Friday Updates - February 13, 2026

Friday, February 13, 2026

Winter at Longmarsh Preserve Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

2026 provides us with THREE Friday the 13ths (yikes!) - February, March and November! "Enjoy" the first one today!

Enjoy the Winter Olympics...

CANDIDATE FORUM FOR TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 18

A Candidate Forum for those running for Town Council will be held on February 18 starting at 7:00 p.m in the Town Council Chambers of the Town Hall. Town Moderator, Chris Regan, will be moderating the Forum. The Forum will be broadcast live on the Town's DCAT webpage, YouTube, Breezeline TV and Comcast TV. (There will be no Zoom option available.) The Forum will be recorded and available to re-watch on the DCAT website.

To learn more about the Town candidates, click HERE.

KEEPING UNH SAFE: A Council Perspective on “Campus Carry”

Administrator Todd Selig has authored an op-ed in Seacoast Online examining proposed “campus carry” legislation (HB 1793) and its implications for public safety at UNH and in Durham. The piece outlines why, from the Town Council’s perspective, the bill represents an unnecessary increase in risk on a compact, residential campus. You can read the full op-ed, “Keeping UNH Safe: Why ‘Campus Carry’ Is the Wrong Answer for New Hampshire,” HERE. 

The Town Council has passed a Resolution opposing this legislation. You can read the Resolution HERE.

AGENDA ITEMS FOR FEBRUARY 16 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

• Approval of the AFSCME Bargaining Agreement
• Approval of the DPFFA Bargaining Agreement
• Approval of the purchase of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), Confined Space, & Rescue Equipment
• Approval to keep some 2008 Non-Public Minutes Sealed
• Nominating David Steinberg for a re-appointment to the Lamprey River Advisory Committee
• Appointing Ben Phelps from an alternate membership to a regular membership on the Conservation Commission
• Public Hearing to Accept and Expend Unanticipated Private Donations Totaling $10,000 to be used toward the Bickford-Chesley House Gallery
• Discussion and Possible Adoption of Ordinance #2025-11 to amend the Zoning Ordinance in light of recent State Legislation
• Public Hearing and Possible Adoption of Ordinance #2026-01 to amend the Zoning Ordinance to set the Maximum Height in the Central Business-1 District at 4 Stories and 50 Feet
• Consideration of original Ordinance #2025-08A amending the Zoning Ordinance to eliminate the three-story height limit for portions of Central Business-1 Zoning District and to change the standard for commercial in five story buildings in Central Business-1 District from requiring two floors to requiring only one floor
• First Reading on Ordinance #2025-08B to amend the Zoning Ordinance to change the three-story height limit to four stories for portions of the Central Business-1 Zoning District and to remove the requirement for a 2nd floor of Commercial on Five-Story Buildings
• Continue Discussion and Finalization of Administrator’s Annual Performance Evaluation for 2025

To view the Agenda and Council packet complete with backup information, click HERE.

Town ordinance adopted by the Town Council dating to the early 2000's includes a leash Requirement that clearly indicates, “. . . all dogs in the Town of Durham shall be restrained by a leash not exceeding eight (8) feet in fixed length or a retractable leash with stop control except when the dog is physically present in a structure or vehicle of, or on land owned by: 1. the dog’s owner; or 2. another person who has consented to the presence of the dog.” 

However, there is an exception to the ordnance that when, after receipt of a written request of any person, "the Durham Administrator may give written consent, under such conditions that they shall set forth by written directive, for a variance from the leash requirements for a particular occasion or event that, in the judgment of the administrator, justifies such variance.” 

In the early 2000’s, the Parks & Rec. Committee approached Admin. Selig after being approached by residents concerning the possibility of allowing dogs off leash at Wagon Hill Farm. The exemption Admin. Selig developed, with guidance at the time from the Parks & Rec. Committee and Council, and put into effect at that time, which has now been in effect now for 20 plus years, is from dawn to 10 AM. At all other times dogs must be on leash at Wagon Hill Farm. 

Wagon Hill has long served as an important community gathering place, and the morning off‑leash hours (dawn to 10 AM) are highly valued by many residents. At the same time, the property has experienced significant pressure over the years, including concerns about shoreline erosion, parking, enforcement of off‑leash hours, professional dog walkers, and dog waste. Those issues have been on the Town’s and the Land Stewardship Subcommittee’s radar for quite some time and are part of an ongoing conversation about how best to balance access, safety, and resource protection.

At this week’s Land Stewardship Subcommittee meeting (Wed. AM - 2/11/26), following much discussion, the Land Stewardship Subcommittee voted to recommend ending the off‑leash exemption during the upcoming shoreline restoration construction period, which is expected to last on the order of six months. 

Their intent is to reduce potential conflicts with construction activity and to use that window to look more closely at the broader questions around dog use at the property. That recommendation is advisory to the Administrator; it is not, in itself, a final decision or a change in policy. 

This was widely felt at the time to ensure a balance between interested dog owners from the community and others in Durham who were not comfortable being at the property while dogs were off leash. Over the years, use at the property has ballooned and the site has become a regional amenity in addition to a local one. This has put additional stress on the land itself, causing erosion and unfortunately, periods of time when some dog owners act irresponsibly and do not adequately control (we periodically receive complaints from residents of dogs jumping on them uninvited, etc.) and/or pick up after their pets, ruining it for the many other dog owners who are responsible. 

Since Wednesday’s Land Stewardship Subcommittee meeting, the Town has started to receive feedback directly from regular Wagon Hill users, including residents who see the off‑leash privilege as central to their daily routines and sense of community and who have expressed a strong desire to be part of the solution rather than lose that opportunity altogether. They have raised ideas around volunteer stewardship, education, and other management tools, and their perspectives are very much part of what will be weighed. There have been several other times in the past when the issue has arisen and each time, the dog owners have organized and stepped up to try to address the problem. The situation improves for periods of time, and then we see a backslide like what is occurring now. 

At this point, no formal decision has been made regarding changes to off‑leash hours at Wagon Hill Farm. Admin. Selig will be considering the Subcommittee’s recommendation alongside the feedback we are receiving from dog owners, neighbors, and other stakeholders, with the goal of arriving at an approach that is practical, fair, and protective of the resource. The aim will be to proceed in a measured way that recognizes both the ecological needs of the property and the very real community value that Wagon Hill provides.

As noted in a past “Friday Updates,” the Police Department has been asked by Mr. Selig to develop a potential program for consideration by the Council that would implement a nominal charge for non-resident parking at Wagon Hill Farm. Resident vehicles would be easily identified through their annual Town of Durham taxpayer transfer station/taxpayer vehicle stickers already available at Town Hall and Durham Public Works. The sticker program has been in place for years. Proceeds (an exact amount is unknown as this time as the Town does not have readily available data on WHF usage, though assuming 50 out of town visitors per day at $1 per hour, for example, with an average duration of only one hour, would hypothetically result in $18,250 of annual revenue) would help to offset the cost of care and maintenance for Wagon Hill Farm. The Land Stewardship Subcommittee also discussed this idea and voted to recommend against instituting an out-of-town vehicle parking fee, recommending instead that a voluntary donation program be explored. This feedback will also be taken into consideration as a proposal is prepared for eventual Town Council presentation. A new ordinance would be needed should the Town Council ultimately desire to charge an out-of-town parking fee at Wagon Hill Farm. This issue has come up at least twice over the last twenty-years and each time the Council has chosen not to move ahead with such a program. 

A new potential concern has been flagged at Wagon Hill Farm - that of commercial dog walkers using the property for private profit where a paid dog walker brings numerous dogs at one time, lets them all run lose while they read their smart phone, fails to pick up after pets, and then leaves the other dog users, so to speak, holding the bag for their bad behavior. The extent to which this is in fact a problem at WHF is not known at this time. Whatever the outcome of these conversations, we will be taking steps to discourage commercial dog walking operations at Wagon Hill Farm. That type of use is simply not intended at the property. 

Sunday night’s Super Bowl activity in Durham remained quiet with no significant issues reported. Emergency responders convened at 8:30 PM in preparation for the game and potential post‑game activity downtown. The frigid cold weather limited outdoor gatherings, and students returned to campus without incident.

