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Governor Wentworth board accepts $75,000-per-year McKinney‑Vento grant, approves 2026‑27 calendar, budget transfers and policy changes
Summary
At its Nov. 3 meeting in Ossipee, the Governor Wentworth Regional School Board unanimously approved the 2026–2027 school calendar, accepted a three‑year McKinney‑Vento grant of $75,000 per year, approved special education budget transfers, and adopted or revised a suite of district policies.
The Governor Wentworth Regional School Board unanimously approved several district actions at its Nov. 3 meeting in Ossipee, including adoption of the 2026–2027 school calendar, acceptance of a three‑year McKinney‑Vento grant, and multiple budget and policy measures.
Superintendent Caroline Arakelian announced that the district received a McKinney‑Vento grant award of $75,000 per year for three years to support students experiencing homelessness and related services. Arakelian also summarized expansions to the district’s free and reduced‑price meals program and noted ongoing work on Competency‑Based Education and the Carpenter School project managed by the Bauen Corporation.
The board approved the draft 2026–2027 school calendar as presented; Chair Brodie Deshaies noted the state primary is scheduled for Sept. 8, 2026, and the calendar was adjusted accordingly. The board accepted Arakelian’s superintendent goals for the year, which prioritize Universal Design for Learning (academic achievement), nutrition access and drug‑prevention supports (student wellness), and building a culture of belonging (family and community engagement).
On budget matters, the board approved two transfers requested by the Director of Special Education to cover contracted services: $15,000 from Elementary Consult Services to KRMS Consult Services, and $15,000 from KRMS Psychological Testing to KRMS Consult Services. The transfers were approved unanimously to ensure payment for required special education services.
The Academic Affairs Committee brought multiple policy items to the board. Policies BBBE and IKFC were adopted as second reads, a larger package of policies (including BEDG, EBB, EBBB, EBCH, IHCA, IIB, IJ, IK, IKB, IKEA, IKF, IMAH, IMBA, IMBD, JG, JIC, JLCF, JLCK, JLIA) were approved as revised second reads, and policies IKAA, IKFA, ILBAA, and IMBC were withdrawn as second reads. Board members recorded unanimous votes on these actions.
Votes at a glance: • Enter non‑public session under RSA 91‑A (personnel/legal): approved unanimously. • Approve leave request for Morgan Polish: approved unanimously. • Approve Wakefield student transfer to Kingswood Regional HS (tuition at Wakefield cost for Spaulding HS): approved unanimously. • Approve minutes (Oct. 1, Oct. 6, Oct. 9 Buildings & Maintenance, Oct. 22 Academic Affairs, Oct. 22 School Board): approved; two abstentions noted on Oct. 22 School Board minutes by members not present. • Approve accounts payable and payroll manifests: approved (one abstention recorded by Mr. Bickford on manifests vote). • Approve 2026–2027 school calendar: approved unanimously. • Accept Superintendent goals for 2025–26: approved unanimously. • Approve two special education budget transfers of $15,000 each: approved unanimously. • Approve Wood Estate application for $5,500 (Camp Invention): approved unanimously. • Adopt/revise/withdraw listed policies as recorded: approved unanimously. • Adjourn: approved unanimously.
Board members and administrators asked questions during the curriculum and assessment presentation by Curriculum Director Danielle Harvey, who reviewed NHSAS spring testing results and PSAT/SAT data and outlined next steps including task forces and updated rubrics to strengthen instruction and grading practices. Student Representative Bryce Sandlin also shared a brief report on high school activities.
The meeting record notes that Business Administrator Kathy O’Blenes left the session for part of the meeting and later rejoined. Chair Deshaies said a prepared School Board statement regarding the plan to pay the SchoolCare assessment will be distributed to local papers and posted online. The board adjourned at 9:32 p.m.
What happens next: items with required follow‑up include continued work on competency‑based initiatives, implementation plans tied to the McKinney‑Vento funds, and the requested transparency on Wood Estate account balances for future applications.
