Friday Updates - February 17, 2023

Friday, February 17, 2023

The 2022 Town Reports are done! You can pick up a hard copy at the Durham Town Hall or you can read it in digital form by clicking HERE.

UNH PRESIDENT JAMES DEAN DELIVERS STATE OF UNIVERSITY ADDRESS - The Edge at West End to be revisited.

At Tuesday’s State of the University address, President Jim Dean outlined UNH's efforts over the last several years to enhance the student experience, expand upon academic and research excellence, enhance the institution's financial strength, and embrace NH. It goes without saying that UNH and Durham work to embrace and support one another on numerous levels including infrastructure (water, wastewater, stormwater), public safety (see next item regarding the tragic Michigan State events), long-range planning, and much, much more.

President Dean's remarks included plans for UNH to revisit The Edge at West End. If you recall, UNH and the Town had been discussing this idea in the 2018/19 timeframe to create a public-private high-tech campus/business park with some mixed use on UNH land presently occupied by single story University utility, maintenance, and parking structures along Old Concord Road/Main St. behind the US Forestry Service building in the vicinity of West Edge Lot. The pandemic had moved the idea to the back burner while we dealt together with the Covid-19 crisis. The Edge at West End is back, which is potentially positive news for both UNH and Durham. 

To read all of the President's address, click HERE.

Considering the recent tragic events that took place at Michigan State University (MSU) on Monday, February 13, 2023, Police Chief Rene Kelley and the team at the Durham Police Department (DPD) believe it important to assure the community that the department has been committed to preparing for a coordinated and effective response should a tragedy ever befall the Durham community.

The process DPD has undertaken is one that has been ongoing for many years, and staff will continue to build upon that blueprint through additional training and education. In partnership with other local, state, and federal agencies, DPD continues to focus on current best practices and integrated training methods. Further, staff continue to partner with the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and Oyster River Cooperative School District (ORCSD) school officials to ensure we maintain an open line of communication and can provide the most up to date response methods for staff and students. Over the last several years, the department has undertaken several initiatives that are outlined below.

Police and Emergency Response staff all attend Incident Command System ICS 100, 200, 300 and 400 level training. The levels indicate the scope of a large-scale event. For example, ICS-400 is a course designed for those emergency personnel who would function as part of an Area Command, Emergency Operations Center or Multiagency Coordination System during a large, complex incident or event. Personnel would likely be part of a local or regional Incident Management Team during a major incident, whether it is a single, multiagency, or unified command. ICS-300 focuses on the incident command system tools, practices, and procedures that are available to effectively manage emergency incidents or planned local events. This course level expands on the building blocks taught in the previous levels.

Officers attend specialized training such as A.L.I.C.E (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate): This active shooter preparedness training focuses on workplaces, schools, and individuals to respond to a violent critical incident; ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training): This training is designed for the law enforcement officer to respond to active shooter events; and ALERRT ERASE: This is a more advanced law enforcement response course that prepares officers to respond to open-air active shooter encounters. The DPD continues to maintain instructors in each discipline. Additionally, staff continue to undertake combined training focused on new concepts such as “warm zone” extraction training in conjunction with the UNH Police Department, Durham Fire Department, and McGregor Memorial Ambulance personnel. Several officers and administrative staff members have attended more advanced training specifically focused on response to sporting events or event centers such as the Whittemore Center Arena.

In recent years DPD has created a written response plan for Town Hall personnel and have conducted multiple table-top exercises for staff. The department partners with the UNH Police Department, which hosts emergency management trainings that have resulted in multi-agency table-top exercises, new strategies, and policy updates derived from lessons learned during such training.

Over the past year DPD has updated technological innovations in partnership with the ORCSD, UNH Police and Dispatch Center, Madbury Police, Lee Police, New Hampshire State Police, and the Strafford County Sheriff’s Department and Dispatch Center. The new technology will allow for Durham to gain critical, real-time information, that will help with the coordination of the first responding units, as well as additional supporting units reporting to a command post.

Over the past year, the School Resource Officer (SRO) has continued to provide training in partnership with the ORCSD focused on table-top exercises, drills, and policy updates based on lessons learned from the training. More importantly, the SRO’s presence in the schools allows for an open dialogue with the students, staff-members, and administration alike that may help identify issues before they develop.

Finally, the DPD recognizes the need for mental health related training. It may be surprising for residents to learn that many calls involving the police in Durham involve mental health-related issues. Providing our officers the educational opportunities, tools, and strategies that can help them more effectively communicate with or identify those in our community that are struggling with mental health issues, is key to possibly preventing an issue from happening in the first place.

It would be irresponsible to think a tragedy such as the one that took place at MSU could never happen here. Staff at the Durham (and UNH) Police Department(s) take their ability to respond to such horrific events seriously and will be prepared if needed. 

DO YOU NEED TO REGISTER TO VOTE OR MAKE CHANGES BEFORE THE UPCOMING TOWN ELECTION ON MARCH 14?

The Supervisors of the Checklist will hold the following session for the purpose of accepting new voters and for making changes in party, address, or name:

Saturday, March 4, 2023    2:00 – 2:30 PM     Durham Town Hall

New registrations, as well as changes to current registrations, will also be accepted at the Town Hall through March 3 during regular business hours for the Town/School Election (March 14). At that point, the Checklist will be updated. New registrations, party changes, and name changes will then be accepted by the Supervisors at that Election. Address changes can be made with the ballot clerks.

