The Waterville Valley Elementary School Board convened on May 21, 2026, for its regular meeting, covering a range of topics from student activities and safety updates to significant discussions on potential facility upgrades and end-of-year financial reviews.
School Operations and Student Life
The Board received a school safety update, noting the completion of all required emergency and all-hazard drills for the year. Two of the three required annual joint loss committee meetings have been completed, with the third scheduled before the close of the school year (link).
Student activities were highlighted, including a successful kindergarten step-up day that welcomed three incoming kindergarteners and one new first-grader (link). The school also hosted its first-ever talent show, featuring students from kindergarten through eighth grade, along with seven staff members, showcasing talents ranging from gymnastics to robotics and magic. Admission was free and open to families (link).
Recent field trips included a visit by K–2 students to a local children’s museum, and grades 3–5 to the Rocks Estate in Bethlehem for a farm day focused on agriculture. Grades 5–8 were scheduled to visit Starbase New Hampshire, a National Guard-hosted STEM education program in Pembroke (link).
An annual bullying update confirmed no substantiated findings for the year (link).
Memorial Day Commemoration
The school prepared a walkthrough memorial honoring former student Mark Paul and his father. Students contributed artwork to a living wreath displayed near the school flagpole, and teachers incorporated Memorial Day history into classroom discussions, connecting the observance to Mark Paul’s time as a student on the school grounds (link).
Graduation and Upcoming Dates
Eighth-grade graduation is confirmed for 5:00 PM at the Freestyle Lounge. The Board discussed seating arrangements and lighting considerations for the venue (link). A daytime send-off event will also be held at the school on graduation day, during which each grade level will present end-of-year acknowledgments, and eighth-graders will present superlatives to younger students (link).
Facilities and Capital Improvement Projects
The Board reviewed several potential capital improvement projects. The estimated end-of-year fund balance available for consideration is approximately $159,550 (link).
HVAC System Replacement: The Director of Facilities presented a proposal to replace nine HVAC units and seven associated exhaust fans. The two gym units are the oldest, dating to 1989 and 1991, with seven additional units from 2005. The total estimated cost for all units and exhaust fans is approximately $250,000. The Request for Proposals (RFP) will include options for air conditioning and will be structured to allow phased installation over three years to limit tax impact and leverage available retained funds (link).
ADA-Compliant Walkway: A recommendation was made to install an ADA-compliant walkway connecting all exterior doors. Estimated costs range from $50,000 to $160,000 depending on materials. State officials have indicated the project should be included on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), though it is not an immediate compliance mandate. Material options discussed include concrete, asphalt, and pavers, with pavers noted for their aesthetic appeal and long-term maintainability. The project currently appears on the CIP for 2029–2030 (link).
Security Bollards: Following a recommendation in a December 2025 New Hampshire Department of Homeland Security audit report, the Board discussed installing four bollards — two in front of the main school entrance and two at the recreation department entrance — to prevent vehicle intrusions. Bollard options designed to resemble decorative planters were presented. The estimated purchase and shipping cost is approximately $16,000, not including installation. Board members raised the possibility of using large boulders as a lower-cost alternative, noting that the school’s entrance geometry limits vehicle approach speeds (link).
Water Heater Replacement: Two electric hot water heaters installed in 2018 with a 10-year life expectancy were identified for potential proactive replacement. A unit located on the second floor presents particular risk of water damage if it fails. A quote to replace both units was received at $3,850. The Board discussed investigating rebates available for heat pump water heaters to reduce the cost (link).
Playground Wood Chips: The need for 50 yards of playground wood chips was discussed. The delivered cost is $2,650, with self-hauling estimated at $1,600 (link).
Library Furniture: A request for new modular library furniture — including updated table and chair options — was presented, with a total estimated cost of $5,571.70. The current furniture has been in use for many years and is no longer level in some areas. A second quote is pending (link).
The Board deferred decisions on all of these projects until the next meeting to allow for further review.
Other Business
The Board conducted a second read and voted to approve the Chemical Safety and Health Hygiene Plan as presented (link).
Two tuition students were approved by motion (link).
The next School Board meeting was rescheduled from June 18th to Monday, June 15th, at 11:00 AM in the school library, to accommodate scheduling conflicts. The meeting will be held in the library as the usual meeting room will be in use for staff training (link).