School Committee Bids Farewell to Three Members

The Portsmouth School Committee officially met as a group for the last time Tuesday night at before newly elected officials begin their terms.

The meeting began with a moment of silence for of Middletown who was killed in action Friday while serving in Afghanistan.

Superintendent Susan Lusi then recognized Chairman Richard Carpender and committee members Marjorie Levesque and Michael Buddemeyer for their service to the Portsmouth school system. 

Each of the departing members took a moment to reflect on their time and accomplishments as vital parts of the school committee. Fellow board member Sylvia Wedge presented each of the departing members with a commemorative plaque, thanking them for their service.

"We've made lots of good decisions and lots of difficult decisions," said Carpender.  "But the decisions we've made have had the students best interests at heart.  It's a great rewarding feeling at the end that you've had a small part in those accomplishments."

"I'd like to thank the people of Portsmouth for giving me the opportunity to serve on the School Committee," added Levesque.  She went on to thank the administrative team and wish future Portsmouth students the very best.

Buddemeyer will leave the school committee to serve as a newly elected Town Council member.  He thanked voters and said that it has been "a challenge and a pleasure" to serve on the committee. 

He also encouraged future committee members to "keep and eye on the challenges that face them" and to always remember "the best interests of the kids."

Replacing Carpender, Levesque, and Buddemeyer on the School Committee will be Democrat David Dunn Croston, and Republicans Jonathan Harris and Thomas Richard Vadney.

Following the recognition, committee members swiftly and unanimously passed all agenda items including:

•  2010-2011 Budget Adjustments. The committee approved the realignment of the bottom line budget allocation of $35,957,720. Director of Finance and Administration Mark Dunham answered questions about the realignment, including inquiries into the reduction of classroom budgets and funding for school bus monitors, but the motion passed by a count of 7-0.

• Acceptance of Donations from Portsmouth Middle School Parent Teacher Organization. The PTO fundraisers donated money to purchase ELMO projectors for PMS.  The motion passed 7-0.

• Approval of requests for permission to home school.  The motion passed 7-0.