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Board of Education won’t meet as often

By Grace Pecci - Staff Writer | Mar 26, 2019

Telegraph photo by GRACE PECCI Cadet Col. Adam Landry speaks to Nashua Board of Education members Monday regarding the potential Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Air Rifle Marksmanship Course he had presented during the board’s last meeting. Board members have not approved the course, but plan to make a decision during the April 8 meeting.

NASHUA – After a heated debate Monday, Board of Education members voted 5-4 to approve a proposal by board member Gloria Timmons to only meet once per month, starting the third week of June.

Timmons argued board meetings are too frequent and much too long. She said most work should be done in committee meetings. She said many of the “not great” board meetings have drained energy and lowered morale among members. She also described the meetings as combative.

Board member Howard Coffman had prepared a response to Timmons’ proposal prior to the meeting.

Coffman said limiting board meetings is “just another expression of administrative intent” to deny board members access to schools and information. Coffman called the proposal a blatant attack on free speech and public access. He moved the proposal be referred to the board’s Policy Committee, which was seconded by board member Elizabeth Van Twuyver, who said board members were “elected here to do business.”

Board member Dotty Oden said this motion did not come from administration.

Coffman’s motion to move Timmons’ proposal to the Policy committee failed, 3-6.

Board member Doris Hohensee then moved to table the proposal, which also failed, 3-6.

In other matters, BOE members voted unanimously to approve the Education Without Walls Summer Program. Celine Adair, the program’s executive director, presented on the program to the board. Cynthia Proulx, a Title 1 Director in the district, accompanied Adair.

Education Without Walls is an outdoor education and mentorship program designed to help students achieve academic and personal goals .There is a backcountry curriculum, through which groups of up to 10 students participate in 10-to-21-day adventures with professional outdoor educators. Some of the curriculum includes decision-making, geosphere, critical thinking and social responsibility.

In addition, the program will connect students with those from local universities who are studying counseling, social work or education. The college students will serve as advocates the younger students.

Adair said they try to work with students living in chronic poverty. She will be working with counselors and social workers from the three middle schools in Nashua to identify students who may be interested. Students must be at least age 13 to participate. Proulx said as part of the Title 1 grant, there is enough money to pay for 10 students to take a 16-day trip.

Though similar to the Outward Bound program, Adair said this program goes to another level by adding curriculum. Students will be able to earn 0.5 credits.

Adair said they have a partnership with Plymouth State University, which will be used as the base camp for the program. Students will go outdoors from there.

The board also voted 7-2 in favor of inviting the Choose Love Program to present on social-emotional learning.

Board Curriculum and Evaluation Committee Chair Susan Porter said this event is not an endorsement of any program.

“It’s just a learning night, nothing more,” Porter said.

Choose Love is a yearlong comprehensive social-emotional learning program that teaches children how to love in any circumstance. The curriculum was created by Scarlett Lewis, founder and chief movement officer. Her son was one of the 26 victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown, Connecticut. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed a proclamation that declared February as Choose Love, Social and Emotional Learning Awareness Monthin New Hampshire.

The community is invited to a Free Parent and Teacher Social Emotional Learning Night which will take place at 5:30 p.m. April 17 at Nashua High School North.

In other news, Board President Heather Raymond also gave an update on the Air Rifle Marksmanship Course.

During the March 12 meeting, Nashua High School North Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program representatives Maj. Brian Newton and Cadet Col. Adam Landry asked for district approval from the board for a self-funded Air Rifle Marksmanship Course. This course would allow JROTC cadets, once trained, to practice their skills with an air rifle. At the same time, they would learn life skills,such as discipline and responsibility.

Board members decided to table this matter so they could look into it more.

During Monday’s meeting, Raymond addressed Landry and fellow cadet Jesse Kaplafka, who were both in attendance. Raymond said she contacted city officials to investigate the rules of having the rifles on the school campus. Raymond said she did not have any solid updates, though she said some community members have stepped up for help with transportation, should the course take place off campus. Raymond said she will have an answer at the board’s next meeting, which is April 8.

Also during the meeting, Director of Athletics and Wellness Lisa Gingras shared with the board the Nashua Sports Hall of Fame is coming back, after nearly 20 years since the last induction. There are currently 107 former athletes, coaches and other special contributors in sports who have been inducted into the Nashua Sports Hall of Fame.

Nominations for May 2020 consideration are now being accepted through Oct. 1.

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