The Walpolean

The Walpole Middle School Science Olympiad team is in final preparation to represent the State of NH at the National Science Olympiad Tournament.

Your state Science Olympiad team consists of 31 students from Walpole NH. 15 of those will be competing in the 1-day event this Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Cornell University.

This team has been meeting 3 times a week (including every Saturday), for at least 2 hours a practice since the beginning of the school year. They have worked very hard to be the NH State Champions and earn their place at nationals.  They are hardworking, dedicated and passionate about science!

They are excited to begin their venture to Cornell University on Thursday morning.  Feel free to follow our us on our adventure on Facebook @walpolescienceolympiad 

Wish us luck and we will represent your state to the best of our ability!

Walpole Science Olympiad Team!

Florida’s unfiltered leftneck singer-songwriter Grant Peeples and innovative violinist Mark Russell with local hero Ezra Veitch opening on Sunday, June 16 at  at Stage 33 Live, 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls VT. Door at 6, music at 7. Suggested donation $10+, 100% goes to the musicians. Limited seating; prepay to reserve at stage33live.com

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Grant Peeples, Mark Russell, and Ezra Veitch at Stage 33 Live

Before Grant Peeples makes his way to Woody Guthrie‘s hometown of Okemah in Oklahoma’s interior to play the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, he’s going to play an intimate listening event at Stage 33 Live in Bellows Falls. Innovative violin player Mark Russell is coming with him, and local hero Ezra Veitch opens. Sunday, June 16; doors at 6:00, Ezra at 7:00, Grant and Mark at 8:00.

A “tree-hugger that watches NASCAR, and Buddhist with a gun below the seat,” Grant Peeples isn’t afraid to share what’s on his mind. He’s known for his axe-sharp socio-political tunes, raucous humor, and heart-gigging ballads in shows that are a churning mix of hilarious and dead serious.

Florida-based Peeples tours coast to coast, primarily as a solo artist. His four most recent albums were produced by Gurf Morlix, who has also produced Lucinda Williams, Mary Gauthier, Ray Wiley Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen, and Slaid Cleaves, among many others. He’s made ten studio records, three live recordings, and two poetry books. He lived on a small island off the Miskito Coast of Nicaragua for eleven years.

“The only songwriter I have ever called ‘ruthless’.” — John Conquest, 3rd Coast Magazine

“A man of deeply held conviction… and cajones.” — D.C. Bloom, Lonestar Magazine

“Comedic, acute, smart, intensely political.” — Mark Stern, WMBR-FM

“He’s the Woody Guthrie of the New Millennium” — Larry Newman, WSCA-FM

“No performer holds a crowd like Grant Peeples.” — Barry White, S. Florida Folk Network

Special guest Mark Russell is bringing his innovative violin to accompany Grant. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, he was a longtime resident of Tallahassee, Florida, where he and Grant often performed together. Mark also plays solo and with various groups, interpreting everything from Prince to classical to folk.

Popular local musician and artist Ezra Veitch opens with a solo set.

The suggested donation is $10, more if you can. 100% supports the players. Grant Peeple’s concerts as a solo performer are typically $15 to $20.

Seating is limited to 40. Prepaid entry donations made through the stage33live.comwebsite double as chair reservations.

This listening event will be recorded and filmed.

Stage 33 Live documents live performances and presentations on a simple stage in a former factory building for downstream audiences. Only original material is allowed. Find more info about the project, and this and other upcoming events online at stage33live.com

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* HIGH-RES IMAGES https://www.grantpeeples.com/epk.html
* ARTIST CONTACT grant@grantpeeples.com or 850-322-6917
* PUBLICITY donnasamericana@gmail.com
* STAGE 33 LIVE CONTACT stage33@stage33live.com or ph/txt 802-289-0148

The following Invitation has been extended from our representative, Lucy Weber. – Lil

Attention all history buffs:

June 2-8 will mark the 200^th year of the New Hampshire State House.  You probably know that our state house has the longest record of both chambers still occupying the their original chambers—ours date back to 1819.  To mark the occasion, each day will have a different theme. From opening ceremonies and reenactments in costume and tours on June 2, to roundtable discussions and reminiscences with Governors, Executive Councilors and members of the press corps, to a Supreme Court Argument, there is something for everyone.  

A special invitation goes out to former legislators to attend a Homecoming picnic on Thursday the 6^th.  If you are attending, please let the House Clerk (271 awaits.-2548) know in advance so there is plenty of food.

Wednesday the 5^th will be Cultural Heritage and Arts Day on the lawn, and Friday the 7^th will feature a NH Handmade Street Market.

Saturday the 8^th will be more State House tours.  The dome is gleaming and the newly restored Senate Chamber with Barry Faulkner murals.

A full schedule of events can be found at nhstatehouse200.com . 

Hope to see you there!

Lucy Weber

A Walpole Tradition! Whit Aldrich has confirmed that participants should meet at the Unitarian Church at 11:00 AM on Monday, the 27th. Parade begins at 11:30, along Main St. to the Common.

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were two member of the public in attendance.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:55 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 16, 2019, be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Zoning Board of Adjustment:  Mrs. Jan Galloway-Leclerc, Chair of the Zoning Board, was present.  She displayed a Zoning Map dated 1965.  Mrs. Downing advised this was not the most recent map they received from Avitar Associates.  She had passed on this Zoning map to both Mrs. Mansouri and Mrs. Blaine as a committee was going to work on this map.  This new map had all the street names, brooks, etc. Mr. Dalessio requested that Mrs. Downing get two more maps from Avitar.  One map should remain in the Selectboard Office and the second map given to Mrs. Galloway-Leclerc.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the amount of $603,491.25 for checks issued May 17, 2019.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a monthly payment in the amount of $563,787.00 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending May 11, 2019, in the amount of $24,656.47 for checks issued May 17, 2019, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $4,840.33.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mfr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – May 9, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 9, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

WARRANTS:

Spring 2019 Property Tax Warrant:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Tax Collector’s Warrant, Property Tax Levy, in the amount of $5,592,973.   Tax bills will be due on Monday, July 1st, 2019.

Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS:

MAP and LOT #007-011-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $2,367.00.  This property was tax deeded after the 4/1/2019 cut-off date for property changes.  Since this property should be tax exempt, spring and fall taxes will be abated.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #015-006-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Notice of Property Tax Refund in the amount of $1,239.74 for Map and Lot #015-006-000.  The UC depreciation was changed / was increased.  When the home interior was inspected by Avitar, there were several adjustments made to correct the tax card.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

Amy Howard and Mr. Sanchez, Map and Lot #021-041-00: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit No. 2019-11 for Amy Howard and Mr. Sanchez to construct a “120’ x 72’ Single Story Addition to House” at 21 Colonial Drove, Map and Lot #021-041-001.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

Matt Ruesswick, Map and Lot #009-048-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit No. 2019-13 for Matt Ruesswick to build a “40’ x 16’ Deck” at 64 Barnett Hill Road, Map and Lot #009-045-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Janice Bardis, Map and Lot #018-016-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit No. 2019-14 for Janice Bardis to build a “12’ x 22’ Deck” at 21 Hillside Acres, Map and Lot #018-016-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

Rascal Baby LLC, Map and Lot #013-050-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit No. 2019-15 for Rascal Baby LLC to construct a “150’ x 60’ 2 Story Barn” at 493 Valley Road, Map and Lot #013-050-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

OLD BUSINESS:

Water and Sewer Receipts to Date: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Water and Sewer Receipts to Date from Mrs. Daigle.  Payments are at 38.5%.

Quarterly Receipt Comparison for Water and Sewer:  The Quarterly Receipt Comparison for Water and Sewer was received from Mrs. Daigle.

New Police Cruiser re: Mascoma Bank Loan:  Mr. Dalessio advised the quote came in less than the Warrant for the new Police Cruiser.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to re-do the paperwork for the new Police Cruiser with the Mascoma Bank to match the $27,210 figure. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Ramsey Hill Road re: Deeds to Right-of-Way: Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Mr. Coughlin came into a meeting quite some time ago to talk about his property on Ramsey Hill Road.  The Selectboard now has two new deeds that represent a confirmation of ownership for the right-of-way land.  This is based on DiBernardo and Associates plans.  Attorney Hockensmith had drawn up the new deeds.  This is land that Ms. Potter had owned.  This is an attempt to straighten out the right-of-way for the beginning of the Class VI portion of Ramsey HillRoad.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Deed changes as they pertain to Coughlin and Smith.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Roofing Repair Deposit for Town Hall Addition Roof – Warrant Article #6:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the roofing repair deposit of $200.00 for the Town Hall Addition Roof as per Warrant Article #6.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Open Container and Waiver from Police Detail Requests from Restaurant at Burdick’s and Walpole Grocery:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Police Department wanted to have a police presence for the Oktoberfest Fest and Bastille Day at Burdick’s in accordance with their new Police Detail Policy.  Mrs. Pschirrer discussed this with Chief Paquette.  The Police Department had sent a letter to every business in Town about this. However, the Selectboard was not aware of the mailing.  Police presence would incur a significant cost for the Restaurant at Burdick’s and Walpole Grocery.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned these two events have been held at Burdick’s for many years without an incident.  Chief Paquette does have extra officers on patrol on these dates.  The Selectboard agreed that Burdick’s will need to make a separate request on the Open Container Waiver.  Mr. Dalessio noted the Town does not own the Burdick’s parking lot.  The Town owns the little “park” area.  Mrs. Pschirrer said the Police Detail Request Ordinance will be rewritten.    

Ms. Mayberry moved to rule in favor of the Restaurant at Burdick’s and Walpole Grocery not to have a police presence during their Oktoberfest Fest and Bastille Day.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

FMRSD Committee Minutes:  Ms. Mayberry mentioned the Town’s website could provide a link to the FMRSD Committee Minutes.  The minutes are public business.

Recreation Department – Pool:  Ms. Mayberry explained a parent of a swimmer has a private swim coach for their child and they asked about using the pool in the mornings before it opened to the public.  Mr. Cassarino advised they had allowed the Swim Team to do this outside of regular pool hours.  Mrs. Downing inquired about liability insurance coverage with Primex. They would not be covered as they are not Town employees.  The parent had two suggestions one of which was to bring a lifeguard in a few hours earlier and the parent would pay the cost for the lifeguard.  An alternative would be to open the pool earlier.  Ms. Mayberry’s recommended solution is if Mr. Cassarino has lifeguards willing to do it and the parent is willing to pay the full cost for that lifeguard, that this option may be the best way to handle this request.  An option would be to open the pool on the regular schedule but to mark off one lane for this personal use.  Mr. Dalessio felt they could hire any one of the Town’s lifeguards.  It would have to be for a two–hour minimum.

Tax Deeded Properties – Next Steps:  Mr. Dalessio advised the Selectboard is waiting for an opinion from Attorney Hockensmith. 

Thank You Notes  The Selectboard acknowledged Thank You notes from the YMCA, Southwestern Community services, Monadnock Family Services, and Camp Takodah for the Town’s donations.  

Brightfield Event on July 23, 2019:   There is a Brightfield Event on July 23, 2019.  This is a Solar energy development event and will feature excellent solar educational program and face-to-face deal making forum that is free for landowners.  It will be held in Manchester, NH.   Mr. Dalessio asked that this be forwarded to the Planning Board and Zoning Board.        

Town Hall:  Some electrical work was done on the second floor of the Town Hall in anticipation of the Library using it on a temporary basis.  This invoice will be paid for out of the Library budget.  

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 8:06 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:24 PM.

Employee’s Recognition:  Mr. Dalessio suggested they have something for employee’s recognition as the Town has several long-time employees.  Maybe plan to do something at the next annual employee event recognizing years-of-service.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms.Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 8:06 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING #1 – May 9, 2019:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting #1 of May 9, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING #2 – May 9, 2019:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting #2 of May 9, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole:   Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the transfer of funds to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Educational Trust in the amount of $3,856.50 for the April 2019 expenses.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the transfer of funds to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Maintenance Trust in the amount of $92.90.  This is to turn the water on at the Hooper Institute.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the transfer of funds to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Scholarship Trust in the amount of $420.00.  This is to print their new brochures.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Hooper Institute Board Meeting: Ms. Mayberry reported that the Board made a decision to put off the garage roof repairs.  They prefer to wait for the new director.  The members did not want to invest that much money in a small roof as they might want to build a new building in the future.  They discussed the hot water tank and why it was not lasting more than a couple years.  Ms. Mayberry suggested they talk to Mr. Mark Houghton.  The Community Garden was discussed at the Staff Meeting.  The Hooper Trustees did not feel this money should go through the Friends of the Hooper but rather through the Town as it is the owner.  Mr. Dalessio felt there should be a separate checking account for this.  Relative to the dates for Summer Programs; Mrs. Whippie posted them for the lower grades.  They are running from June 17th to June 28th.  Mrs. Clark has found positions for the youth interns except for one applicant. The party for Mrs. Clark was discussed. She is okay with being involved; she will contact Mr. Boas about the advertising.  If anyone would like to be involved, there will be a “coffee get-together” next Tuesday at 7:00 PM at Burdick’s Café to talk about the planning.  

Friends of the Hooper Meeting:  Ms. Mayberry reported there was an election of officers.  They decided to keep the slate of officers for now.  She told the members that the new director would not be the clerk for the Friends of the Hooper.  They talked about different fundraisers.  Board of Officers:  Holly Gowdy is the President; Heather Brady is Vice-President; Becky Sethi is the Treasurer; Eloise Clark is the Clerk.  They talked about ways to get more people involved in the Hooper.  Mrs. Sethi gave them a financial statement.  It was a very productive meeting.

Ms. Mayberry pointed out that the Hooper Institute Board and the Friends of the Hooper are two separate boards/committees.  Many members are currently on both boards/committees.

Search Committee:  Mr. Dalessio advised there are three applicants, to date, for the director’s position.  The closing date is May 24th.    

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:24 PM.

 The Walpole Historical Society is hosting a presentation by local archaeologist, Gail Golec,  entitled Graffiti: 200 years of History at the Dodge Tavern, on June 7, 2019 at 7:00 PM at the Walpole Town Hall.

The Old Dodge Tavern had been the cornerstone of a small enclave in the northeast corner of town known as The Valley for over 200 years.  Golec’s  presentation will give a comprehensive history of The Valley and serve as the backdrop for the WHS summer exhibit about The Valley, opening that weekend, entitled Life in “The Valley”: The history of a little known Walpole community, told through the MacNutt and Thompson families, ca. 1919. 

The presentation will be 80 minutes long with an intermission and consist of a narrated slideshow created by Golec for her local-history podcast, “The Secret Life of Death”.  

The event is free of charge and open to all. There will be refreshments available.

The Walpole Historical Society opens for the season Saturday, June 1st with 4 new exciting and distinct exhibits.  From a look at Life in the Valley in 1919 , to the elegant architecture styles of the earlier times and a fun collection of the baby boomer generation  as well as memorable anecdotes that will make you happy and smile. 

Our Life in the Valley 1919 is a view of a farm wife’s simple diary that transports us back to Walpole’s Valley enclave as we learn of the daily challenges and moments of celebration.

Walpole Stories include anecdotes found in the notebooks of Edith Cole Tiffany that remind us that, well, no matter the era, folks can be a little weird, wacky, and apparently memorable enough to be immortalized on the page.   

Frontier Elegance:  Learn how early architecture styles and the designers and builders who built them transformed a 1752 village in the Connecticut River Valley.

BOOM!   And, from the not so distant past, BOOM! A collection of artifacts from the 1950’s through the 1970’s from go-go boots to troll dolls to record album covers—a fun “Remember When” exhibit!