The Police Department coordinated with Fire, Public Works, UNH Police, State Police, and the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office to implement an operational plan developed in advance of the event. The plan was ultimately not needed, but the coordination ensured readiness in case circumstances changed in order to keep people and property safe.

Appreciation is extended to all agencies involved.

UNH President Elizabeth Chilton and Provost Jen Riley delivered the 2026 State of the University Address this week on February 10th at the Memorial Union Building. Admin. Selig attended. They outlined how the recently developed “One UNH: Roadmap to 2030” will guide the university’s work over the next five years, with particular attention to the current fiscal environment and related budget planning.

Major themes included: strengthening UNH’s impact in New Hampshire (with a goal of increasing the number of active partnerships with New Hampshire employers), positioning UNH as a first-choice destination (measured by increased market share of New England students seeking higher education), expanding interdisciplinary teaching and research (tracked by increased disciplinary impact in the university’s areas of differentiation), and enhancing well-being and belonging (benchmarking and increasing the percentage of community members who feel they belong and are supported at UNH). Developing a robust online presence was also an area of focus.  

RIVERWOODS PHASE II EXPANSION PILOT SECURES LONG-TERM REVENUE FOR DURHAM AND PREDICTABILITY FOR RIVERWOODS

The Durham Town Council approved a new 22-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with RiverWoods on February 2, 2026, following several months of negotiations between Administrator Selig, Town Attorney Joe Driscoll, Assessor Darcy Freer, and RiverWoods' attorney Christopher Boldt. The structure of this new agreement is modeled on the existing RiverWoods Durham Phase I PILOT, and it provides a predictable, long-term revenue stream while supporting the expansion of the RiverWoods continuing care retirement community on Stone Quarry Drive.

The new PILOT covers RiverWoods’ expansion on Tax Map 209, Lots 33, 37, and 38 and is designed to coordinate with the 2018 PILOT already in place for 14 and 20 Stone Quarry Drive. It applies to the taxable portion of the new facility—independent living units and their proportional share of common areas—while areas devoted to higher-level assisted living and nursing care remain exempt under state law. During the initial construction ramp-up, RiverWoods will pay $9,512 in 2026 and $150,000 in 2027. From 2028 through 2047, annual PILOT payments will be based on negotiated appraised value and the Town’s tax rate, with a guaranteed minimum payment of $369,219 per year for both Phase II (2028–2037) and Phase III (2038–2047), helping to stabilize and protect Durham’s revenue even if tax rates or values decrease. If there are significant changes in tax law or RiverWoods’ exemption status, the agreement requires good-faith renegotiation or, in some circumstances, termination and conversion to standard taxation or a new PILOT framework.

Phase I of RiverWoods Durham, which is already constructed, also provides a PILOT payment to the Town that covers the debt service on the utility extensions needed to make the project possible, and the net payment to Durham in 2025 that directly offset local property taxes was $892,052.

The historic 1804 Bickford‑Chesley House at Wagon Hill Farm on Route 4 is nearing completion of a year‑long rehabilitation. The project has focused on preserving the building’s original character while integrating modern upgrades for new community uses. The new program includes gallery space for changing exhibits on the first floor and a rental apartment on the second floor, along with a community room and restrooms in the ell connecting to the barn, and a new ramp providing ADA access to all first‑floor areas, which previously did not exist.

Funded with support from LCHIP ($286,600), Moose Plate grants ($20,000), and local funding ($437,500 bonded & $1,173,425 unassigned fund balance), the project has addressed the entire exterior, including repair of rotted sills and other structural damage, restoration of clapboards, trim, and the south‑facing veranda. New roofing and the resetting and repointing of granite foundation stones protect the building from any further water damage, while repainting and replica window sash complete the exterior work. Inside, craftspeople have used period‑appropriate materials and techniques to revive original wood flooring, plaster walls, and brickwork, while updating plumbing and electrical systems to current safety and efficiency standards. All lighting is LED, heating and cooling are provided by an electric heat pump system, and the building now has a full sprinkler system to enhance fire safety. The work had to be undertaken according to strict historic standards. 

