The Walpolean

The Selectboard wants to remind you that, even though they are not meeting in a public place, they welcome your comments and/or questions. – Lil

Questions or comments to the Selectboard are to be submitted to sdowning@walpolenh.us by 4 PM on Weds. in order to be on the Thursday Selectboard agenda.

**NOTICE**

Thurs., April 23, 2020 at 6:30 pm

The Walpole Selectboard will be holding an

Online Selectboard Meeting

No public business to be discussed

The public meeting will be live-streamed by FACT-TV on their Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/FallsAreaCommunityTV/

Recordings of meetings are available on fact8.com.

And Minutes are always posted here. – Lil

Dear Patrons,

As the library staff continues to find new and creative ways to serve you during this chaotic time, I am thrilled to announce a new service called Hoopla. With Hoopla you can borrow ebooks, audio books, movies, tv shows, and music without any wait times. You’ll need your library card number and a device to use Hoopla. You can access the website (www.hoopladigital.com) from a computer or laptop. You can download the app on a smartphone, ipad, or Kindle Fire. Unfortunately Hoopla is not compatible with other Kindle devices.

Each library card will be limited to 5 check outs per month. If you need your library card number, or you’d like your spouse or child to get their own library card for their own 5 check outs, please contact me at jfafara@walpoletownlibrary.org or Julie at jrios@walpoletownlibrary.org

This service is a temporary solution for our current situation; I’m not sure yet if we will be able to continue funding the service once we are open for normal business again. While this is a free service for you, the patron, the library is charged per check out, so please be sure you’re using your check outs wisely. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We will continue to look for new ways to serve our community and we hope you enjoy this new service. 

Justine Fafara, Library Director

Sorry, I didn’t see this until this morning. Hope it’s not too late. – Lil

Good Afternoon Friends,

I hope you are well on this snowy Saturday. I am sending you the link to tomorrow’s worship service, a copy of the bulletin, and a note from Amy Cann and members of the choir. I look forward to seeing you in worship.

God Bless,Eric

Dear Walpole (and Wilmot!) friends:

It’s been a challenge and a
blessing, these last few weeks, figuring out how to continue sharing
music with you through the windows and pathways of technology instead
of within our beloved sanctuary. We’ve learned a lot, discovered a
whole new way of fellowshipping as we help each other acquire new
habits and skills.

This Sunday you’ll notice one piece where we’re
singing together, but you can’t see us — and another where we can see
each other’s faces, but only sing in turns. We’re working on being
able to do *both* at the same time –soon! — but haven’t gotten there
quite yet. But please know, for now, that it means a lot to know that
you are there singing with us. We can still feel it when you join in
with us, and hope you can feel how much we still care about singing
with and for you.

In Harmony
Amy, Carole, Ellie, Janet, Joe, Kathy, and Marilyn

Eric Marean is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Sunday Worship Service 
Time: Apr 19, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/147623504?pwd=NkJHMEtNZVBTQVZPZlRPOWxxMWQxdz09

Meeting ID: 147 623 504
Password: 185173

Not especially noteworthy, but didn’t want to make a decision not to publish. – Lil

TOWN OF WALPOLE

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

APRIL 9, 2020

Hooper Trustees Present:    Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:16 PM.  The Hooper Trustees are in three separate locations.  This meeting is being recorded remotely by Mr. Alex Stradling of FACT-TV.  It is available for viewing on the internet.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – April 2, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of April 2, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

OTHER BUSINESS:

The Hooper Trustees had no Other Business to come before this meeting.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:18 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

MAY 2020 CLARION DEADLINE – 23 APRIL 2020

by Ray Boas

It is time again, and I have started working on putting together your May issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION. As you know, there have been no activities to report on, and nothing happening on the horizon to share with you. But you may have something to share with the community. I have asked, and received, for reader’s stories of how they are coping with the COVID-19 crisis, and what they have been doing during “lockdown.” I have a few inputs, but welcome yours also. Take a look at my post – WRITING AHEAD.

The deadline is a week off, and you know that I give this warning. Then we can assemble the files, get them to the printer, the paper back and into the mail, and into your hands by the beginning of May. Love to hear from you – be safe and stay well, yours, RAY, Publisher

With Ray’s permission I am reposting his Clarion Post.  Sorry if I am redundant, I just don’t want to miss any of our subscribers.  – Lil

EASTER CHURCH SERVICES ON-LINE

As chairman of the Selectboard, Peggy sent this request and explanation of upcoming postings. – Lil

Yesterday, April 9 I listened to the Governor’s  press briefing.  Dr. Benjamin Chan, state epidemiologist, reported that mitigation is working: people are staying home, keeping their distances, not gathering in large groups, washing their hands etc.  However, Dr. Chan also emphasized the need to continue these practices.

