School Board Meeting 3 31 26

This was a school board meeting for the Oyster River Cooperative School District held on March 31, 2026. The meeting included the election of the board chair and vice chair, a review of board policies, and the announcement of recent election results including budget and collective bargaining agreement approvals. Significant public comments focused on staffing concerns, specifically urging the board to uphold voter-approved funding to retain vital staff positions and to consider terminating the superintendent's contract early due to leadership issues. There was also extensive discussion about a policy decision denying a female student participation on the boys' lacrosse team, raising concerns about Title IX and gender equity in athletics. The board received updates on educational programs, counseling services, and legislative developments affecting school funding, including recent state laws that could reduce adequacy funding and increase local property taxes. The board voted to accept the superintendent's retirement letter and moved into a non-public session to discuss personnel matters. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were reported, but the meeting highlighted potential impacts of state legislation on future school budgets and staffing.