January 14, 2022
Dear SAU 90 Staff and Families,
Last night at the budget committee, the town reviewed our proposed 2023-2024 budget along with all other warrant articles that will be presented to the voters on March 14 at Winnacunnet High School. Overall, our budget is up 1.05% over the default budget. Our default budget includes encumbered funds that were already voted on last spring – teachers’ contracts and support staff contracts. Included is an overview of our warrant articles and the estimated tax impact. Please know that the leadership team and board take our fiscal responsibilities very seriously and worked hard to create a fair budget while focusing on our quality schools. On Monday, February 6 at 7:00 PM, the school will hold a deliberative session at Hampton Academy where there will be an opportunity for discussion from the general public.
This past week, Marston School hosted a Girls on the Run (GOTR) coaching information night. Unfortunately, we had a very low turnout. If we are unable to secure coaches for the upcoming season, we are at risk of losing this program that benefits so many of our students. We are hoping to launch the spring season. If you are interested in coaching, we strongly encourage your involvement. Coaching a GOTR team is one of the most rewarding ways to get involved with the program! A GOTR coach is a volunteer position that facilitates and supports the GOTR curriculum (open to girls in grades 3-5). The position requires approximately 2-4 hours per week for 8 weeks with the additional commitment of a one-time new coach training (most of the training will be done online, self-paced). Coaches do not need to be runners. They must be willing to lead with an open heart and assume positive intent. Team meeting days will be determined by the group of coaches. The spring season will begin the week of March 20 and run through the 5K event on June 3. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Betsy Cissel, betsy.cissel@girlsontherun.org.
School boards have many responsibilities while navigating a myriad of federal laws, state statutes, and administrative regulations, all while focusing on the primary objective of enhancing and supporting student achievement. A primary goal of our elected officials is to adopt policies on a multitude of topics. Examples of policies required by our state of New Hampshire include bullying, concussions, use of restraints, truancy/absenteeism, background checks, school lunch payments, and health education. Many of our policies including those listed are supported by state laws. In our efforts to keep community stakeholders more aware of these policies under review, we will be posting them in advance of our school board meetings. These will be posted on or website under the tab of SAU 90, School Board, Policies Under Review. These policies are reviewed during our monthly board meetings. Feedback is welcome during public comment. As always, if I can assist with questions and understanding, please feel free to reach out to me.
Next week, we have our final spelling bees at Marston School and Hampton Academy. Good luck to our finalists. Additionally, on Tuesday, January 17, there will be a helicopter landing on the grounds of Hampton Academy as part of the training for Hampton Fire and Rescue.
Wishing everyone a wonderful long weekend ahead!
In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr…
The time is always right to do what is right,
Dr. Lois B. Costa
Superintendent of SAU 90