Bedford School Board voted to recommend 'yes' votes on several warrant articles that will appear on the March ballot.
Board members moved and seconded motions to recommend approval of Article 2 (custodial/BESA contract), Article 3 (allowing renegotiation if Article 2 fails), Article 4 (BEPA: instructional assistants, secretaries, food service three‑year contract), Article 5 (renegotiation contingency for Article 4), and Article 6 (the operating budget). Each motion was seconded and the board voiced approval; the transcript records the board saying "Aye" in response to each motion.
The board discussed but did not decide on Article 7, a warrant related to open enrollment and potential acceptance/denial parameters in the wake of the Pittsfield decision. Fournier flagged consequences if Bedford takes no action: "As a result of the, Pittsfield decision, Bedford would pay 80% of our per pupil cost to Goffstown for that student to attend there," he said, using that point as part of the rationale for drafting possible warrant language. Board members agreed to table Article 7 and re‑examine suggested language and legal counsel guidance at their next meeting.
The board approved the MS‑26 reporting form and the default budget form and arranged circulation for signatures. Near the end of the public portion, a motion to enter nonpublic session pursuant to RSA 91‑A:3(c) was made and approved by voice vote.
Outcome summary: the board formally recommended yes on Articles 2–6 (recorded by motion and voice vote), tabled Article 7 for further review, approved required state reporting forms (MS‑26 and default budget), and voted to enter nonpublic session under RSA 91‑A.
