The Claremont School Board approved a two-year electricity contract with Constellation that will raise the district's electricity rate by 26.23%, according to the Oct. 21 meeting record published by MeetingWatch.
The board voted at its Wednesday, Oct. 21, meeting to authorize the superintendent to execute the 24-month contract. The contract was set to be signed the following morning. The rate increase is over the district's previous electricity term, though the total dollar cost was not disclosed in the meeting summary.
The decision to lock in rates was intended to protect against future energy market swings. The increase comes as Claremont voters prepare to weigh in on House Bill 1300's proposed school tax caps.
Board discusses HB 1300
HB 1300, signed into law by Gov. Kelly Ayotte on July 15, places a question on New Hampshire ballots asking voters whether to limit local school property tax growth to inflation plus new construction. The New Hampshire Legislature's official record also establishes a proposed cap on school administrative unit central office spending at 6% of total school district appropriations. Passage requires a three-fifths majority. The vote is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The Claremont board held an information forum on HB 1300 before its Oct. 21 meeting. No vote on the ballot question was taken that night, though the MeetingWatch summary indicates the board had previously voted to reject the cap.
Board members discussed competing concerns about the proposed limits. According to the meeting summary, the discussion included fiscal oversight, administrative spending and the district's ability to respond to unexpected costs.
If voters approve the cap, it would take effect July 1, 2027, and last two years, according to New Hampshire Public Radio. Voters would need to pass it again to continue it. The question will also appear on the 2028 general election ballot.
Other meeting business
The board unanimously authorized the superintendent to hire JT Landscaping to prepare the Disnard parking area for paving, with work planned before the end of November. Six district policies received second readings and were approved.
The superintendent discussed enrollment data and upcoming assessments. A 10-year enrollment history is expected at the November board meeting.
During public comment, a resident raised concerns about the district's approach to student discipline, specifically the practice of treating neurological processing disabilities as behavioral noncompliance. The resident asked to submit a formal letter with further details.
A virtual seminar on progress monitoring for parents is scheduled for Dec. 2.
