SAU 90 Loses a Teacher, Hires Another

Less than a week after cutting 10 positions, has another vacancy with which they must grapple next school year.

Superintendent Kathleen Murphy announced at Tuesday's Hampton School Board meeting -- the -- that Hampton Academy's music teacher intends to leave the district.

Murphy didn't use the teacher's name because a formal resignation letter wasn't yet submitted, although she said the teacher was "really outstanding."

"This is the world of work, and [this] happens sometimes," said Murphy. "I was sad to hear she was leaving for another district, but I'm confident we can find a replacement to continue the really wonderful music program."

One resident raised concerns Tuesday about the music program due to the resignation, as well as the six teachers, three paraprofessionals and one assistant principal .

"I think it's very shameful we lost [the music teacher] from Hampton Academy," said the woman. "I can’t believe we keep losing these really good teachers. What is it going to take to keep the good people at our schools? I'm worried about all the cuts and losses and I'm worried about the kids."

While the district may have lost a teacher Tuesday, they also gained one thanks to a unanimous school board vote to accept the nomination of a new kindergarten teacher at Centre School.

Murphy said the position is federally funded through Title II money, and adding the teacher won't increase the district's budget.

The school board also unanimously approved Tuesday the continuation of a special new student orientation during Centre School's first day of school, and also unanimously set its goals for the upcoming school year.

The goals all relate to maximizing student performance, and the lengthy conversation served as a way for the board, Murphy and SAU 90 Business Administrator Nathan Lunney to share ideas and develop how they plan to work together and work for the students next year.

A full list of the goals will be available on SAU 90's website.

The Hampton School Board will meet again tonight at 6 p.m. in the Marston School library, mainly to work to finalize the remaining unapproved district policies.