Laconia schools seek wider community support as after‑school and career programs face grant uncertainty

Carrie Howe, director of the Laconia School District's Office of Extended Learning, told the City Council on Feb. 9 that the office provides after‑school programming and career‑connected learning for hundreds of students and depends heavily on federal grants for its operations. "Our after school program ... is currently serving 270 Laconia students," Howe said. She added that last summer's programs served 251 students and that the office partners with local employers and city departments for hands‑on experiences.

Howe said the office is funded primarily by a federal 21st Century grant that accounts for roughly 79 percent of its budget and that an NHLI grant of $50,000 ended in December 2025. "We are in our fourth year of that five‑year grant," she said, and cautioned that federal grant rules are changing and could limit future eligibility by school, which could leave some schools without funding.

The presentation emphasized the program's role in workforce preparation and local services: students earn credentials and certifications, serve as lifeguards after training and participate in job shadows with municipal departments. Lisa Hines, interim assistant superintendent, described the district's Future Learning Pathways and a "Portrait of the Graduate" that guides curriculum and career exploration.

Councilors praised the program and suggested ways to strengthen sustainability. Councilor Soucy (Ward 2) urged the office to compile success metrics to support future grant applications; Howe said staff are assembling data and offered to return with student participants. City Manager Kirk Biotti noted the city has discussed operational partnerships and will continue coordination with the schools.

Howe asked the council and local businesses to expand partnerships, noting the district itself contributes only about 3 percent of the office budget. "We're looking for ways to overcome that" if federal funding declines, she said. Councilors encouraged more outreach and suggested staff present outcome data at a future meeting.

The council did not take formal action at the meeting; Howe and her team were invited to return with program data and student examples to support continued funding conversations.