Mast Way Sports Sale and Costume Swap

The Mast Way Annual Sports Equipment Sale is this Saturday, October 1st, from 9am to 11am. Get your used sports gear that your family has outgrown together and consign with the Mast Way PTO on Friday September 30th. They'll sell the equipment and split the profit, with the PTO's percentage going to enrichment activities and physical education equipment at Mast Way!

Curious as to what can be consigned or donated?  Hockey equipment, skates, helmets, ski equipment, bicycles, outerwear, boots, exercise equipment, LAX equipment, cleats, baseball equipment, soccer, hockey and LAX goals. Just make sure it's in good operating condition.

A small corner of the Sports Sale will have Halloween Costumes to swap for free. Drop off costumes before October 1st in the bin under the PTO board in Mast Way’s entry!

Where: Mast Way Gym
Drop Off: Friday, September 30th, 6-8pm (you can get your tags in advance for easy drop off!)
Sale: Saturday, October 1st, 9-11am
Contact: Sue Brisson at suebrisson@hotmail.com, or Susan Mattioni at susanmattioni@comcast.net

Fosters: OR board says it is unlikely to reach out-of-court agreement with resident in right-to-know dispute

Article in Fosters [Fosters Premium] covering set backs in reaching agreement in the David Taylor suit:

OR board says it is unlikely to reach out-of-court agreement with resident in right-to-know dispute

By RONI REINO
rreino@fosters.com
Tuesday, September 27, 2011

DOVER — Oyster River officials are expected to go back to court in the coming weeks, after deciding it was unlikely to reach a settlement with a Durham resident regarding an ongoing right-to-know dispute.

Former School Board member and Durham resident David Taylor is still looking for information regarding the buyout and replacement of former School Superintendent Howard Colter, despite receiving numerous documents and e-mails from the district this summer.

Taylor still believes there is information missing that the public needs to know, including an "accurate" timeline of when the board decided to buy out Colter's contract and replace him with an interim superintendent.

In his petition to the court, Taylor said the board had held meetings earlier this year with a lawyer to evade public meetings.

On Sept. 6, a one-month continuation was provided by Strafford County Superior Court. The school district's attorney, Dennis Ducharme, said at the time he believed there was the possibility of a settlement, but has since changed his mind.

Read More ... [Fosters Premium]

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The Union Leader also covered the suit in yesterday's print edition.

Fosters: Durham Public Library making great progress on fundraising goal

Fosters reporter, Roni Reino, reports on terrific progress toward the fundraising goal of $900,000 for the new library facility:

Durham Public Library making great progress on fundraising goal

By RONI REINO
rreino@fosters.com
Saturday, September 24, 2011

DURHAM — Funds for the future public library are stacking up, with two-thirds of the fundraising goal already met.

"We have made significant progress in our fundraising, having received pledges totaling well over $600,000 toward our goal of raising $900,000," said Durham Public Library Board of Trustees Chair Doug Bencks.

The funding has come from over 75 major donors and the library is continuing to ask the community for support in hopes of exceeding the goal.

The library is hoping to open its new facility in the summer of 2013. The 10,500-square-foot community library will be at 49 Madbury Road. The two-story facility will offer ample space for shelving, a large community room, study and conference rooms, wireless Internet access, electronic workstations, a children's activity area, and a café.

Read More ...

Upcoming Events in Oyster River

Public Forum with Superintendent Levesque

Superintendent Levesque will be making the last stop on his listening tour at Mast Way. All Oyster River residents are welcome and encouraged to attend — the superintendent would like to meet you and hear your thoughts on the following three questions:

• What do you value most and desire to preserve regarding public education in ORCSD?
• What would you like to improve, change, or receive more information on regarding public education in ORCSD?
• What suggestions do you have for the interim superintendent?