This rehabilitation reverses the significant deterioration of an historic asset and ensures the Bickford‑Chesley House will remain an active part of Durham life. The first‑floor exhibit gallery will eventually offer opportunities to explore local history, archaeology, and the environment, and to showcase the work of local artists and craftspeople. The rental unit on the second floor will help generate revenue to support ongoing maintenance of the property. The modern replacement barn, although not part of this phase, could be fitted out in the future as meeting space for community groups. The area can now be occupied for three-season use versus solely for storage purposes as in the past. 

The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) is an independent state authority that provides matching grants to New Hampshire’s municipalities and non‑profits to help preserve the state’s important natural, cultural, and historic resources.

The New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources supports the conservation and preservation of significant publicly owned historic resources and artifacts through the Conservation License Plate (“Moose Plate”) program.

The Bickford‑Chesley House is part of the 139‑acre Wagon Hill Farm on US Route 4, originally the First New Hampshire Turnpike, identified by the wagon on the crest of the hill. Located on land first occupied by the Abenaki and later settled by English colonists, the property has been in agricultural use for nearly 300 years. The farmhouse and surrounding landscape illustrate New Hampshire’s agricultural history, including mixed family farming, salt marsh haying, orchards and cider production, river‑based transport and commerce, dairy and poultry production for urban markets, and boarding‑house tourism.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) awarded a November 2023 round of funding for National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) projects in which $1.9 million in funding was awarded specifically for Durham’s Wagon Hill Farm. 

Established in 2018, the NCRF invests in conservation projects that restore or expand natural features such as coastal marshes and wetlands, dune and beach systems, oyster and coral reefs, coastal forests and rivers, floodplains, and barrier islands that minimize the impacts of storms, sea level rise and other coastal hazards on nearby communities. The NCRF addresses four focus areas: 1) community capacity building and planning; 2) project site assessment and preliminary design; 3) final project design and permitting; and 4) restoration implementation.

The project:  Implementing Living Shoreline at Wagon Hill Farm (NH)

Grantee:       Town of Durham, NH

Grant Amount:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,994,500

Matching Funds:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $248,800

Total Project Amount:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,243,300

The project will create a living shoreline to stabilize 1,835 linear feet of tidal shoreline and restore both 4,060 square feet of salt marsh habitat and 2,810 square feet of tidal buffer at Wagon Hill Farm in Durham, New Hampshire. The project will stabilize severe erosion while protecting and increasing the adaptive capacity of critical conservation and community spaces. UNH researchers are partnering with Durham to provide professional expertise and gather data as part of the effort.  

UPDATE ON THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE WETLAND AND SHORELAND OVERLAY DISTRICT 

In June, the Conservation Commission finished its work on developing a proposed new Wetland and Shoreland Overlay District (WSOD). The commission then presented the proposal to the Planning Board for consideration. The WSOD would combine the current Wetland Conservation Overlay District and the Shoreland Protection Overlay District. It would update standards in the ordinances, improve clarity in procedures, and change many of the current buffers and setbacks adjacent to wetlands, rivers, streams, and Little Bay and Great Bay. 

In response to concerns expressed by the public, notably about proposed increases in buffers and setbacks, the Planning Board recommended that the Conservation Commission hold a meeting to explain the proposal to the public and invite comments. After holding that meeting on October 27, the commission created three subcommittees to review sections of the WSOD. The proposed Wetland and Shoreland Overlay District is now back with the Conservation Commission which is conducting its own re-examination of the amendment. 

You can see related documents and public comments HERE. 

Once the commission completes its work, likely resulting in a significantly revised amendment, the amendment will be brought back to the Planning Board for consideration.

The 2025 Town Reports were delivered today. Hard copies are available to pick up in the Town Clerk's Office and at the Durham Public Library. A digital copy is online HERE. A thank you to Bill Doucet for providing the cover photo of the Packers Falls Bridge!

