Board approves nurse, special-education hire and other personnel actions; middle-school principal search continues

At its June 16 meeting the Laconia School Board approved multiple personnel actions and heard an update on ongoing staffing work.

Votes: The board approved the nomination of Davelin Foley as the high-school nurse and approved the nomination of a high-school special-education teacher (Gina Mingo), each by voice vote (6–0). The board also approved annual student-assistance funding that will cover the licensed alcohol-and-drug-counselor’s salary and benefits for 2026–27, and approved several staff requests to be released from 2026–27 contracts; all recorded voice votes were unanimous.

Principal search: Board members were updated on the Pleasant Street (middle school) principal search. The committee interviewed four candidates and made two offers that were declined; the district has readvertised and is reviewing the prior applicant pool while awaiting new applicants. "We interviewed four individuals and we did offer the position to two individuals and they did not accept," a district official said, adding the ad was reposted and the committee will reconvene when there is a new pool.

Staffing changes and recruitment: The administration reported several internal moves: the food-service director was filled internally, which created a kitchen-manager posting; the high-school nurse position was filled; some nurse and custodial vacancies remain. The district expects a new business administrator to start June 29.

Why it matters: Staffing stability and hires affect classroom coverage, services for students with special needs, and student wellness resources. The student-assistance funding covers a counselor position the district has historically funded and said will continue to cover salary and benefits.

Next steps: The board approved the hires and funding; administration will proceed with onboarding. The principal search committee will continue recruiting and interview new applicants when available.