School Board Meeting 3 18 2026

This was a school board meeting for the Oyster River Cooperative School District held on March 18, 2026. The meeting focused heavily on budget and staffing issues, particularly concerning the proposed elimination of six vital staff positions including interventionists and school nurses. Community members expressed strong opposition to these cuts, citing the voters' approval of an additional $519,000 to retain these roles. The board discussed the middle school schedule restructuring, which involves changes to team structures, class sizes, and instructional periods to align with declining enrollment and budget constraints. The scheduling plan was presented by the middle school principal, with board members raising concerns about the pace of change, teacher input, and professional development needs. The board acknowledged the need to balance staffing levels with budget realities and community expectations, with some members advocating for a public vote to confirm retention of the six positions. The meeting also included updates on district events, AI professional development for teachers, and ongoing facility issues. No final votes on staffing cuts or schedule changes were taken, but the board indicated further review and community engagement would continue.