Protect our community’s outdoor parks and playgrounds for yourself, your pooch, our environment, and your neighbor’s shoes. Pet waste does not decompose in cold weather, so don’t bury it in the snow! Look for bag dispensers, trash cans, and signage at Durham parks such as Wagon Hill Farm. Despite these efforts and the ongoing cost to maintain them, uncollected waste is still being found on and off the trails.

Add your name and our Town in the form HERE and take the pledge to scoop the poop, every time. Did you know that NHDES reports out which Towns have received the most pledges!? Please help us to show how much our community cares. 

As a reminder, Durham Ordinance #2018-5 and Chapter 49 of the Town Code requires the removal of dog excrement/feces. 1st offense is $25, 2nd offense is $50 and 3rd offense is $150.

The Town of Durham is also working alongside the Seacoast Stormwater Coalition to develop and share new educational messaging related to pet waste cleanup and how it can impact the environment, so keep an eye out for those!

Battery disposal is tricky and requires care to eliminate the risk of fire and danger to the environment. Two weeks ago, we covered information about recycling rechargeable batteries. This week, we will cover other battery types. It is important to stress that rechargeable and button/coin batteries must be recycled.

What do I do with my batteries?

Staples stores offer free recycling for rechargeable and single use batteries. Our transfer station in Durham will accept the following types of batteries for recycling (please give them to an attendant):

Lithium-ion

Button/Coin

Lead-acid

Silver Oxide

Mercury

Lithium Iron 

Phosphate

Nickel-Cadmium

Nickel-Metal Hydride

Lithium Polymer

Zinc-Carbon

Note: Alkaline batteries (single use) are also accepted at the transfer station provided the terminals are taped, or each unit is individually bagged. ***These batteries are disposed of in the household trash container.

Household single use batteries

Household non-rechargeable single use alkaline and carbon zinc batteries (includes AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt batteries that are non-rechargeable) have a few safe options for disposal: 

• Bring to a local Staples to recycle at no charge. (Recommended) 
• Tape the ends and then throw into the regular trash.
• Pay to send in single use batteries for recycling through Call2Recycle.
• Tape or bag separately and bring to the transfer station for disposal in landfill trash.

Other battery types

For information on how to safely dispose of the many other types of batteries (including button cell and rechargeable), please refer to this quick and helpful video created by the Northeast Resource Recovery Association HERE.

NOTE: For those interested, check out NH’s HB1602 bill, which would transfer the costs of battery disposal from the municipalities and taxpayers to the producers. If passed, it could save municipalities at least $150,000 annually. 

Source: The Northeast Resource Recovery Association 

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at: DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Check us out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: www.Recyclesmartma.org

Want to learn more about the Swap Shop? Click HERE.

The Great Bay estuary has an ancient origin, shaped more than 14,000 years ago as retreating glaciers carved deep channels and left behind a flooded landscape. Freshwater rivers draining more than 1,000 square miles of land meet inflowing ocean tides. This special setting creates one of the most diverse and productive estuarine systems in New England. Within the Great Bay, five distinct water habitats support an extraordinary range of species and ecological functions.

Eelgrass meadows act as underwater nurseries for fish and shellfish, stabilizing sediments and improving water clarity. Mudflats provide rich feeding grounds for migratory birds and filter‑feeding shellfish. Salt marshes buffer storm surges, trap nutrients, and serve as critical habitat for birds, fish, and invertebrates. The channel bottom, the deeper, cooler parts of the estuary, supports species adapted to stronger currents and lower light. Finally, the rocky intertidal zone hosts algae, barnacles, crabs, and other organisms that thrive in the constantly changing conditions between high and low tide.

Together, these habitats form a complex, interconnected system that makes the Great Bay one of the region’s most important natural resources. Estuaries contain brackish water, a mix of fresh and salt water. It is striking to note that when Aristotle Onassis proposed his infamous oil refinery here in the 1970s, his consultants erroneously assumed that the water in Great Bay, to be used for cooling the facility, was fresh water!

A BioBlitz is a one-day nature scavenger hunt where people explore alongside scientists and field experts to find as many different plants, wildlife, insects, fungi, and other species on a property as possible. Meet experts, improve your naturalist skills and help the Conservation Commission and Land Stewardship team learn more about Oyster River Forest's biodiversity! 

