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Laconia School Board approves conditional offer to Dr. Joseph Betta as superintendent
Summary
The Laconia School Board voted Feb. 26 to extend a conditional offer to Dr. Joseph Betta to become superintendent, contingent on completion of New Hampshire certification by July 1, 2026; the board recorded a 6‑vote approval and attached the signed letter of intent to the meeting minutes.
The Laconia School Board voted on Feb. 26, 2026, to extend a conditional offer of employment to Dr. Joseph Betta as superintendent of the Laconia School District, contingent on satisfactory compliance with New Hampshire certification requirements by July 1, 2026.
Board members said the hire follows a yearlong search that began in October 2024, involved a search committee formed in November 2024, and used the Brian Group as a consultant. The board cited eight total applicants and said three finalists were advanced to the final round before the board confirmed the offer.
Laura Dunn, a board member who served on the search committee, summarized the candidate’s background and experience, saying he brings 17 years of superintendent experience leading Massachusetts districts, is currently certified in Massachusetts, and is completing the New Hampshire certification process. The board announced that a signed letter of intent from the candidate will be attached to the meeting minutes as part of the public record.
The motion presented to the board described the offer as conditional: the candidate must achieve "satisfactory compliance with all New Hampshire state laws and regulations applicable to superintendent by July 1st, 2026" before execution of the employment contract. The board approved the motion; the chair announced the motion passed and recorded "6." as the result.
After the vote, the candidate addressed the board, thanking members and describing the search as "very professional" and "very open," and said he will complete outstanding certification steps. He said he was meeting with the Department of Education the following week and noted that fingerprinting was already completed.
The board also used the meeting to thank interim superintendent Amy Hines, interim assistant superintendent Lisa Hines, and Laconia High School administrators who covered expanded duties during the transition. The chair opened a brief public comment period (no callers on Zoom indicated a desire to speak) and the board adjourned at 6:17 p.m. The conditional offer stands pending the candidate’s demonstration of the required New Hampshire certification; the board indicated it will finalize a formal employment contract once certification is complete and notify the public accordingly.
