The story
Budget season is starting.
Okay…
We’ve been dreading it for weeks, and here it is. But it seems like everything’s a little different after the budget failed last March…
How so?
The school board is trying to avoid a default budget again, and voters are starting to come forward wanting more information throughout the process. We’re now very curious about what the heck they’ve been basing their votes on if they’re mostly unaware of what’s in the budget.
So what’s the board doing?
That’s exactly what they want people to ask them! They’re going after community engagement. Because last year, it seemed like everything was going smoothly, then the budget didn’t pass, and then people flipped about what the board chose to cut…NO COMPRENDO. So the board is increasing the quantity and quality of their communication because in the past they’ve only sent out three information mailers per a budget season.
What’s the plan then?
The PTG is looking to conduct and broadcast interviews with board members about the process. The board also talked about sending out meeting reminders on the radio, doing more intimate, topic-specific forums, condensing and increasing their pamphlets, and using town newspapers to publish dates…like the Bedford Journal and Bedford Bulletin… Yeah, you better believe we’re offended. But our thoughts? Follow Mr. Jozokos－the king of emails.
What now?
They have a budget meeting coming up, but we’re not exactly sure when. But if you’d like to know, you can try checking the Bedford Bulletin or the Bedford Journal! And for the winter, here’s what you need to remember that was cut/not passed last year: energy bond, turf and Memorial nurse’s office reconstruction.
The Runaway
As our great superintendent said, “don’t be afraid to ask questions.” We promise you that four of the board members won’t bite. There is one we see as a potential risk.
What to say…
When you hopped on the football wagon after the Manchester Central game…
Made your move too soon. On Friday, our very own BHS football team was defeated by Pinkerton 16-7. All good things must come to an end, we guess. Unfortunately, this means that the team will not be in the playoffs this year. Gasp! This outcome is mostly unprecedented, as the football teams of BHS past have qualified for playoffs every year since 2014. And when you consider that the football players entered the season as the reigning state champions, this is a bit of a blow to one of the school’s biggest sports programs. But don’t fret! We haven’t lost all of our pride. The boys soccer team is advancing to the semifinals, our only hope after girl’s soccer and Volleyball lost in the quarterfinals.
When you’re getting kind of old and you need some excuse to dress up…
Well you can’t count on the Witch Way to the 5K. Last year, it was the Witch Way 2 The Fun Run. It was supposed to be a shorter road race (aren’t we trying to stop obesity?). However, they ended up moving it inside Lurgio where runners ran around the school, then went to the gym to play games and eat. So…not a race at all… This year, it was Witch Way 2 Wellness, an obstacle course spanning from Riley Field to the town pool that the Lurgio students spent Wednesday running. Though they did raise more money than ever before, so we guess mission accomplished. But we’re kind of sad that we’ll never have the option to run in the race. And we probably never would’ve, but we like having the option too.
When this girls lacrosse issue is making you wonder how much authority the school board has…
More than you may think. The Hampstead school board voted to ban guns from school campuses two weeks ago. We know, it sounded like a pointless move to us too, until we found out that we are the only state to only prohibit students from carrying guns. But even that’s okay if the students have written authorization from the superintendent. The Gun-Free School Act of 1994 technically allows anyone licensed to carry handguns to bring them to school. Most other states have passed some sort of stricter legislation. Governor Sununu vetoed a bill over the summer that would’ve followed other states’ moves. Live free or die! Reminder: when we polled students last year on Instagram, 87% said “hell no” to guns on campus…
Things to Know
In case you were wondering…
Volleyball lost 3-2 to the undefeated Nashua South on Saturday. Girls soccer lost 2-1 to Concord on Sunday.
OK WE CAVE
There’s a budget development meeting tonight at 6:00.