No experience necessary.

Registration for the event will open in March! Stay tuned!

Right now, we are looking for VOLUNTEERS to help us with the organization of this event.

If you are interested, please email Durham's land Stewardship Coordinator at vludington@ci.durham.nh.us

Raising Chickens in Your Backyard – a workshop for Durham residents interested in starting and maintaining a healthy flock, will be held on Saturday, March 14 from 10am to Noon at Durham Town Hall. Join the Agricultural Commission and UNH Cooperative Extension for this free workshop that will provide essential information and practical guidance for successfully keeping chickens in your backyard. Please register for the workshop by emailing the Agricultural Commission at theresawalker@comcast.net or calling Theresa Walker at 603-534-3913.

Are you a backyard bird enthusiast? Do you love watching the birds at your feeder? Join NH Audubon this winter for the 39th annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey on February 14–15, 2026! This statewide effort invites participants to observe and report the birds visiting their backyards, helping us track winter bird populations and trends across New Join the 39th annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey this weekend, February 14–15! 

Your observations play a vital role in helping us understand winter bird trends across New Hampshire. Spend as little as 15 minutes counting the birds in your backyard and share your data online. We love seeing what people across the state are spotting. This winter, we’ve been hearing rumors of an Evening Grosbeak irruption, so keep an eye out for them and other backyard visitors. When you participate, your observations join decades of research and directly shape the results shared on our website. Join the fun, contribute to meaningful science, and let us know what you discover!

Join and learn HERE.

VOLUNTEER OPENINGS AT WAYSMEET CENTER AT 15 MILL ROAD

The Waysmeet Center is recruiting for the following volunteer roles: 

• A web design hobbyist or professional to move our website from Wordpress/BlueHost to Squarespace. Expected commitment: short term in February or March, 6 hours over the course of one week. Contact Eileen: director@waysmeetcenter.org
• A volunteer with finance or accounting experience to serve as Treasurer on our Board of Directors. Expected commitment: 2-year term, 1.5-hour board meetings once a month, 1-hour committee meetings once a month, 1-2 hours/month independently reviewing org finances. Contact Katy, Board Chair: katyallen92@gmail.com
• Alternates for grocery store donation pick-ups: help pick up donated food at the Durham Hannaford and/or Trader Joe's, bring food into Cornucopia Food Pantry, record weights and organize. Expected commitment: 2-3 hours/week as needed. Pickups are Fridays through Tuesdays between 8:30am and 11:30am. Physical requirements: Standing, walking, sitting, climbing stairs, stooping, crouching, kneeling, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, pushing, pulling, reaching overhead and driving. Those with a clean driving record may be able to use Waysmeet's minivan. Your medium SUV or station wagon may also work for this task! Contact Anya: foodpantry@waysmeetcenter.org

To learn more about the Waysmeet Center, click HERE.

TEDDY ROOSEVELT AND AMERICA'S PUBLIC LANDS - Free Event Sponsored by the Active Retirement Association

The Active Retirement Association (ARA) announces a free event: “Teddy Roosevelt and America’s Public Lands.” Kurk Dorsey, PhD, Professor and Chair of the History Department at UNH, will discuss Roosevelt’s efforts to expand the national forests, create new national parks, and introduce the notion to create wild refuges.

This FREE event will take place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:30 AM, at the Community Church of Durham, 17 Main Street, Durham, NH, and also via Zoom. This event is open to the public; however, pre-registration is required for non-ARA members at seacoastara@gmail.com. Please be sure to indicate whether you plan to attend in person or via Zoom. We are offering coffee and time for socializing from 9:30 – 10:00 AM, so come and bring a friend!

The ARA is an all-volunteer organization for people ages 50 and over, whether retired or not. Originally begun by and affiliated with UNH, it currently has over 370 members from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and beyond. The ARA is committed to encouraging life-long learning for its members by offering lectures, workshops, discussion groups, cultural tours, walks/hikes, member-interest Programs on Demand (PODs), and much more. For more information visit www.aranh.org, or to inquire about membership write to arainfo1982@gmail.com. Come join us and expand your world!

