Development News for Hudson, New Hampshire

School District Approves Purchase of CTE Equipment Funded by New Grant

The school board discussed and approved a grant of $37,579.37 for CTE transportation, with a motion passed to use these funds for purchasing tools and equipment for four CTE programs. The board debated specific items, including 'unitary robot dogs' for engineering, the necessity of 20 laptops, and the importance of spending the entire grant amount. It was determined that equipment and materials would be a better use of the funds than a new vehicle.

School Board Approves Updated MOU with Hudson-Litchfield Bears, Including E-bike Policy

The school board discussed and ultimately approved an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hudson-Litchfield Bears youth football program. A key point of discussion involved incorporating language regarding the district's e-bike and alternative transportation procedures to ensure the Bears' cooperation in monitoring and protecting school property, particularly fields. The board agreed to finalize the specific wording to reflect a collaborative partnership in enforcing property usage rules, distinguishing it from direct enforcement actions by the Bears. The finalized MOU will cover facility usage, including Albert Field.

School Board Approves Budget Transfer for Facility Repairs and Equipment

The school board approved a budget transfer to cover several expenses, including replacing the softball fence at AHS, purchasing and reconditioning football helmets, and reallocating funds from game officials and co-curricular transportation to equipment replacement and repair. Discussion clarified that the football helmet reconditioning expense, though reduced in the proposed FY27 budget, was being addressed due to accounting processes, with invoices typically paid in the following fiscal year. The reduction in the game officials line item was attributed to fewer playoff games and a significant shortage of officials in prior years, leading to budget adjustments.

Hudson Police Department Addresses E-bike and Alternative Transportation Safety with School Board

Captain Pat McStravick and Lieutenant Roger Lamars of the Hudson Police Department presented to the school board regarding the increasing prevalence and enforcement of e-bike, dirt bike, and other alternative transportation regulations, particularly concerning school grounds. They detailed the department's new e-bike fleet, their multi-pronged approach of education, fines, and vehicle confiscation, and the challenges of ever-changing legislation. The presentation included information on the three categories of e-bikes, age restrictions, mandatory helmet laws for those under 16, and the police department's plans for PSAs and working with school resource officers (SROs). They also discussed a proposed permit program for e-bikes on school grounds and the development of informational guides for both the public and officers. The board and police department engaged in a discussion about collaborating on signage, reporting incidents, and potentially dedicating patrols to school properties, emphasizing safety as the top priority. Specific concerns were raised about dirt bikes and gas-powered vehicles damaging school fields.