During the January 7th School Board meeting, the Board voted 9-1 against recommending a warrant article to pursue renovations of the Career and Technical Education centers (CTE) and the high school. After detailed analysis, robust community feedback, and thoughtful conversations with select board representatives from across our district, we arrived at the decision that this was neither the right time nor the appropriate cost for this project.

Though this project is not advancing in its current form, a considerable amount of new information has been gained during this process. Over the past two years, the building committee has studied CTE facilities and programming across our state. We now have an accurate assessment of the current and future needs of our students and our community. We have also arrived at a much better understanding of the state of our aging buildings. Comprehensive structural and systems reviews, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, were completed for ConVal High School as well as for Great Brook School and South Meadow School. These will be highly relevant as we assess the needs of our district going forward.

Teachers do not teach in the same ways they did when our facilities were built more than two decades ago. Students learn differently as well. The need to modernize is real, and it will persist. Within the high school, there are security, regulatory, and compliance issues that command our attention. Moving forward, the school board and the building committee will take the good work that has been accomplished to date, along with our community’s input, back to the drawing board and set out to reach these goals in a fiscally sustainable way.

We would like to acknowledge and extend our gratitude to all of those who worked to bring us to this point. The dedication to our students, district, and community exhibited by members of our building committee and specifically Heather McKillop, our high school principal, and Jen Kiley, our CTE director, has been exemplary. We would also like to thank every member of our community who participated in this process.

Sincerely, The ConVal School Board

This is the second in our annual series of articles regarding the financial aspects of running the ConVal School District.

This article covers the topics of:

• Property Tax Bills
• Property Valuation
• Property Value Equalization
• Tax Commitments
• Property Tax Rates
• Revaluation Impact
• Preliminary vs. Final Tax Bills
• ConVal Operating Costs
• School Budget Basics
• District Assessment (FY24-25)
• Operational Budget
• Revenues
• Fund Balance to Reduce Taxes
• District Tax Assessment/Apportionment

For the full-length article (17 pages), please click here.

Jim Fredrickson Chairman, Budget & Property Committee ConVal School Board

As a wrap-up to December 4th’s community forum for the Career Technology Education and ConVal High renovation, and the Lucy Hurlin Theater, we feel all the presenters provided great insight into this initiative.

A special thank you to our moderator, Tom Burgess, Peterborough School Board member for guiding the discussion with such clarity and focus.

Jen Kiley, CTE Director and Heather McKillop, ConVal HS Principal provided valuable perspectives on the transformative potential of career and technical education (CTE) and its critical role in preparing students for success in the workforce.

Our Facility Director, Tim Grossi's emphasis on building safety ensures that these upgrades will not only enhance learning but also maintain the security and well-being of our students and staff. Also provided was the importance of the Lucy Hurlin Theater renovations, highlighting the importance of fostering creativity and expression in a new and improved theater a space that was originally designed as a space for lectures and presentations.

We also appreciate the architectural team at LaVallee | Brensinger for their vision in shaping the physical spaces to align with the needs of today’s students.

We want to thank Alan Edelkind, Dublin School Board member and committee chair for providing the leadership, organization and direction in making this forum the success it was.

A big thank you to Dan Harper, Hancock School Board member who determined he was most needed to take care of many of the off-stage requirements to ensure the forum’s success.

Finally, Curtis Hamilton, Greenfield School Board member and his comprehensive overview of the funding process gave us confidence that these renovations are not only possible but sustainable. He and Jen Kiley answered many questions on the topic of funding. If nothing else, we learned how important this piece is to this project.

Together, this collaboration demonstrates how thoughtful planning and innovation can lead to a stronger, more dynamic educational experience for our students. This community forum and the dedication of our staff will lead to building a brighter future for our students.

This is the first in our annual series of “Financial Articles” regarding the financial aspects of running the ConVal School District. Here’s a brief preview of some of the articles we’ll be publishing between now and the vote in March:

• Overview of Budget Schedule (included in this article)

• 2024 Property Tax Bills and Funds “retained” and “returned” to towns in the School District

• Details of proposed FY26 School Budget and other Warrant Articles on the March ’25 ballots

• Proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement with CVEA

• Estimated impact on ConVal’s finances/budgets/property taxes if the withdrawal of Dublin and/or Francestown is approved by voters

• CTE/HS Renovation project

• Summary of various District Trust Funds (and associated Warrant Articles).

For the full-length article (3 pages), please click here.

Jim Fredrickson Chairman, Budget & Property Committee ConVal School Board

Your Region 14 Applied Technology Center at ConVal High School is currently being presented with an opportunity worthy of our full consideration. We are in our final year of eligibility for the renovation as part of the State’s capital budget, which covers 75% of eligible renovation costs to our Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers. The State of NH has long recognized the importance of CTE, and this bipartisan support is a clear recognition of the vital role CTE education plays in enabling students to explore career pathways, bridge the gap between secondary and postsecondary education, and align student’s skills and interests with the needs of our local and statewide economies.