The Active Retirement Association, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is not affiliated with any political, religious, ethnic, or special interest group.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Scheduled February School Closures

February 23-27: All Oyster River schools will be closed for February Break.

Notice of Public Hearings

• February 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Moharimet School, Madbury – Makerspace Room
• February 18, 2026, at 4:00 PM at OR High School, Durham – Multi-Purpose Conference Room
• February 19, 2026, at 4:00 at Mast Way School, Lee – Administration Conference Room

The ORCSD School Board will hold a Public Hearing to discuss Petition Warrant Article #12:

Shall the Oyster River Cooperative School District adopt the provisions of RSA 32:5-b and implement a tax cap whereby the School Board or Budget Committee shall not submit a recommended budget that increases the amount to be raised by local taxes by more than 15% above the amount raised in taxes the previous fiscal year. This cap may be overridden by a 3/5 majority vote of the legislative body. The School Board does not recommend this article.

Annual Meeting Sessions and FY27 Information

• The ORCSD Annual Report of the District has been published online HERE.
• February 3 Deliberative Session may be watched on the ORCSD Videos YouTube channel HERE.
• March 10: Voting Day at each town's voting location.
• Budget Video Series: The district launched a series of videos intended to share information related to the FY27 budget. Watch the videos on the new FY27 Budget Videos page HERE.
• Budget and warrant articles information is available on the District website's Budget Documents page HERE, under the Budget FY 26-27 tab.

Elementary Project Update

• NEW VIDEO AVAILABLE! Join Principal Goldsmith and Student Services Director Catherine Plourde for a virtual tour of Moharimet School HERE. The district anticipates publishing a similar video for Mast Way School in the coming days.
• Frequently Asked Questions are answered on our FAQ webpage HERE.
• Tours & Listening Sessions: The last opportunity is March 2 at Moharimet School. The District invites residents to attend one of its upcoming school tours and listening sessions to see firsthand the facility challenges we're addressing. Tour schedule and registration information are available on the district's Elementary Project webpage HERE.

Libby Simmons Named Next Business Administrator

Libby Simmons has been selected as the district’s next Business Administrator, beginning her role on July 1, 2026. Libby brings more than two decades of experience in school district finance, public procurement, and operational leadership. She currently serves as ORCSD's Assistant Business Administrator, and she has supported district budgeting, financial operations, and strategic planning since 2024. To learn more, click HERE.

School News

ORMS MATHCOUNTS Cub Earns Honors in Seacoast Region Chapter Competition

The competition team, comprised of Meixi Liu (team captain), Derek Geng, Sam Knevitt, and Anyan Yao earned third place in the February 7 Seacoast Region Chapter Competition at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). The ORMS team will next compete in the New Hampshire State Competition at Concord’s Community College on March 14. In addition to the team, four ORMS students who scored among the top 9 during a school-level competition in January were eligible to compete individually. Congratulations to Chelsy Liu, Yaoyuan Li, Aditi Kidambi, and Nina Shi. To read more, click HERE.

ORCSD Honors Sergeant Michael Nicolosi on School Resource Officer Appreciation Day

We are proud to recognize School Resource Officer (SRO) Sergeant Michael Nicolosi in celebration of National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day on Feb. 15. Sergeant Nicolosi has served the Oyster River community for more than five years and plays a vital role in school safety and student well‑being, offering support, guidance, and connection while helping students navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom. To read more, click HERE.

Finding Magic in the Snow: Nature Walks at Mast Way School

Every week, naturalist Catherine Fisher visits Mast Way Elementary School to lead a different 4th grade class on nature walks through the trails that wind along our school property. Learn more HERE.

Coming Events 

Please consider supporting Oyster River students and staff by attending the following exciting events in our schools! Our full calendar of events is available online HERE.

February 13: ORHS Dance Showcase

6:30-8:30 p.m. Auditorium at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). No tickets required, donations will be accepted.

February 15: ORHS Spring Festival Community Day (previously on Feb. 7)

10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. At Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). 

February 17: Mast Way 2nd Grade Chorus Concert

6:30-7:30 p.m. Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824)