The Andover School District Meeting of 2014 witnessed changes, voter support, and challenges to make our Eagles fly ever higher.
Incoming SAU 46 Superintendent, Mark MacLean, was introduced. Present and retiring Superintendent Dr. Mike Martin was recognized and presented a retirement gift of a golf club displaying the Andover Eagle emblem. Another one displaying the Merrimack Valley Pride was presented at a later meeting of that district that together composes SAU 46. The change of superintendents will take place at the end of the school year, June 30.
The 2014-2015 school district budget was presented as supported by both the Andover School Board and the Budget Committee. This had required much effort by both groups to arrive at a unified budget presentation and approval by the voters.
The warrant articles providing for expendable trusts to be funded by part of the 2013-2014 budget surpluses were based on smoothing out the budgeting process for both special education and high school tuition. The article for the 2.5% retention fund was based on new state legislation allowing fund carry-over similar to that of towns.
Understanding of this new legislation required participation by the Board, SAU 46 staff, and Andover School District Attorney John Teague. This synergy of information sources resulted in a better understanding of the new regulation and approval by voters.
Article 7, funding of professional assistance to the School Board and educators to develop assessment of present facilities and action required for sustainability, prompted much discussion as the Board heard from voters with a plethora of education and life experiences, all of which built on each other’s respectful, empathetic thinking. With the approval of this warrant article, the Board has received a challenge and asks continued assistance to determine optimum use of present facilities and recommend advances to meet regulations and produce lower cost operation of facilities.
The Andover School Board appreciates the voter trust and support expressed by approval of the budget and the challenge provided by approval funds to develop with professional assistance a facilities sustainability assessment and plan for the future.
The Andover School Board has held one meeting to start the process, a meeting to understand contracting of professional assistance and potential energy alternatives. The Board seeks assistance from all at future meetings regarding these facility sustainability studies.