And don’t forget to wander into the gift shop.  You will find hand crafted cedar Fragrant Flyers ( you have to see these!) scarves and beads, wooden bookmarks, local honey and maple products, books, candles stained glass ornaments, lavender sachets and so much more.  We now have a selection of Fravessi greeting cards too.  

Plan to join us on opening day and visit often with family and friends.  We will be open every Saturday through mid October– Noon to 4:PM.  — or by appointment by calling 756-3449.  

Parking behind the building.

In keeping with The Walpolean Mission of “Keeping the community up to date on community topics”, I have copied these minutes from the Fall Mountain School District website. There you will also see an Articles of Agreement Committee Invitation Letter. If it is easier, I also have a link on the right hand side of the Walpolean home page if you click on FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT.

This is in case the Selectboard, Planning Board and Zoning Board Minutes aren’t enough reading for the weekend! – Lil

Present: Albert St.Pierre; Scott Bushway; Lucien Beam; Alan Dustin; Steven Dalessio; Joseph Levesque; Mary Henry; Frank Emig; William Stahl; Sarah Vogel

Others Present: Gabriel St.Pierre; Michael Herrington, School Board Chairman; John Murray; Steven Neill; Trina Dearborn; Terry Spilsbury; Scott Wade; Rebecca Sethi

Meeting called to order at 5:35 pm.

First order to elect Chair, Vice Chairperson.

Albert St.Pierre nominated for Chair by Frank Emig.  Second by Alan Dustin. William Stahl nominated Mary Henry.  Second by Frank Emig. Vote by show of hands. Three for Mary Henry, Five for Albert St.Pierre.  

Mary Henry nominated for Vice Chair by Albert St.Pierre.  Second by Frank Emig. All in favor.

Alissa Bascom nominated as recording secretary by William Stahl, seconded by Alan Dustin.  All in favor.

Introductions

Packets handed out by Mr. St.Pierre.  Included in packet is:

• Letter of invitation to committee

• Withdrawal Committee Information from SAU 60 website

• Contact info for members

• Original report of 1964 forming of district

• Report of Charlestown School Study Committee

• Tax Rates for NH 2018

• Condensed version of 2018 area tax rates — district towns and some surrounding towns

• Copy of votes from FM Ballot

• Lempster tuition agreement with SAU 60

• 2019 School District Annual Report

Committee would like to clarify what RSA 195:25 involves.  Mr. Stahl noted for committee that 195:25 states committee must have a plan to state by November 1, 2019.  The committee shall report its findings to the state Board of Education. The report shall indicate whether the withdrawal of one or more towns from the cooperative school district is recommended, not recommended, or the committee need additional time.

If the committee finds that they do not recommend withdrawal, the committee is dissolved.  If the committee finds that the withdrawal of one or more towns from the cooperative school district is recommended, the committee shall develop a withdrawal plan in accordance with RSA 195:26. The plan shall be submitted to the state board of education for the education of students in the the co-operative district and for the students of the withdrawing district, no later than November 1.

Included in the withdrawal plan in accordance with RSA 195:26, is specific guidelines for responsibilities of withdrawing district listed in RSA 195:27 (each withdrawing district’s responsibilities to the cooperative district for capital costs and outstanding debts) and RSA 195:28 (Cooperative district gives withdrawing district(s) current buildings and property minus the capital costs and outstanding debts layed out in RSA 195:27).

If the state board approves the withdrawal plan, whether submitted by the committee or by minority report, the plan shall be submitted to the voters of the cooperative school district in accordance with RSA 195:29.

Date of withdrawal, per RSA 195:30 — 1 year after vote at town meeting.  If withdrawal vote is brought before the towns in March, 2020 and passes, then July 1, 2021 will be the earliest date of withdrawal.  

It is noted for the committee by Mr. Dalessio that it is any or all towns that could look at the feasibility of withdrawing.  Not only Charlestown. Withdrawing town(s) would stay in SAU 60, unless additional RSA 194-C:2 is enacted.

