September 2026
Superintendent Report
Accountability Recommendations Submitted
The Accountability Task Force established by RSA 193-E:3-c submitted their final report (linked in image) in June. The task force was established “to develop and review the performance-based accountability system (PBAS) that will serve to demonstrate that a school is providing the opportunity for an adequate education as defined in RSA 193-E:2-a. While the enacting legislation was silent on the other accountability efforts for our public schools, the task force put forth the recommendation that will sync them all together with a clear intent on establishing a continuous cycle of improvement for all public schools to better serve students.
During the early part of August, Superintendent Malay presented this report with members of the NHDOE as well as from the Center for Assessment to both the State Board of Education and the Joint House/Senate Education Oversight Committee. Both presentations were well received and additional follow up sessions have been planned after the opening of the school year.
Prior to implementation, which is a minimum of a year away, legislation needs to be developed and passed to authorize the NH Department of Education to moved any or all of the recommendations in the report forward.
The tables included below illustrate both the components of the accountability system as well as a sample timeline.
Lawsuit on General Election School Spending Cap Ballot Question Filed
On August 31st, a lawsuit was filed against state election officials seeking an emergency preliminary and permanent injunction to block a mandatory ballot question from appearing on state general election ballots. The dispute stems from state legislation (HB 1300) that requires a binding vote on whether to apply two strict fiscal limits to local school districts for a two-year period: a limit on local property tax growth tied to inflation and new construction, and a 6% spending cap on central administration expenses.
Key Claims - The suit argues that the ballot measure violates the constitutional right to a free and fair vote under state law on three core grounds:
Confusing Terminology: The question relies on complex structure and key technical terms (e.g., central office spending, bonded capital costs) that are left undefined, preventing voters from clearly understanding the consequences of their vote within the limited time allowed in the voting booth.
Misleading Assertions: The text explicitly claims the caps will not impact classroom instruction or school-based services. The complaint argues this is factually incorrect because fixed costs (like contracts, utilities, and debt) make up roughly 75% of school budgets, meaning required cuts will inevitably force reductions in staff, courses, and classroom resources.
Restriction of Voter Choice: The underlying statute outlines separate implementation and override rules for the tax cap and the administration cap, indicating they operate independently. However, the ballot question forces voters into an all-or-nothing "Yes" or "No" vote on both caps combined.
To read the entire lawsuit filed, click on the scales of justice icon at the top left.
Keene Summer Projects
- Fuller HVAC/ Safety Renovation
- Well underway. The Keene Board of Education's Facility Committee met on site to review the plan and progress of the large scale safety renovation on August 4. This is phase 4 out of 5 and includes completing the second floor. It will include a fully addressible mass notification alarm system, fire supression sprinklers, new classroom case work, fresh paint, ceiling and flooring. It also includes improvements to the office and security. ( see 3 images below)
- Wheelock Window Replacement
- Field measures have been completed on windows. November is the target install date to complete the window replacement on the Adams St. side of the school.
- JD Classroom Update
- The room has received new flooring, casework and associated sinks. The project is expected to be completed prior to openning day. (see image above)
- KHS Flooring and asbestos abatement
- This years flooring replacement with asbestos abatement has been completed.
Fuller School Renovations
Health Office
Classroom
Chesterfield School
This summer has been busy at the Chesterfield Elementary School! Some interior painting was completed along with scheduled flooring replacements, but the big news is that the soccer field received a much needed restoration! The entire playing surface was removed, drainage was added, and the field was leveled. After all of this work was completed it was reseeded and is currently well on its way to a lush green playing surface!
Marlow School
What a busy summer in Marlow! It started with a large project to upgrade the wiring, lighting, and ceiling tiles in the multipurpose room. Over the summer, the food service counter curtain was replaced, and additional security cameras and door alarms were added. We completed the summer projects by landscaping on and around the playground, including the rock garden area!
Food Services
Please join us in welcoming our new Food Services Director, Mr. Kent Hardin. Mr. Hardin has hit the ground running and the early feedback has been very positive! We are really excited about the energy and good nature that he brings to our organization! Welcome aboard Mr. Hardin.
If you're looking for the school menus, simply click on the menu icon to the left and open the document for the specific location you are looking for.
School Safety
At the MINIIMUM, the following emergency response drills must be conducted at each building site in accordance with this schedule. Additionally, our schools complete an extensive report for documentation (see button below). The report also provides schools with data on areas that may need attention as we practice the different types of responses.
The completed safety drills by school as of 6/30/26.
