Pre-K – 8 Withdrawal Study Committee Notes

6/26/24

Present: Jo Cowgill, Stan Hutchings, Jean Kobeski, Chas Street, Tom Ronning, Steve Varone

Absent:  Diana Petrie

The meeting commenced at 6:28 p.m. 

Steve provided copies of RSA:16-a Increase or Decrease in Grades, which is relevant to the committee’s “Option 4” idea. A lengthy discussion about this option ensued, including Steve’s explanation of the financial ramifications, should the district go in that direction.  

Tom summarized where the committee is so far with our research and our recommendation for the Selectboard. The next step is for Diana and Jean to draft a summary of the pros and cons of withdrawal and our recommendation.  It will then be reviewed by the committee. Once approved, it will be sent to the Selectboard, along with our Option 4 idea. Steve reminded us that, if the Selectboard decides to write a warrant article to proceed with the study to withdraw, it would need 50% of the vote to pass. The next study committee would be made up of the Selectboard and School Board.

Though not charged with making decisions about the high school, the committee discussed high school options for students if Walpole withdraws and forms its own district. Finances, programming, and location were considered.

Jo presented a copy of a letter, which could potentially be a letter to the editor, for the committee to review. She based this on the fact that no one from Walpole ran for the school board this year.  Are we becoming complacent? It was suggested that the reason is, people are discontent with the collective model; they are frustrated. Committee members offered thoughts on the letter and decided to send it on to Diana for her opinion of how to proceed with it. It was suggested that the thoughts expressed in the letter could be included in the list of pros and cons we are compiling.

Stan said he has had some difficulty getting information from Central Office about resources in our facilities. The Superintendent needs to grant permission for the release of information;  that hasn’t happened yet. The committee then discussed what effect Walpole withdrawal would have on Central Office staff. 

 Action Items:

1. Diana and Jean will write a draft summary of the pros and cons of each of the three withdrawal options.
2. Diana and Jean will write an explanation of the committee’s idea for Option 4.
3. Stan will pursue getting the information about the resources in our facilities.

The meeting ended at 7:50 p.m.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, July 10, at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall.