SAU#75 Superintendent Newsletter

Dear Grantham School Community,

January in the school world is more than just a calendar flip; it’s the ultimate "midpoint pivot." For students, it’s that unique window where the initial nerves of September are long gone, replaced by a seasoned rhythm and the realization that the finish line is finally coming into view. For educators and parents, it’s a time to shake off the holidays, assess the progress made in the first semester, and recalibrate for the home stretch. Whether students are refining study habits, diving into new winter sports, or simply trying to remember where they left a favorite pencil after two weeks off, January represents a fresh slate built on a solid foundation.

Why January Matters?

• Academic Momentum: It’s the bridge between foundational learning and the more complex challenges of the second semester.

• Reflective Growth: A natural time to look at what worked in the fall and what goals need a "software update" for the spring.

• The Winter Rhythm: Settling into the quiet, focused productivity that only the colder months can provide.

What about February?

The "New Year" energy doesn't have to fade by February. Since we are already nearing the end of the month, these reflections are perfect for catching that "second wind" as we head into February.

• The "One-Percent" Adjustment: Instead of a total overhaul, pick one small habit to improve—like checking a course syllabus every Sunday night or organizing a backpack.

• The Mid-Point Check-In: Look back at grades and feedback from the first semester. What was the "win" of the fall? Acknowledge it, then identify one specific skill to master by spring break.

• Recharging the Battery: Winter can feel long. Encourage a "brain break" hobby that doesn't involve a screen to prevent that mid-year burnout. February can be a month of transitions in terms of winter activities.

I hope 2026 is off to a good start for all members of our Grantham School Community!

Sincerely,

Christine Downing, Superintendent

The Grantham School Board will hold its public hearing on its budget and warrant Tuesday, February 3, 2026. It will start at 6:30pm in the Cafeteria of Grantham Village School.

Information about the budget from the Board's January 2026 meeting can be found with this link.

Detailed slides were also created to provide full transparency with the school budget process.

Slides are attached below.

If you have questions on the budget, please contact Superintendent Christine Downing via cdowning@sau75.org or 603.863.3786

The School District Annual Meeting will be held on March 3, 2026, starting at 6:30pm in the Gym at Grantham Village School.

In New Hampshire, the "Traditional" school meeting is a hallmark of local democracy. Unlike a typical election where you cast a ballot and head home, our district follows the Traditional Meeting format. This means voters who attend the meeting have the power to discuss, amend, and ultimately vote on the school budget and warrant articles right then and there. There is no separate voting day for the budget. The vote happens live at the meeting.

What to Expect at the School District Meeting

If you are new to New Hampshire or our district, the Annual Meeting might feel a bit different. Here is a quick primer on how our traditional meeting is conducted:

• Who Can Vote? Any registered voter living within the school district is eligible to participate.

• The Check-In Process: When you arrive, you will check in with the Supervisors of the Checklist. They will verify your residency and provide you with the materials needed for the meeting, such as yes/no tickets used for secret ballot voting.

• The Moderator: An elected official who presides over the meeting, ensuring we follow parliamentary procedure (usually Robert’s Rules of Order). **See below for Moderator Rules.

• The Warrant: This is our "agenda." Each "Article" on the warrant represents a specific request, such as the operating budget or a contribution to a capital reserve fund.

• Discussion & Amendments: For each article, the floor is opened for public comment before any final votes are taken.

• The Vote: Once discussion ends, a vote is taken—usually by a voice vote or yes/no tickets—and the results are final.

Your Presence IS Your Vote!

As our Annual Meeting approaches, please remember: In a traditional district, the meeting is the final vote on the school district budget and warrant articles. There are no "absentee ballots" for the budget or warrant articles because the final versions of those articles aren't set until the discussion at the meeting is over. If you aren't in the room, you aren't part of the vote. Join us to ensure our school reflects the values and priorities of our entire community.

Demystifying the "School Warrant"

As we approach our March Annual Meeting, the School District Warrant will be posted around town and available online. Think of the Warrant as our official meeting agenda.

• What is a Warrant Article? Each "Article" is a specific proposal for the voters to consider. This includes everything from the main operating budget to requests for building repairs or contributions to reserve funds.

• How the Budget is Passed: During the meeting, each article is read aloud. Residents have the opportunity to ask questions, debate the merits, and even propose amendments. Once the discussion is closed, a vote is taken right then and there. If the majority votes "Yes," the budget or article passes and becomes the plan for the upcoming school year.

Moderator Approved Rules 2026
Grantham School District Meeting

• No article may be brought up for reconsideration unless it is brought up immediately after the vote has been determined and announced.
• Passing over an article is not in the spirit of the meeting and will be ruled out of order.
• Registered voters will be seated on the main floor and in the center of the bleachers. Non-voters will be seated in the side sections of the bleachers. Non-voters who are not officers of the school district may be allowed to address the meeting only if the meeting votes to permit it.
• Whenever a voter wishes to speak, he or she will address the moderator and identify herself or himself along with their street address.
• The moderator will conduct a secret “yes-no” ballot when seven or more voters question any non-ballot vote immediately, after the vote is declared, and before any business is conducted. (RSA 40:40b)
• All proposed amendments to articles will be submitted in writing to the moderator prior to the vote of the amendment.

Public Notice: Keeping Our Air Clean at Grantham Village School

To protect the health of our students and remain in compliance with New Hampshire state law, we are reminding all parents, staff, bus drivers, and visitors of the regulations regarding vehicle idling on school grounds.

New Hampshire law (RSA 200:48) requires school districts to implement policies that minimize or eliminate vehicle idling on school grounds to protect air quality.

GVS is a NO Idling campus. At GVS your child's safety is one of our top priorities. We know it's cold out there, but please be respectful of the signage regarding NO idling while in the car line for pick-up and drop-off. Just as a friendly reminder, the car line begins dismissing at 3:10 p.m.

Why Is This Important?

• Child Health: Children’s lungs are still developing. They breathe more rapidly than adults, making them more susceptible to the asthma triggers and respiratory issues caused by exhaust.

• Environmental Impact: Eliminating unnecessary idling reduces the concentration of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides on our campus.

• Efficiency: For most modern engines, idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel and causes more engine wear than restarting the vehicle.

Grantham School District is hiring for two administrative positions for the 2026-27 school year. These two positions are Director of Student Services and Director of Technology. We are forming two committees to assist in the hiring process for these positions. More information about these job postings can be found using this link.

If you are interested in serving on either the hiring committee for Director of Student Services or Director of Technology, please complete this form by February 2nd. We are looking for 10 to 12 people to serve on each hiring committee. The composition for each committee includes SAU and School Administration, Board representation, various teacher/specialist/interventionist positions, paraprofessional, and community member/parent/guardian. In general, committee meetings and interviews will be conducted after school hours going no later than 6pm on some dates. This link outlines the tentative dates/times for each step in the process. All committee members are expected to fully participate on the given dates/times.

For additional questions, please contact Christine Downing, SAU 75 Superintendent, cdowning@gvshawks.org.

How is local control impacted through open enrollment efforts?

Open Enrollment is an educational pathway that allows NH public school students to attend any other school in district in the state. Currently, the law requires that local voters make this decision for their own communities. As of January 29th, NH Senate passed a bill that would remove this local voice and control in the process. The state would deem all public schools as open enrollment. I have created a slide deck (attached below) that outlines features of open enrollment, including anticipated increased tuition costs for our 7 to 12 students. We are in an agreement to send our middle and high school students to Lebanon School District. The base tuition rates outlined in the current open enrollment law and House Bill 751, which passed the NH Senate yesterday, would increase our tuition costs per student. Our current agreed upon tuition rates with Lebanon School District are lower than what is proposed through Open Enrollment. (Refer to slides 2 through 5). The board will be discussing open enrollment at its public hearing and regular board meeting on February 3, 2026, at 6:30pm, in the cafeteria at GVS.

How can you make your individual voice heard?

There is a focus on getting more people to register their voice through the online reporting system for bills. In most committees there is a focus to report "the numbers" for the record. If there are 10 individuals representing themselves who sign in on various bills, it may actually influence the outcome - and at least would record "constituent feedback" and create a record of what is either listened to, or ignored, by legislators. The links below are provided to make this task easier for your immediate engagement. Your voice matters! Numbers matter!

• House Remote Sign In / Submit / View Testimony Directions (PDF)

• House Sign-in Form and Online Testimony Submission

• View House Online Testimony Submissions

• Senate Remote Sign In Directions (PDF)

• Senate Remote Sign In

How are the new school recording restrictions being addressed at GVS?

• NH ED Technical Advisory on Recordings - Parental/Guardian Consent for Audio and Video Recordings

• These are the only three areas exempt from written parental consent.

• 1. The video and/or voice recording is part of a court proceeding or investigation by child protective services;

• 2. The video and/or voice recording is part of a safety demonstration; or

• 3. The video and/or voice recording intends to maintain order and discipline in a common area or on student transportation vehicles.

• Any form of audio or video recording of a minor child that does not satisfy one of the three conditions indicated above shall require prior written consent from the parent/guardian.

• Steps we are taking at Grantham Village School:

• Checking with legal to see if our existing parental opt outs that we issue at the start of each school year via Alma and the handbooks will suffice.

• Scheduled staff training on February 4th from 3:30pm to 4:30pm to cover parental bill of rights, including this topic and others. This will be presented by legal counsel.

• Proceed cautiously and seek parental permission for any specific cases involving recordings. We are using the NHED template for ELL testing requirements as recordings are part of this assessment.

• In general, GVS does not have many situations that rely on recordings, so currently we are addressing this on a case by case basis.