8.11.2026 School Board

The City of Portsmouth School Board held a meeting on August 11, 2026, focusing on several key administrative and policy matters. A significant procurement-related action was the approval of the creation of the David W. Colhis Jr. Building Trades Vocational Scholarship Fund, designed to support students entering trade programs by providing financial assistance for tools and related expenses. The fund is structured to be perpetual, with interest earnings funding ongoing scholarships. Additionally, the Board approved a revised tentative agreement with the custodial supervisors union, adjusting the contract from four to three years with cost-of-living adjustments and premium cost-sharing changes. They also approved a one-year memorandum of understanding with the Paraeducators Union amid ongoing negotiations. The meeting included updates on new hires, interim finance leadership, and extensive policy revisions to comply with new state laws, including policies on AI use, bullying prevention, and technology use in schools. The Board discussed the importance of maintaining competitive compensation to attract quality staff and addressed ongoing coordination with the City Council on food insecurity and meal access programs. Several policy updates were approved on first and second readings, with some expedited to single readings due to statutory requirements and timing. No capital projects or direct purchasing decisions were reported during this session.