The Select Board in last night’s meeting by Zoom discussed how we can continue to support good mitigation practices by considering our recreation area and other public places such as our parks and the Commons, Walpole and Drewsville.

The recreation area has been closed and we believe it should remain closed.   Please, no pickup basketball, no tennis no pickle ball.

In North Walpole’s beautiful Park, which we once declared closed,  we are agreeing that people may sit on its benches but asking that distances are kept, and that people not congregate.  We will post the park accordingly.  We will also post the Robert Hubbard Park at 78 Main Street in Walpole.

The Drewsville Common and the Walpole Common will also be posted reminding people to avoid congregating (fewer than 10) and keeping distances on the benches.  

Spring is knocking on our door;  once it is really here, we will all want to be outside.  The urge to ignore all notices and warnings will be stronger.  PLEASE continue to follow good guidelines.  No one wants to see an increase in the virus in our community.

The Select Board will continue to meet remotely until restrictions are lifted.  Email your comments and suggestions to Sarah at Town Hall.

sdowning@walpolenh.us.  

The Town is still functioning at full employment because it is considered essential.   THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Hooper Trustees Present:    Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:29 PM.  She announced that the three Hooper Trustees are at separate locations.  This meeting is not being recorded.  Mrs. Downing, Manager of Administration, is at the Walpole Town Hall, and Ms. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, is at a separate location.  

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – March 19, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of March 19, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – March 26, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of March 26, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION – March 26, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of March 26, 2020, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

HOOPER INSTITUTE BOARD MEETING:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Hooper Institute Board met on Wednesday, April 1st, 2020.  During their conference call, Mrs. Holly Gowdywas cut out and was unable to get back in.  They are moving along but programs are on-hold.  Mrs. Dalbeck and Mrs. Whippie are going to the schools and doing outside work.  Mrs. Dalbeck has put out a number of videos such as “How to Plant Trees”.  She has been very active and was talking about building nesting boxes.  Board members are discussing fundraising and applied for two grants.  They are getting ready to interview students for the Summer Intern Program and have three sponsors.  Everything is going along well.  

Ms. Mayberry will be bringing in some information from North Walpole for Ms. Karen Galloway.  She will let her know it is available.  

ADJOURNMENT:  Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting adjourned at 7:44 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Present:​Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM.  She explained the procedure of this meeting.  The Selectboard are in three separate locations.  This meeting is being recorded remotely by Mr. Alex Stradling of FACT-TV.  It is available for viewing on the internet.  Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, in the Walpole Town Hall, and Ms. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, by telephone at a separate location.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised there will be no public comments taken at this meeting.  Comments are to be emailed to Mrs. Downing at the Walpole Town Hall.  Mrs. Downing displayed the agenda.  That will be followed by documents as they are being discussed.

NH GOVERNOR’S EMERGENCY ORDER No. 23:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that yesterday they received the NH Governor’s Emergency Order No. 23 which allows us to do a number of things in order to accommodate the need to be flexible during this time of COVID-19.  They can use electronic signatures for all documents to be forwarded to the State of NH.  Last week they did do this on some documents that needed to be filed.  In addition, they are relieved from some of the statutory requirements on certain meetings.  There is more flexibility for local boards.  For example, the Planning Board is excused from having its one required monthly meeting.  Some of their requirements are also relieved such as the deadlines they need to meet.  This Emergency Order can be found online at NH.gov and look for Emergency Orders.  This one is very important because it gives the municipality guidance on what they are to do.  One fortunate thing is that Walpole already had their Annual Town Meeting on March 14, 2020.  Some towns delayed their meetings and are having considerable problems as the result of this virus.  Tonight the Selectboard will continue to take voice votes as they are required to do.  Mrs. Downing reported there were no emails or comments from anyone for things they would like on the agenda.  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the amount of $274,088.67 for checks issued April 3, 2020.  This amount includes $227,555.64 for the 2019 tax lien.  The Tax Collector deposited this check back into the General Fund.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending March 28, 2020, in the amount of $41,272.96 for checks issued April 3, 2020, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $9,773.04.  This payroll includes wages due once the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and wage adjustments were applied.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD EMERGENCY MEETING – March 17, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard Emergency Meeting of March 17, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.  

Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Mr. Mark Houghton, Emergency Management Director, and Dr. Shaw, Health Officer, were present at this meeting.  Ms. Mayberry felt it was a good informational meeting.  Dr. Shaw gave them a good perspective on the Corona Virus (COVID-19).  

SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 19, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the SelectboardMeeting of March 19, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 19, 2020: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 19, 2020, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 26, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the SelectboardMeeting of March 26, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned this was their first meeting on ZOOM.  It was a learning experience!

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 26, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 26, 2020, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORT:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee report:

OLD BUSINESS:

Joint Meeting Request from Bellows Falls Trustees and Rockingham Selectboard:  Mrs. Downing wanted to do a follow-up since no response was received by either municipality, from the Governor of New Hampshire or the Governor of Vermont.  With the COVID-19 situation it has probably been put on a backburner.  It has been an agenda item for quite a while.  In an email from Mrs. Wendy Harrison, Manager of the Town of Rockingham / Village of Bellows Falls, she suggested “If either state is thinking about economic development through expanded public projects, this would be a great project.  Perhaps we should bring that up in a few weeks when the COVID economic responses are being formulated.”  This was endorsed by Mr. J.B. Mack from the Southwest Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC) who stated it is “Probably worth a try”.  Mr. Dalessio noted the Vilas Bridge is owned by the State of NH.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to have Mrs. Downing add this to the pending file and remind them in a month or two.

Updated Town Hall Closure Notice:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that this Closure Notice was issued a few weeks ago.  It advised that the Town offices will be closed to the public and that all public Board/ Committees/Commission meetings, excluding the Selectboard, were going to be suspended until further notice.  The Selectboard would continue to do things needed to keep the Town running.  All employees are working including the Library personnel who are working on projects.  The Selectboard agreed that wherever a date is printed on the Town Hall Closure Notice it should be replaced with “until further notice”.  They also added the following to the Closure Notice:  “Town Parks and Recreation Areas will be closed until further notice”.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the revised Closure Notice will be posted and put on the Walpolean.  It will also be forwarded to the Village of North Walpole and to the Police Department so they can post it on their building as the lobby is closed.  Mr. Dalessio will post it in Drewsville.

Quarantine of First Responders:  Mrs. Pschirrer had several conversations with the Police Department about the possible quarantine of First Responders.  Mr. Mark Houghton told her that at this time there are two quarantine centers in the State.  He has some suggestions and plans that he might carry forward if we get in this position.  He is suggesting using one of two campers parked in back of the Police Station.  Mr. Houghton, as Emergency Management Director, is staying on top of this and will have solutions should it become necessary.  Mr. Dalessio noted there is a business in Charlestown that rents campers if that need arises.    

Pending Further Actions:

Lights re: Walpole, NH – Rockingham, VT 42277 Bridge Renovation Project:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that this project on the Arch Bridge will continue to be an agenda item.

Town Deeded Properties:  Mrs. Downing is working on packets for the sale of Town Deeded Properties.

Extension of Dog Licensing Deadline:  Mrs. Pschirrer has been unable to find any RSA regulations on the Extension of Dog Licensing Deadlines.  When there is a telephone conversation next Tuesday at Noon with the State’s Emergency Management Officer/Personnel and attorneys, she will ask about this.  Dog licensing begins April 1st.  It is doubtful many people will make appointments to take care of this.  

North Walpole School Flashing Sign:  Mrs. Pschirrer talked with Lt. Justin Sanctuary and Mr. Mike Rau, Road Agent, about this.  Lt. Sanctuary advised there are already some red warning lights in front of the school.  Both Lt. Sanctuary and Mr. Rau are asking what is different about this new request.  Ms. Mayberry will contact Ms. Celeste Aumand, North Walpole Commissioner, who brought this up to ask for more information.

Highway Road Paving List and Equipment List:  Ms. Mayberry will pick up this list from Mr. Rau.

ARM Funding List of Mitigation Areas:  Mrs. Pschirrer will be working on this in the near future.