The Mast Way PTO will provide child care during the forum — please RSVP to mastwaypto@gmail.com

When: Tuesday, Sept. 27 — 6:00 - 7:00pm
Where: Mast Way Elementary School
Info: Superintendent's August 2011 Report [PDF]

Mr Bobcat — Spirit Week at ORHS

This week is Spirit Week at ORHS ending with the Homecoming Dance on Friday. On Thursday, the Senior Class invites one and all to their annual fundraiser, Mr. Bobcat. Mr. Bobcat is a tongue-in-cheek male "beauty contest" and is great fun. The seniors charge a small entry fee which is used to help pay for graduation events and celebrations this spring.

When: Thursday, Sept. 29 — 7:00pm
Where: High School Auditorium
Info: District Calendar

Superheros and Heros at DPL Preschool and Pajama Storytimes

Parents with preschoolers should join the Durham Public Library for stories, crafts, fingerplays, and feltboard activities all about superheros and heros.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 27 & Thursday, Sept. 29 — 10:30am
Where: Durham Public Library
Info: Durham Public Library

Pajama storytime (co-sponsored by ORPP) also begins next week on Tuesday and continues the superhero and hero theme.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 27 6:30pm
Where: Durham Public Library
Info: Durham Public Library

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If you'd like to spread the word about your event, just let us know! Our email is on the right under "Contact Us".

Lost Dog in Lee

The Lee Police Department took possession of a dog this morning from the area of Mast Road. If this dog is yours, please contact the Lee Police Department at 659-5866

Public Forum with Superintendent Levesque - Moharimet

Superintendent Levesque will be making the third stop on his listening tour at Moharimet tomorrow night. All Oyster River residents are welcome and encouraged to attend — the superintendent would like to meet you and hear your thoughts on the following three questions:

• What do you value most and desire to preserve regarding public education in ORCSD?
• What would you like to improve, change, or receive more information on regarding public education in ORCSD?
• What suggestions do you have for the interim superintendent?

Child care will be provided by Moharimet PTO volunteers in the art room.

When: Thursday, Sept. 22 — 6:00 - 7:00pm
Where: Moharimet Elementary School
Info: Superintendent's August 2011 Report [PDF]

School Board Regular Meeting - September 21

The next regular session of the ORCSD Board (notice [PDF]) will take place on Wednesday, September 21st at 7:00pm in room C-124 of the high school. The posted agenda [PDF] for the meeting is reproduced below.

Oyster River Cooperative School District
REGULAR MEETING

Oyster River High School, C-124 September 21, 2011 7:00 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. CLOSED SESSION (RSA 91 A:3)
3. PRELIMINARY ACTION ITEMS
   1. Superintendent Nominations
   2. Announcements
      1. District
      2. Board
   3. Correspondence
   4. Commendations
   5. Approval of minutes: 9/7/11, (8/17/11 revise minutes)
   6. Approval of manifests
4. REPORTS
   1. Curriculum & Instruction Report(s)
   2. Superintendent's Report
   3. Student Senate Report
   4. Other
5. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEES
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
   BOARD COMMENTS
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
   1. Student/Staff Ratio
   2. Skateboard Safety Report
   3. Designated SB Communication Fund of 15K
8. ACTION ITEMS
   1. Select Firm for Superintendent Search
   2. List of Policies for 2nd read/adoption and first read
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS
10. CLOSING ACTIONS
    1. Agenda Planning — Setting/Review of Future Agenda Item List
    2. Future meeting dates: 10/4/11 Budget Workshop 10/15/11/Regular
11. ADJOURNMENT

The School Board reserves the right to take action on any item on the agenda.

Respectfully submitted,

Leon Levesque, Interim Superintendent

Learn More About Energy Efficient Lighting

The town of Durham has setup a lighting usage display at the Durham Public Library. From today's Durham Friday Updates:

DURHAM PLACES NEW ENERGY EFFICIENCY EDUCATION TOOL IN PUBLIC LIBRARY

A lighting usage display has been set up in the Town Library that allows residents to interactively compare ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) for energy consumption, color and brightness in an effort to demonstrate to the community the potential savings by using energy efficient lighting.