Questions to be answered by the committee:

• What is the real cost to run a school?  

• What does feasibility mean?

• What do we need to make a decision?  

• How do we put a plan together within 180 days?

Mr. St.Pierre feels that budget for each town has been published by the school board.  He referenced page 31 and 32 of annual report. Each town has the amount of money apportioned to them, and that is the budget they have to work with.  Ms. Henry acknowledges that the school board has this information. There are over 5800 codes and they can be placed in each town to determine cost.

Mr. Dalessio asked if we can feasibly educate our children if we separate.  What is the real cost of educating a child?

The committee would like to ask the following questions to Jim Fenn.  Mr. Stahl will invite Mr. Fenn to all future meetings of the Withdrawal Study Committee.  

Questions for Mr. Fenn:

1. How much does it cost to educate a single student?  The actual, per pupil cost.

2. How many students are in the high school, physically, from each town?

3. How will costs go up or down for withdrawing district(s) and remaining district(s)?

4. How are costs apportioned out to each town and to the high school?

5. How are surplus dollars distributed out to towns at the end of the fiscal year?

6. What is the indebtedness of school district?

7. What is each town responsible for in regards to indebtedness.  Is there a formula? What is the impact to each town?

8. What is cost to reacquire properties from the co-op for withdrawing town(s)?

9. How is money from state adequacy aid directly affecting town it is apportioned for?

John Murray from Charlestown acknowledged that the business of determining cost of educating students is confusing.  Budget is driven by salary of teachers — more teachers, more money it costs to run. Is class size something to consider when determining feasibility of withdrawal? Mr. St.Pierre voiced that this committee does not want to put together a budget.

Mr. St.Pierre acknowledged that Charlestown cannot out vote other towns for what is best for town of Charlestown.  Charlestown taxpayers vote down budget and monetary articles because they cannot afford any more increases. They are already shouldering the highest school tax burden in the state.  Charlestown needs a balance between what we do for education and for our tax payers. The board in Charlestown needs to be able to budget for both. If the School District budget is deemed proportionate, what does Charlestown do?  Charlestown does not want to be part of a state lawsuit, problem is with our own district.

Mr. Bushway stated that a plan is needed to attack the feasibility question.  The charge of this committee is to determine if a district can withdraw. How do we approach the question of feasibility of a district (or districts) withdrawing with an educated decision?

Mr. Beam brought forth copies of withdrawal studies from Newport, Monroe, and Goshen/Lempster.  All of these reports, and more, are available on the website of the State of NH Board of Education, www.education.nh.gov.  Search withdrawal, many town withdrawal studies are there.  

Highlight of these three studies — some 65 pages long, is that in all three studies, education does not enter into the picture.  All focus is on the impact of town finances only. These district reports include feasibility of withdrawal from a financial standpoint and what the structure of the district schools is, now that they have withdrawn from their co-operative.  The reports focus on:

• Percentages of SAU and allocations for personnel.

• Financial aid from state

• Tuition costs

• Liability of assets currently within town.

• Fiscal impact to district itself, what is impact on district vs town.

• Consultations with DOE

This committee needs to:

• Understand what cost to each town

• Know what is the cost to quality of education

• Relook at articles of agreement

Mr. Beam asked if this committee is set, or whether other townspeople could be invited to contribute to the meeting.  Per the group, others could be invited to speak to certain issues/questions.

Terry Spilsbury, Charlestown, offered that the committee must define and create a portrait of what the withdrawal looks like.  

Ms. Vogel suggested that perhaps the group break into subcommittees for the purpose of bringing information back to discuss.  Subcommittees could bring in other sources as speakers.

• Interview other districts who have been through this process, specifically co-operative districts.

• Educational impact

• Financial impact

• Final impact

Future meeting dates set for Wednesday, May 22 and May 29th, 2019, 5:30 pm, FMRHS library.  

Meeting adjourned 6:52 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Alissa Bascom

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the May 22, 2019 meeting.)