In anticipation of our eligibility for these funds, the ConVal building committee has spent the last two years assessing the present functionality of our CTE center and planning for the needs of our future students. They have studied CTE programs and high schools statewide, selected a leading architectural firm, and ultimately drafted plans that define a vision for the CTE center’s future. In addition to the CTE renovations, the building committee addressed other areas of need. They drafted plans for a secure entrance to the high school with a single point of well monitored access. The committee has also proposed a renovation of the Lucy Hurlin Theatre that would transform the space into a two-story, 350 seat modern auditorium. 

The project has two components. The first is the CTE renovations, equipment upgrades, a realignment of interior spaces to maximize efficiency and the addition of the secure main entryway. While the project will have a total estimated cost of $33,479,125, we have the possibility of receiving state capital budget funds funding in the amount of $14,732,773 thus leaving the total amount needed to bond at $18,746,352. Some of the work involved in this renovation, such as the secure entrance, demolition, and grounds work aren’t eligible for renovation funding, but are ultimately tied to the redesign of the space. This is common among districts who’ve preceded us in this process. In the end, we would receive a 44% discount on this project. The second component of the project would cover the renovations to the Lucy Hurlin Theatre. The cost will amount to an estimated $10,657,002, all of which would be subject to local bond.

Your school board has developed three options regarding how to move forward for consideration. 

Option one would seek voter approval for the renovation of the CTE centers, the creation of a secure high school entrance, and the redesign of the Lucy Hurlin Theatre.

Option two would see us breaking up the project into two phases. Phase one would be seeking voter approval for the renovation of the CTE and the creation of a secure high school entrance in March 2025. Phase two would seek voter approval for the renovation of the Lucy Hurlin Theatre in the following year, March, 2026.

Option three would seek voter approval for only the CTE and secure entrance portion of the project thus eliminating the Lucy Hurlin Theatre renovation from consideration.

Community feedback is, as always, essential to how we move forward. We are planning a community forum event on Dec 4, 2024 at 7pm in the Lucy Hurlin Theatre. By that date, we will have received the 2024 tax rates and will be able to present the tax impacts of this project. The forum will be livestreamed on the ConVal Events YouTube channel, and the recording will remain there for future viewing.  The architects and our CTE director, Jen Kiley, will be the main presenters at the forum. There will be time for extensive Q&A. Questions from the community can be submitted in advance to forum@conval.edu.

This communication is also available in .pdf format here.

Did you know that ConVal High School students can enroll in a Career & Technical Education (CTE) program as one way to earn their high school credits?  Within the CTE program, students can explore career opportunities, receive technical training, and real world experience.  This prepares them for further education in college or immediate entry into their chosen profession.  There are 7 CTE programs located at ConVal: Engineering, Computer & Information Technology, Graphic Design, Business, Careers in Education, Digital Photo & Video, and Manufacturing.  ConVal has also been approved by the state to add an Animal Science program as another option for students.

These CTE classrooms were built almost 30 years ago.  They need renovation to keep them relevant to industry standards and to meet mandatory Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  This year, ConVal is eligible to get state funding to subsidize the modernization of this section of the high school.  This state funding covers 75% of the CTE renovation costs.  The state offers this subsidization to different school districts' CTE centers on a rotating basis.  ConVal can take advantage of it this year, or have to wait many years to be eligible again.

In light of this funding opportunity from the state, the ConVal School Board is considering a building project to address the CTE classroom deficiencies.  If approved by the board, this project would be decided on by the ConVal community through a warrant in March, 2025.

The scope of this renovation project also includes needed improvements to the high school.  One is to create a new single secure main entrance, which is strongly recommended by the state for all existing schools.  The purpose of a single secure entrance is to make sure that all visitors are screened before entering the building, thereby enhancing student safety.  The second is a renovation of the Lucy Hurlin Theatre.  The current size of the theatre does not allow it to meet the needs of the drama department.  The high school renovation also accounts for the relocation of the high school art and special education programs to allow for the CTE expansion.

The architectural drawings for these plans will be available for your viewing within a few days.

Prior to a potential March 2025 vote, the school board will be providing detailed project information to the ConVal community through the ConVal website, mailings, a community forum and at regular school board meetings.  The goal of these communications is to provide clarity about the scope of this project, its need and its cost.   Here is the timeline for the board's communications:

Communications and Meetings - Publishing Dates

• Overview of ConVal’s CTE Program - November 11-15, 2024
• Pathways for CTE/High School Renovations - November 11-15, 2024
• Architectural plans available for viewing - November 11-15, 2024
• Topic, Location, and Time of Community Forum - November 22-26, 2024
• Community Forum (in house and online, including video) - December 4, 2024
• Warrant Article(s) Published - January  27, 2025
• Notice of Bond Hearing Posted - No later than January 14, 2025
• Bond Hearing - No later than January 21, 2025
• District Meeting - Part I (Deliberative Session) - February 4, 2025 (snow date Feb. 5th)
• Regular District Vote - March 11, 2025

This communication is also available as a .pdf file here.

The ConVal School Board would like to share the following information regarding the outcome of votes taken by the Withdrawal Study Committee.

• To the question, is the full committee ready to vote or is more time and information needed to make a determination, the committee voted 12 - 3 in favor of being ready to take a vote.

• To the question, is it both feasible and suitable for the town of Dublin to withdraw from the ConVal School District, the committee voted 9-6 to “Not Recommend” withdrawal.

• To the question, is it both feasible and suitable for the town of Francestown to withdraw from the ConVal School District, the committee voted 8-7 to “Not Recommend” withdrawal.

Since the committee did not recommend withdrawal for either town, it must file a final report for its decision regarding both Dublin and Francestown with the State Board of Education, as well as the ConVal School Board. Upon doing so the Withdrawal Study Committee is dissolved. RSA 195:25, IV. These reports must be submitted to the State Board of Education by Oct 22, 2024.

Members of the committee who voted to recommend withdrawal may file a minority report with the ConVal School Board and the State Board of Education recommending withdrawal. This report must be filed by October 22, 2024. They must also develop a withdrawal plan and submit the plan to the State Board of Education by November 1, 2024. If the School Board disagrees with a recommendation to withdraw issued by a minority on the Withdrawal Study Committee, it may appear before the State Board of Education and oppose that recommendation. If the State Board of Education approves the withdrawal plan, residents will vote on the withdrawal plan on March 11, 2025.

If the article does not receive a majority of votes from the preexisting district(s) seeking to withdraw, then the withdrawal process is terminated. RSA 195:29, I. If the article passes in the preexisting district(s) seeking to withdraw and a majority of voters in the entire cooperative district vote in favor of the article, then withdrawal will pass (RSA 195:29 II).

If a three-fifths supermajority of the voters in the withdrawing preexisting district vote in favor of withdrawal, then the withdrawal vote will pass unless a three-fifths majority of voters for the entire cooperative district vote against withdrawal. RSA 195:29 III. If the vote to withdraw passes, the withdrawal takes effect on July 1st, 2026.

While the Withdrawal Study Committee will dissolve upon filing its final reports, the Financial Subcommittee will continue to meet over the coming months. The Subcommittee will continue its work of analyzing the impacts of withdrawal on all parties. The School Board and the Financial Subcommittee are dedicated to pursuing and disseminating the most accurate information possible. Dates and times of future Financial Subcommittee meetings will be determined and posted on the school board website.

Minutes from the meetings of the Withdrawal Study Committee can be found on the School Board’s website here.

The ConVal School Board would like to share the following information regarding the warrant articles approved and filed by two member communities, Dublin and Francestown, to study withdrawal from the school district.

As part of this process, a committee was formed to study the feasibility and suitability of withdrawal. The committee consists of one school board member from each of the nine ConVal towns and one Select Board member from each of the nine ConVal towns. The makeup of the committee is dictated by state statute.

In the coming weeks, the feasibility and suitability of Dublin and Francestown withdrawing from the ConVal School District and forming their own school district will be evaluated separately and reported on separately. The committee must report its findings for each town to the State Board of Education by October 22, 2024, indicating whether withdrawal from the school district “is recommended, not recommended, or whether more time and information are needed to make a determination” (RSA 195:25, II).

If the committee recommends withdrawal for both towns, the committee must develop a withdrawal plan for each town and file the plans with the State Board of Education by November 1, 2024. Should the State Board of Education approve the withdrawal plans, residents will vote on the issue on March 11, 2025.

Should the committee recommend withdrawal for one town but not the other, the committee must file a report with the State Board of Education for each town, but it would only develop and submit a plan for the town for which withdrawal was recommended.

Should the committee not recommend withdrawal for either town, it must file reports for each town with the State Board of Education, as well as the ConVal School Board, and the committee is then dissolved (RSA 195:25, IV).

When withdrawal is not recommended by the committee, members of the committee who voted to recommend withdrawal may file a minority report with the ConVal School Board and the State Board of Education recommending withdrawal. This report must be filed by October 22, 2024. They must also develop a withdrawal plan and submit the plan to the State Board of Education by November 1, 2024. If the State Board of Education approves the withdrawal plan, residents will vote on the withdrawal plan on March 11, 2025.

More information will follow after the withdrawal committee makes its findings. The withdrawal committee meets in the SAU Boardroom at 6:00 PM on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. These meetings are open to the public, and minutes from the meeting can be found on the School Board’s website here.