NEW BUSINESS:

Building Permit for the Walpole Creamery:  Mr. Dalessio reported that at the last Planning Board meeting the Walpole Creamery presented plans for improvements to this building.  They are taking over the laundromat area.  Plans are to put a porch on the front of the building with tables and chairs for people to sit outside.  They felt it would be a hardship to delay this project another month or more.  The applicant asked if the Planning Board would consider approval of their Site Plan contingent on their final approval next May or June when they meet again.  The plans were all done by a professional engineer.  Planning Board members are in the process of approving this by email contingent upon a follow-up of the full Site Plan at a later meeting.  Mr. Dalessio is comfortable issuing a Building Permit.  Mrs. Pschirrer said expanding their production area is a change of use.  Mr. Dalessio noted it is still commercial to commercial.  They also need a Driveway Permit from the Department of Transportation.  Ms. Mayberry questioned how the parking area would change.  Mr. Dalessio will send copies of the plans to Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer.  The small island will stay.  There will be shrubbery along the front of the building.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they will wait until the next Selectboard meeting to see if a Building Permit is submitted.

Zoom Use for Other Town Boards, Committees and Commissions:  Mr. Dalessio had calls from a few people on other Boards/Committees and Commissions about their groups using Zoom for meetings.  The question is can other groups use this license or should they get additional licenses.  Mrs. Downing explained that sharing a license can be tricky.  Ms. Mayberry did not feel they should buy a separate license for each group as they do not have enough meetings but rather have a set of rules for logging in-and-out.  Mrs.Pschirrer agreed with this. It is an expense.  If a group needs a meeting they should accommodate them.  Mr. Dalessio would like to start the Police Study Committee meetings on Zoom.  Groups could reserve their time slot just as they schedule using the Town Hall.  Following the discussion there was a consensus to get a second Zoom license.  Procedures will be needed.  Mrs. Downing was asked to help train a person(s) to manage it.            

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer announced that the regular Selectboard meeting is being recessed.  The Selectboard will enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session.  FACT-TV discontinued their recordingand left the meeting at 7:03 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrerasked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:28 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 2, 2020, be sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:44 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD AND SAU 60 INFORMATIONAL MEETING

APRIL 1, 2020

Selectboard Present:​Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio

FMRSD SAU 60:​Lori Landry (Superintendent)

James Fenn (Business Manager)

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Informational Meeting to order at 2:00 PM.  The Selectboard, Superintendent and Business Manager are at various locations.  There were no members of the public in attendance.  This meeting is being recorded by FACT-TV.  It is online meeting via Zoom.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised this meeting is being held regarding the current situation at the district schools.  Ms. Lori Landry requested this meeting to give us information on the FMRSD.

Ms. Landry reported they started their remote instruction about three weeks ago and will continue as the Governor has directed until May 1st.  They meet three times a week with the team; all of their directors, principals and nurses to share information.  They also meet online with the Emergency Management personnel to be sure that everybody is abreast to the health and wellbeing of their staff and students.  She thinks our teachers and administration have done a great job in moving over to remote education learning as well as the parents who are so supportive.  Next week they will be looking to expand their continuous learning opportunities and more information will go out to the parents in a newsletter tomorrow morning.  All of the staff is working.  Some were assigned different duties.  She is proud of everything that people have been able to do in their efforts to support education.

SKMr. Jim Fenn advised that the FMRSD is serving over 800 meals a day on a seven day a week meal plan that includes delivering breakfast and lunch meals.  Some people are picking up meals at the North Walpole School.  Busses are delivering meals as well.  At this time they are serving more meals to students than when school was in session.  Our schools have stepped up to the challenge.    

Mrs. Pschirrer asked how they are going to handle grading students using remote learning for this term.  Ms. Landry replied that they have been meeting with the administrators and they will be coming out with an informational sheet to parents that hopefully will be ready to go out by noon tomorrow.  It outlines what they consider will be the grading element at the schools and what their expectations are as well.  This letter will be sent by email and will be posted on the district website tomorrow.    

Mr. Dalessio had a call from a parent with two special education students.  How is one-on-one support supposed to be interfacing with the students at this time?  Apparently the parent gets an email in the morning that says “I am here”.  Ms. Landry has talked to Sandra about this many times and they have sent out informational sheets to parents.  They are here to support education for all students.  Some students will get compensatory education and that will be summer school.  Have the parents let Ms. Landry or Sandra know if they have specific questions and they will certainly discuss it with that parent.  Mr. Dalessio asked if the emails will be sent to both the students and parents as sometimes the special ed student does not appreciate the messages in the email text and may delete them.  Ms. Landry will pass that on. ​

Comments and Question List from the Public.  These were submitted prior to this meeting.  Mrs. Pschirrer read the following emails.  