The program is a partnership between the Durham Energy Committee, Public Service of New Hampshire, and nhsaves to bring awareness and energy savings options to the residents of Durham. With a limited number of units available, Durham is the first community in NH to set up this interactive display for the town.

The lighting usage display at the Durham Library has been well received, according to Tom Madden, Library Director. In addition to the usage display, the library also lends out Kill-A-Watt Meters, devises that residents can take home and monitor how much electricity an individual appliance is using. These meters are also designed to educate consumers on possible reduction opportunities.

The lighting usage display is part of the Energy Committee’s plans to reduce Durham’s energy usage and will also be present at the Energy Committee’s booth during Durham Day.

For more information on all energy efficiency programs offered by PSNH, visit http://www.psnh.com/For-My-Home.aspx.

Call for Volunteers at the Durham Public Library

Volunteer to help make the new library a reality! From today's edition of the Durham Public Library newsletter:

With your support the Durham Public Library will open its new facility in the summer of 2013. We are eager to welcome you to our 10,500 square foot, eco-friendly, dynamic, state-of-the-art community library at 49 Madbury Road! We need you to help make this happen!

To make your new Durham Public Library a reality, we need volunteers to help fundraise, get out the vote, and help at events!! Please consider lending your talents for any of these very important tasks. We will train all participants, and we appreciate your help!

To volunteer, please email your contact information to NewLibraryVolunteer@gmail.com

For more information about the library building project, visit www.durhampubliclibrary.org

Opinion: Pledge of Allegiance at Oyster River

Reprinted here with permission, this opinion piece by Oyster River resident, Crescentia Anne Healy, urges the school board to get back to business, speaks to citizenship and pride in our Democratic Republic, and offers a counterpoint to John Collins' criticisms regarding the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance at ORCSD board meetings:

Mr. Collins' statement, as printed in the Sept. 10 edition [of Fosters Daily Democrat], in reference to the Pledge of Allegiance and the phrase "under God" — "For some, it feels like you are cramming it down people's throats" — leads me to assume he must gag on every purchase or every cup of coffee he buys as the coins of the United States state "In God We Trust".

If there are those that find the word "God" in the Pledge of Allegiance offensive to them then the phrase "with Liberty" should be most important. People who find a television show offensive, change the channel; likewise a movie is unacceptable, either don't attend or walk out of the theater; a conversation within a group changes to a topic they believe offensive, they can walk away. Likewise any one on the School Board or in the community attending the School Board meetings have the same liberty. If the Pledge of Allegiance is so offensive they have similar options: to leave the meeting room; remain seated and not participate, or simply wait until that part of the meeting is over and then join their fellow board members.

But to change the format and the tradition of the School Board meetings for those who find the word "God" so offensive pivots on "the few." When laws and rules are made to the demands of "the few" the United States ceases to be a country that is a democratic republic, but an Oligarchy (Government by the few for the many).

I do not want to see the freedoms we all enjoy as a Democratic Republic be slowly eroded by capitulation to the few. And if the above solutions to this issue of mentioning the word God in our Pledge of Allegiance is found unacceptable by those few, then I must ask the question "Do you not feel so strongly in your beliefs that you are not willing to take a stand? Do you fear that you will be singled out? Or that you will be found different? And the only solution that is acceptable is to turn the School Board into an oligarchy? How sad.

I discovered in late summer 10 years ago the students at Mast Way School did not say the Pledge of Allegiance, because there were a few families that found it offensive. Ah, there is that word again "the few." When I questioned the principal he told me that these few families had become aggressive in their goal to have no Pledge of Allegiance, and it was better to drop the practice than deal with the problem. I asked where were the families now, and the Principal said that he believed they had all moved on and were no longer in the district. Summer 10 years ago? Yes, and then came fall and September 11. Our granddaughter said that her teacher asked all the students to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance. Alas, the only students who were able to do so were the Cub Scouts and our granddaughter.

I find it interesting that this problem has risen again and especially at this painful and traumatic time in our nation's history. I urge the School Board to get back to their business for which they were elected and by their actions set an example of citizenship and pride in our Democratic Republic for the students of the district. And those who chose the option to not participate, by any of the suggestions in paragraph two you also set an example of steadfastness to personal belief and the willingness to manifest that belief, a virtue not to be ignored. And for the rest of the board and citizens of the district be thankful to God (or the uncaused cause) that we are citizens of this country that encourages and respects the differences of the few, but are not governed by them.

This Coming Week in Oyster River

There's a lot happening in Oyster River! Here's just a few highlights in chronological order:

Public Forum with Superintendent Levesque

Superintendent Levesque will be making the second stop on his listening tour at the high school. All Oyster River residents are welcome and encouraged to attend — the superintendent would like to meet you and hear your thoughts on the following three questions:

• What do you value most and desire to preserve regarding public education in ORCSD?
• What would you like to improve, change, or receive more information on regarding public education in ORCSD?
• What suggestions do you have for the interim superintendent?

When: Wednesday, Sept. 14 — 7:00 - 8:00pm
Where: Oyster River High School Library
Info: Superintendent's August 2011 Report [PDF]

Mast Way Curriculum Night

Mast Way invites parents to Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 15 at 5:00PM.

This is a special, school-wide event for parents to share information about the classroom, the curriculum, sign-up for October conferences, meet specialists and unified arts program teachers.

Plus! Parents can also get directly involved in assisting and promoting the educational process by volunteering. Sign-up sheets will be available for interested parents — get involved!

When: Thursday, Sept. 15 — 5:00pm
Where: Mast Way Elementary School
Info: Mast Way Elementary School — Curriculum Night

Durham Day

The Durham Conservation Commission will be sponsoring a nature walk starting at 2 p.m. near the boat launch. All are welcome to come learn about Wagon Hill's special natural features. Walk led by Duane Hyde and John Parry.

Idea Greenhouse will be on hand to evaluate your used but useful electronic items and help you trade-in or recycle.

When: Saturday, Sept. 17 — 12:30 - 4:30pm (Rain date: 9/18)
Where: Wagon Hill Farm — Walk starts at 2:00pm at the boat launch
Info: Durham Friday Updates

Mast Way PTO Meeting

The Mast Way Parent Teacher Organization is holding its regular monthly meeting.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 20 — 9:30am
Where: Mast Way Elementary &mdash North Commons
Info: District Calendar

An Evening of Adventure with International Motorcycle Traveler Ben Slavin

In October 2009, Ben Slavin left his home in Hooksett, NH in search of adventure. Over the course of 6 months he rode his motorcycle 23,000 miles through 15 countries until he reached the southernmost city in the world - Ushuaia, Argentina. He documented the journey on his blog http://afewmoremiles.com/

Ben recently returned home from another 6 week ride south of the border, where he was filming an educational and inspirational how-to-guide for motorcycling in Mexico (www.MotorcycleMexico.com). Join Ben as he shares photos and stories from his amazing ride through Latin America.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 21 — 7:00pm
Where: Durham Public Library
Info: Durham Public Library

Public Forum with Superintendent Levesque

Superintendent Levesque will be making the third stop on his listening tour at Moharimet. All Oyster River residents are welcome and encouraged to attend — the superintendent would like to meet you and hear your thoughts on the following three questions:

• What do you value most and desire to preserve regarding public education in ORCSD?
• What would you like to improve, change, or receive more information on regarding public education in ORCSD?
• What suggestions do you have for the interim superintendent?

When: Thursday, Sept. 22 — 6:00 - 7:00pm
Where: Moharimet Elementary School
Info: Superintendent's August 2011 Report [PDF]

Little River Fest and Lee Old Home Day

Lots going on at the Lee Little River Fest:

• Kids games, paint ball, food, information booths
• BMX Bike Show
• Antique tractor parade starts at the Lee Safety Complex at 10 am and ends at Little River Park. Tractors will be on display until 2 pm.
• Lee Police/Firemen will demonstrate use of fire extinguishers, getting people out of cars that have been in accidents, and seatbelt safety simulating what it is like to hit something at low speeds.
• Live music all afternoon
• Harvest supper at 5 pm by the Lee Agriculture Commission. Tickets are $10 per adult and kids under 14 are $5. All food local and cooked by your neighbors. Pie tasting contest.
• Bonfire to end the day

When: Saturday, Sept. 24 — 10:00am - 7:00pm
Where: Little River Park
Info: Lee E-Crier

An Architectural Tour of UNH for Durham Residents: Led by UNH Architect and DPL Board Chair Doug Bencks

Join the Durham Public Library for a tour of the University of New Hampshire campus, led by UNH Architect and Durham Public Library Board Chair Doug Bencks.

Parking is available at the Visitor Parking Lot on the corner of Main St. and Edgewood Rd. (next to the pool and New Hampshire Hall). We will meet in the lobby of New Hampshire Hall which faces directly onto Main Street at the traffic light intersection with College Road. There will be a presentation in Room 208 before the tour begins. The entire session should be about 90 minutes.

The Dairy Bar has generously agreed to provide 20 free small ice cream cones to participants - first come, first served.

When: Sunday, Sept. 25 — 1:00pm
Where: Lobby of New Hampshire Hall, UNH
Info: Durham Public Library

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If you'd like to spread the word about your event, just let us know! Our email is on the right under "Contact Us".

Opinion: Arts and Music at Oyster River

I've tried to avoid expressing personal opinion on this blog, but recent public statements have angered me enough to set the record straight.

If somebody tells you that my wife, Megan Turnbull, is seeking or desires to cut arts and music from Oyster River schools, then that person is a liar. Both Megan and I feel strongly that development of music curriculum at Oyster River should be supported, nurtured, and expanded. Students should have a path to participate in ensemble music all the way through 12th grade and the schools should encourage students to stay on that path. This is my opinion, I've said this before during school board public comment, and my wife, a school board member, agrees with me 100% on promoting, not cutting, music at Oyster River.

Furthermore, I've met and spoken with most of the current school board members. I would be extremely surprised to learn that any of them support cutting music or the arts at Oyster River. I can't and won't speak for them, but I would question the veracity of any statement and the motivation of any person claiming the school board is seeking to cut arts or music at Oyster River.

Brian Turnbull
Durham

P.S. Neither of us are Teaparty members.

UNH University Day

UNH University Day Campus Picnic
and Student Activities Fair
September 13, 2011
3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Thompson Hall Lawn

The University of New Hampshire invites members of the campus community, and the surrounding communities of Durham, Lee and Madbury, to celebrate the beginning of the new academic year with a picnic and outdoor festivities held on the lawn of Thompson Hall. [MAP] The University Day Campus Picnic and Student Activities Fair is a great way for UNH students to find ways to participate in the university community. Student organizations will be recruiting new members and UNH departments will be promoting their services and benefits to the campus community.

This event is free to all. For more information and photos of past events, see the UNH U*day event page.

Pledge of Allegiance, Religious Neutrality spur more OR debates

As reported recently in Foster's, the last board meeting sparked a comment or two about the pledge of allegiance.

DURHAM — Oyster River School Board meetings will now begin with the Pledge of Allegiance after board members approved policies Wednesday night. 

"It's controversial. Not all people believe we are one nation under God," said Lee resident John Collins at the meeting. "For some, it feels like you are cramming it down people's throats." 

Collins and others at this week's school board meeting suggested the district did not need to say the Pledge before meetings. Some suggested the board look into other patriotic practices that did not include religion. 

Read more...

Upcoming Events at Oyster River Schools

Thomas Newkirk Presentation
Thursday

Tonight, at 7:30 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room of the high school, UNH Professor Tom Newkirk will speak about "Teaching and Learning in Modern Times; The Reform Movement in Education and What It Means for Our Children". This talk focuses on systems being put in place that mainly rely on standardized test results and serve to undermine the creativity and morale of educators. The result of this process undercuts the goal of trying to improve education. There will be a formal talk and followed [sic] by discussion.

See Also: Presentation at ORHS by UNH Professor Thomas Newkirk

Mast Way Welcome Back Picnic
Friday

Tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 9) Mast Way Elementary is ringing in the new school year by inviting staff, students, and families to a Welcome Back Picnic from 5:30 to 7:30 PM in the fields next to the school. Weather forecast is looking good!

Sponsored by the Mast Way PTO, families should pack a picnic but keep some room for ice cream sundaes provided by the PTO!

Superintendent's Listening Tour
Tuesday and Wednesday

Superintendent Levesque will be making the first two stops on his listening tour next week. All Oyster River residents are welcome and encouraged to attend — the superintendent would like to meet you and hear your thoughts on the following three questions:

• What do you value most and desire to preserve regarding public education in ORCSD?
• What would you like to improve, change, or receive more information on regarding public education in ORCSD?
• What suggestions do you have for the interim superintendent?

Next week's meetings will be held at:

OR Middle School	Tuesday, September 13	6:00-7:00PM
OR High School	Wednesday, September 14	7:00-8:00PM

See Also: Superintendent's Report: August 2011

Moharimet PTO Meeting
Tuesday

The Moharimet PTO is meeting in the West Wing of the school from 6:45 to 7:45 PM on Tuesday, September 13 to discuss the Library Program. [UPDATE] There has been a speaker change: Moharimet Math Coach, Ellen Ervin, will be discussing Everyday Mathematics.

Early Release
Wednesday

Just a reminder that students will be released from school early on Wednesday. 12:15 PM for middle school and high school students, 1:15PM for elementary school students.

Mast Way Curriculum Night
Thursday

Mast Way invites parents to Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 15 at 5:00PM.

This is a special, school-wide event for parents to share information about the classroom, the curriculum, sign-up for October conferences, meet specialists and unified arts program teachers.

Plus! Parents can also get directly involved in assisting and promoting the educational process by volunteering. Sign-up sheets will be available for interested parents — get involved!

Mast Way Parent Night Out
Friday

[UPDATE] This monthly event is on the district calendar, but isn't actually happening this month.

Date night! Once a month (usually the second Friday), Mast Way PTO volunteers watch children, play games, organize activities, and screen movies. Families can pay a small fee to send the children in to have fun from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. Sponsored by the Mast Way PTO.

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Check the district calendar in the "Calendars" section of the district website for information on all upcoming events at the school. There are also calendars for middle school athletics and high school athletics.

Mast Way Front Doors Locked Today

From Principal Gallo at Mast Way via ORSCD AlertNOW:

Mast Way — Front Doors are Locked

September 8, 2011

Hello Mast Way families,

For safety reasons, the main doors to our school are now locked throughout the school day. Please ring the bell (located to the right of the doors), and the secretary will buzz you in.

The doors will be unlocked between 3:00-4:00pm for student dismissal. Thank you for your cooperation!

Regards,
Kris Gallo

[UPDATE] Clarification from Principal Gallo that the above was a routine policy change, not a reaction to a security event:

We did not lock our front doors because of any specific or concerning incident. All of the other schools in our district have this security measure in place, so it was time for Mast Way to implement this safety feature as well. I am sorry for my lack of explanation when I announced this change. I understand that I frightened some of you.

Best regards,
Kris Gallo

Continuation granted in case alleging OR board held illegal meetings regarding superintendent's buyout

As reported in Foster's, the court has granted a continuation of 30 days to gather a response for David Taylor.  This continuation was granted in hopes of avoiding a trial and a response could be gathered as early as next week.

As part of the settlement, Mr. Taylor is requesting all his attorney fees to be paid by the district for bringing this case to court.  This amount was not disclosed.  As a concerned community member, I have to ask how this case - win or lose - is benefiting our students and maximizing our monetary support in the classroom.

DURHAM — A one-month continuation has been given to a Strafford Superior Court matter where an area resident claims the Oyster River School Board illegally held meetings regarding the buyout of the former superintendent.

Durham resident David Taylor issued paperwork at Strafford County Superior Court earlier this year after he said School Board Chair Henry Brackett failed to respond to his request for records. Although Brackett has since complied and sent Taylor the requested e-mails and information, Taylor said he believes there is more information not being released and has continued his petition to the court.

Taylor had requested "all records of communication" from Jan. 1 of this year involving the School Board members, other government officials, school officials and anyone else regarding requests for non-meetings.

Over the last few months, the district has had turnover of three top positions — superintendent, director of instruction and high school principal. At School Board meetings, the board has listened to multiple complaints from community members stating they had an agenda and were not providing open discussion with the community.

Information released indicates Brackett had been holding conversations with lawyers about the termination of former Superintendent Howard Colter as early as March 24. Colter was bought out of his contract in early June.

Taylor claims the board has failed to inform the public of alleged meetings held just before the buyout of the superintendent's contract and said the decision to end former superintendent Howard Colter's contract and then the subsequent hiring of his replacement was done in numerous non-meetings. 

Read More

Fosters Article: Oyster River School Board to hear three proposals in superintendent search

Foster's reporter, Roni Reino, has an article in today's edition covering the expected nationwide search for the new Oyster River superintendent position:

Oyster River School Board to hear three proposals in superintendent search

By RONI REINO
rreino[@]fosters.com
Tuesday, September 6, 2011

DURHAM — Oyster River School Board members will be hearing presentations and receiving proposals from three firms this month to begin on the superintendent search.

The board is expecting to conduct a nationwide search for a full-time superintendent, after buying out the contract of former superintendent of schools Howard Colter. Since the buyout, the board has appointed Leon Levesque as interim superintendent.

The selected firm for the search will assist the board in defining the leadership needs of the community and school system, executing strategies for including the board, staff and community in the search process, establishing search criteria, recruiting qualified candidates and screening candidates.

"The board is committed to hiring the best possible candidate for the Oyster River Cooperative School District," said Board Chair Henry Brackett.

Read More ...

David Taylor v. ORCSD Court Date Set - Tuesday, September 6 at 9am

According to the Strafford Superior Court's Daily Docket, the case "David K Taylor v The Oyster River Cooperative School Board, et al" will be heard at the following location THIS TUESDAY September 6th at 9am.

Strafford County Justice & Administration Building
Courtroom 2
259 County Farm Road
Dover, NH 03820-0799

School Board Regular Meeting - September 7

The next regular session of the ORCSD Board (notice [PDF]) will take place on Wednesday, September 7th at 7:00pm in room C-124 of the high school. The posted agenda [PDF] for the meeting is reproduced below.

Oyster River Cooperative School District
REGULAR MEETING

Oyster River High School, C-124 September 7, 2011 7:00* 6:30 p.m.

1. CALL TO ORDER @ 7:00 PM
2. CLOSED SESSION @ 6:30 PM*
   RSA 91 A:3 II (b)
3. PRELIMINARY ACTION ITEMS
   1. Superintendent Nominations
   2. Announcements
      1. District
      2. Board
   3. Correspondence
   4. Commendations
   5. Approval of minutes: 7/27/11 (Joint Mtg. w/ABC) 8/17/11
   6. Approval of manifests
4. REPORTS
   1. Superintendent's Report
      1. Presentation from Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates for Superintendent Search (45 minutes)
      2. Information on ORCSD Technology Infrastructure (20 minutes)
   2. Business Administrator's Report
   3. Curriculum/Instruction
      1. District Initiatives (Danielle)
   4. Student Senate
5. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEES
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
   BOARD COMMENTS
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
   1. Strategic Planning Committee (20 minutes)
8. ACTION ITEMS
   1. Policies 1st Read/Policies 2^nd Read Adoption
      • See Attached List
   2. Approval of Additional Funds for Facilities Study
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS
10. CLOSING ACTIONS
    1. Agenda Planning — Setting/Review of Future Agenda Item List
    • See School Board Planning Calendar
    2. Future meeting dates:
       • 9/21/11, 10/5/11 — Regular Meetings
       • 10/4/11 Budget Workshop
11. ADJOURNMENT

The School Board reserves the right to take action on any item on the agenda.

Respectfully submitted,

Leon Levesque, Interim Superintendent

*NO NON-PUBLIC SESSION

Durham Friday Updates for September 2

Massive edition of the Durham Friday Updates published this past Friday. Highlights include:

• Report on Madbury Road traffic changes
• Report on Hurricane Irene costs
• Durham PD report on alcohol compliance checks and adoption of Taser technology
• Numerous upcoming meetings, activities, lectures, and events happening throughout the next two months

If you are interested in received the Durham Friday Updates, it's easy to subscribe. Visit www.ci.durham.nh.us and enter your email address on the right hand side where it reads '"Friday Updates" Sign-up'

NH DOT Road Report

Hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. If you are traveling in NH this weekend, check the interactive NH DOT Road Report site to plan ahead for construction and road closures due to Hurricane Irene.

Presentation at ORHS by UNH Professor Thomas Newkirk

Teaching and Learning in Modern Times:
The Reform Movement in Education and What It Means for Our Children
Presentation by Tom Newkirk followed by community discussion

Date: Thursday — Sept. 8, 2011 at 7:30pm
Location: Oyster River High School
This talk is free and open to the public.

Professor Tom Newkirk will speak about "Teaching and Learning in Modern Times; The Reform Movement in Education and What It Means for Our Children". This talk focuses on systems being put in place that mainly rely on standardized test results and serve to undermine the creativity and morale of educators. The result of this process undercuts the goal of trying to improve education. There will be a formal talk and followed [sic] by discussion.

Thomas Newkirk is a professor of English at the University of New Hampshire and the director and founder of the New Hampshire Literacy Institutes. He has studied literacy learning at a variety of educational levels—from preschool to college. Professor Newkirk received a national award for his book The Performance of Self in Student Writing, The David Russell Award, given by the National Council of Teachers of English, honors excellence in composition research. He co-edited Taking Stock: The Writing Process Movement in the 90s (Boynton/Cook, 1994), and edited Nuts & Bolts: A Practical Guide to Teaching College Composition (Boynton/Cook, 1993).

Sponsored by FORE, Friends of Oyster River Education.
First in a series of community events designed to stimulate discussion about education in our community.

Via ORCSD AlertNow notification

Superintendent's Report: August 2011

Superintendent Levesque has published his monthly report [PDF] for August 2011. Topics covered in this month's report include:

• Report on the August 15th Superintendent/School Board workshop meeting
• Report on the permandent superintendent search
• Reminder of the superintendent's "Listening Tour" to be held at each of the four school later this month
• Report on the Elementary World Language Program
• Notice that the school board will be attending Right-to-Know training on October 31st
• Issuance of a request for proposal for facility/program analysis [Word DOC]
• Established charge and composition for the Advisory Budget Committee (ABC)
• Report on authorization to discuss tuition options for Rollingsford grade 6-12 students
• Report on the hiring of Dr. Phyllis Schlichter to the position of Director of Instruction responsible for K-12 humanities and special education services

Monthly reports can be found in the Superintendent Corner of the Oyster River Cooperative School District website.