Development News for Keene, New Hampshire

Keen Board Reviews Food Service Budget, Approves Meal Price Increases, and Accepts Significant Donations

The board reviewed the food service budget, noting a projected deficit of $24,345 for the upcoming year, an improvement from the previous year's $152,000 deficit. Recommendations were made to increase meal prices to address rising costs and improve financial sustainability. The board also accepted several gifts totaling over $118,000 for various school programs and projects, including a $115,000 gift for a pavilion at Simon School. The board postponed approval of the 2026-2027 finance and facilities meeting schedule due to an outdated document.

Keen School District Liaisons Report on School Events, Academic Achievements, and Future Planning

The board heard reports from various school liaisons highlighting recent events and upcoming activities. Keen High School's music department received multiple awards at a competition. Cheshire Career Center celebrated completers and scholarship recipients, with a signing day event planned. Key Middle School announced upcoming events including CPR classes and kickball games, and the exciting news of new bells for next year. Franklin School is holding a family literacy night, field day, and upcoming field trips, while reporting significant gains in state testing proficiency. Simons School hosted events like campus greening, kindergarten open house, rock swaps, and welcomed a new service dog named Potato. Welock School has upcoming events like Reading with Riley and field trips. Jonathan Daniels Community Education celebrated 25 graduates from its diploma program. The board also discussed potential topics for a future board retreat, including competency-based education, out-of-district placements, declining enrollment, and special education staffing models.