Newport looking to get $487,000 bonus from state

By ARCHIE MOUNTAIN
NEWPORT — Property taxpayers in Newport got some positive financial news from Interim Superintendent of Schools Brendan Minnihan during a meeting of the Newport School on Thursday, Nov. 14.

An additional $487,000 in funding from the State of New Hampshire is anticipated for the Newport School District. “That money will go back to taxpayers in the coming year,” Minnihan told the five school board members.

That amount might change by the time it arrives in Newport, however, he cautioned. “I hope to have a firm number by Friday,” he told the board. As of Wednesday noon, Nov. 19, no updated information had been received from the state.

In looking to the future, Minnihan said three positions need to be discussed involving key personnel within the school district. They include a Director of Technology, full-time Athletic Director and a Special Education Case Manager for Richards School.

At present, Newport has a part-time Athletic Director and part-time Special Education Case Manager. “The goal is to make both full-time positions,” he stated.

He also reviewed improvements that need attention. They include carpeting of the third floor at Richards School, stair treads outside at Richards, a speaker and intercom system at Newport Middle High School and boiler ventilation update at the same school.

Minnihan also spoke about main goals of the District.

That list included funding teacher and support staff contracts, maintaining a stable tax rate, addressing key personnel positions, and provide for short and long-term facility upkeep.

Earlier in the meeting the School Board approved a new contract for support staff personnel with a pay hike of $1 per hour for everyone.

There are currently seven steps for support staff personnel including Para Professionals at Part 1 and 2 and administration at Part 1 and 2.The hourly pay range will be $13.75 to $20.05 at the start of the 1920-21 school year.