Cheri and Leroy Watson:  Just wanted to let you know that we are very proud of this high school where faculty and staff have gone beyond the call of duty to make remote learning work.

While schools in more urban centers of the country are struggling or have simply cancelled school, our school remains a leader.  Thanks to you and all the teachers and staff for supporting our youth through these challenging times.

James Gavin:  Thank you for giving us this opportunity.  I have a couple of questions for the School Board.

1. There have been no updates on the status of the search for our new Principal, is there trouble finding a candidate and if so,have you hired the help of a recruiting firm to assist in this process?  The importance of finding a quality candidate to fill this position and hit the ground running is crucial in keeping the quality education we have in Walpole.

Ms. Landry replied that they have conducted a thorough search and have EVI working with them on the search.  They offered the position, but unfortunately that person was unable to accept the offer.  They are working with Mr. Jacobs to try to find a solution.  Ms. Landry noted they have a proposal that she will be presenting to the FMRSD Board on April 13th.  Their recommendations will fill the needs of the community, students and leadership team in the future.

2. What are the plans for April vacation?  Do you feel it would be best to cancel and have the school year end early?

Ms. Landry said there has been a lot of discussion on this, not only within their school district but with the State Commissioner of Education.  Right now they are going to post the information in the newsletter going out tomorrow.      

3. If the rest of the school year is to be done with remote learning, what are your plans to bring the students up to speed for their grade level next year?

(Remote learning is going very well here in Walpole, but letsadmit it, it’s no replacement for what our teachers do in the classroom).

Mrs. Pschirrer noted they are hearing of a possible extension that the schools will be closed through May.  Are they prepared for this?  Ms. Landry replied that they talked about that this morning.  Teachers are planning for the long-haul.  The teachers have done very well and are also preparing educational packages for the students.  They will be distributing books to the 3rd and 4thgraders.  They want to let parents know these are issues they have been discussing.   Ms. Landry noted they are trying to do it day–by-day.  She does not have all the answers.  They are working together as a team.  Right now they are trying to work on making sure they have quality education between now and May 4th.  They believe in direct education.    

4. With the success that remote learning has been, have you put in place a process to use it for snow days?

Ms. Landry feels this will be a discussion into next year.  

Mr. Gavin would like to thank Principal Jacobs and the rest of the teachers and staff for stepping up and doing an incredible job handling this never seen before situation.  They have done a remarkable job.

Thank you.  James Gavin.

Mr. Dalessio mentioned that now that Income Tax has been delayed, people may have been counting on returns to pay their next property tax bills.  Has the FMRSD considered what would happen if 10% of the property owners in Town cannot pay their taxes on time?  Mr. Fenn replied they have thought about this but do not have a solution.  At this time all but a handful of people are continuing to work.  This handful includes some subs and part-time bus drivers who do not work a regular schedule.  About 80% of their budget is wages and benefits.  That is not changing because of this issue.  There will be savings in heat because they will be shutting down some buildings and fuel costs for busses but the savings will not be significant.  He told the principals no spending is allowed at this point unless it is critical to education.  Mr. Dalessio’s concern is mainly the revenue.  If the revenue falls short, the Town will have difficulty around July 1st when the tax bills are due.  Mr. Fenn is looking at cash flow carefully and does not have a solution at this time.  He will work with the towns as they have issues.  

Ms. Landry pointed out that some busses are delivering educational packets to students who may not have access to receiving them.  It is equally difficult for the FMRSD as it is for the Town.  So many people have been laid-off; it is so hard.  We need to move slowly, be thrifty and work together as a team.  

Mrs. Pschirrer thanked Ms. Landry and Mr. Fenn for meetingwith the Selectboard today.  This meeting is being filmed by FACT-TV and can be seen on Facebook.  They hoped they covered a lot of ground so many people have heard the comments and they can be reassured that we will continue to provide a good education for our kids. Ms. Landry thanked the Selectboard for being able to share information with them.  

Parking Area:  Mr. Fenn reported the voters approved transferring the FMRSD parking area by the Walpole Recreation area to the Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the Town will facilitate this transaction with the Planning Board. However, they will not meet in April.  The Town will contact their attorney to move forward with the deed transfer and they will take care of all expenses        

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that this was a good meeting.  She adjourned this Informational Meeting at 2:21 PM.  

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary