Chris Ratcliff called the May 6 Jaffrey-Rindge School Board meeting to order with Student Representative Madison Bellofatto, board members Sandra Stewart, Lisa Riley, Charles Eicher, John McCarthy and Christine Pressman and Superintendent Reuben Duncan present.

Bellofatto reported that the senior class has expressed to her their dissatisfaction with the plan to hold their graduation indoors at The Pratt. Tickets are limited for the indoor location, and students would prefer an outdoor ceremony so more could attend.

She did acknowledge that past outdoor events had safety and audio issues or concerns, but felt these could be addressed.

The board spoke to weather concerns, as well. They suggested a method be developed to communicate availability of tickets not needed by some students to those desiring more.

Bellafatto also informed the board that the students would like to have more AP-level classes, particularly in math and sciences. Duncan discussed the possibility of partnering with other schools for AP classes is an option to be considered.

Duncan reported on conversations with state Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut regarding the planned Career and Technical Education program (CTE). State budget constraints may impact what the district receives. Duncan is meeting with other local superintendents regarding their programs and financing. The state has historically funded at 75%.

Duncan discussed partnerships with Franklin Pierce students, including student-teaching and two programs with fourth- and fifth-graders. He also noted work on an after-school program in partnership with the Rotary, library and towns, expressing strong community support and need for after-school care.

The board approved agenda items including a budget transfers of an Early Childhood Grant to fund the Geodes part of the recently implemented Wit and Wisdom literacy curriculum.

Nominations included:

-- Kimberly Creighton, full-time custodian, effective July 1.

-- Christopher Flood, high school Earth science teacher, effective May 6.

-- Ashley Lingerman, elementary position, effective Aug. 16.

-- Jessica Voglino, reading specialist grades six to 12, effective Aug. 16.

-- Samantha Rogers, special education case manager, effective Aug. 16.

-- David Peltier, full-time custodian, effective May 8.

-- Samantha Bocchiere, high school science teacher, effective Aug. 16.

-- Internal transfer of Christopher Grinstead from seventh- and eighth-grade math teacher to high school math.

Resignations included:

-- Tanya LeBlanc, full-time school nurse, effective June 30.

-- Jennifer Haskell. full-time school nurse, effective June 30.

-- Paige Smith, custodian, effective May 1.

-- Megan Mille, custodian, effective May 1.

-- Kathleen Pendergast, full-time teacher, effective June 30.

The board tabled a request for a waiver of facilities fees for a basketball camp until more is known about the program.

Business Manager Carrie Sue Shields presented financial reports. Currently, the district is approximately $1.3 million under budget. Some monthly expenses and food service expenses are yet to be added, as well as substitutes costs.

Shields noted that unfilled positions and turnover account for much of the current surplus. She asked the board to consider transferring back the unassigned funds previously used.

Board member Charles Eicher noted prior commitment to taxpayers regarding cash-flow needs.

Shields discussed the revenue report, noting they anticipate two more tax transfers from the towns, and more Medicaid revenue. Overall, revenue will be more than budgeted and the board can retain up to 5% of balance in August towards the coming year. The board will look at needed items as the year-end approaches.

Shields anticipates the food service provider doing a presentation to the board at an upcoming meeting prior to the start of another contract year.

This story was produced through the Civic Documenters Program, a collaborative effort to train community members to access and report on local municipalities. For more information, visit www.nefac.org/civdoc/