Applicants for registration, whether at Town Hall or at any Election, should bring with them proofs of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile. Driver’s license and passport are helpful. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking. 

A photo ID is especially important for both registration and for receiving a ballot. At this election, we are being required to implement the new Affidavit Ballot law (SB 418), which requires people who are registering to vote for the first time in New Hampshire but who do not have an appropriate photo ID with them to use a special affidavit ballot for voting and to send certain information to the Secretary of State within 7 days in order to have their vote counted.

UPCOMING 2023 TOWN ELECTION AND ABSENTEE BALLOT INFORMATION

The 2023 Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the Oyster River High School, Multipurpose Room, Coe Drive, Durham, N.H. The polling hours are 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. If you are unable to vote in person, you may qualify for an absentee ballot. Please click HERE or call the Durham Town Clerk’s Office at 603-868-5577 for more information on how to vote absentee.  

The following is a list of candidates that have filed for positions for the March 14, 2023 Town & Oyster River Cooperative School District Election. To read about each Town Candidate's qualifications and interests, please click HERE.

Three positions for Town Councilor (3-year term)

• Wayne Burton
• Emily Friedrichs
• Sally W. Needell

Two positions for Durham Public Library Board of Trustees (3-year term)

• Robin Glasser
• Kimberly Sweetman

One position for Durham Public Library Board of Trustees (1-year term)

• Randall O'Brien

One position for Trustee of the Trust Funds (3-year term)

• Theodore Howard

One position for Town Clerk-Tax Collector (3-year term)

• Rachel Deane

One position for Town Treasurer (3-year term)

• Karl A. Van Asselt

Two positions for School Board At-Large (3-year term)

• Denise Day
• Giana Gelsey

One position for School Board Durham Member (1-year term)

• Thomas Newkirk

One position for School District Moderator

• Michael Williams

The signage is up for the new Tideline public house. A prelude for good things to come. Courtesy Todd Selig

OPENINGS AVAILABLE ON DURHAM'S HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

On February 6, 2023, the Town Council approved the expansion of membership for the Durham Human Rights Commission. There are now two openings available for citizen representatives. The Commission meets on an as-needed basis, typically every other month. If you are a citizen of Durham and would like to participate in the Human Rights Commission, please contact Administrative Assistant, Karen Edwards, at kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us or (603) 868-5571. To learn more about the Commission, please click HERE.

The Tideline Public House project at the former Town Office site on Newmarket Road triggered a review of nearby crosswalk locations by the NHDOT, ultimately resulting in an on-site meeting between Town and NHDOT officials, concerning the location of the exiting two crosswalks. The mid-block crosswalk where the Town has installed old fashioned low tech. flag holders/red flags for use by pedestrians was recognized by all as a less than an optimal configuration. NHDOT would like to eliminate that crossing location in favor of the second crosswalk in the vicinity of the intersection of Newmarket Road and Mill Pond Road, but that crosswalk is also less than ideal due to alignment, the wide flare of the Schoolhouse Lane intersection with Newmarket Road, etc. Consideration is therefore being given to the elimination of both existing crosswalks and instead installing a new crosswalk more-or-less between the two existing locations, combined with the installation of an LED activated crosswalk lighting package. More evaluation will be undertaken. 

Town officials met this week with representatives of Seacoast Eat Local, which organizes the Durham Farmers’ Market. The market is again being planned for 66 Main Street running from June – the start of October. It was a success at this location last year and the market organizers are working to make improvements. Although Mr. Selig made a play to swap Durham’s Monday timeslot for Portsmouth’s Saturday market time, the organizers were not swayed by his request! Nevertheless, we’re looking forward to a successful market in downtown Durham for 2023.  

DPW Director Rich Reine, who is also Durham’s Tree Warden, has advised that following evaluation, three large Ash trees, one each near the Wagon Hill Farm farmhouse/parking area/gravel road to water, are unfortunately in need of being removed. The trees show significant rot, a possible lightning strike, mushroom growth, and other signs of failure. To protect the farmhouse and users of the facility (a picnic table is invitingly under one of the trees with failing large branches above), they must be removed. The work will be scheduled over the course of the next month. The Town is planning to replace the roof at the Bickford Chesley House (the farmhouse) at Wagon Hill Farm this year. It will be the first of numerous improvements undertaken in an historically correct manner necessary to secure and restore the structure. 

A dollar today is not what it used to be! DPW is finding that routine purchases are now triggering our more cumbersome competitive purchasing requirements as part of our purchasing policy. To this end, the Business Office and DPW will be taking a look at whether bidding thresholds warrant adjustments due to significant inflation pressures. In addition, we will evaluate special circumstances surrounding historical properties that might warrant specialized care and restoration, not necessarily suited for a traditional competitive bidding process.

Police Chief Rene Kelley notes that our third hybrid police cruiser (Ford Explorer) on order for 2022 (two vehicles) and 2023 (one vehicle) is in at the dealership. Unfortunately, there are supply chain delays for the fit out of the vehicles so this will extend the delay for putting the vehicles into service until April. With these three vehicles, all but one vehicle at the department will be on the Explorer platform.

Fire Chief Dave Emanuel reports the Fire Department is working diligently to submit a $500,000 Federal grant to replace the department’s aging air packs. We had submitted a similar grant package in 2022 and were unsuccessful. 

In the Town Clerk’s Office, planning is being undertaken for the transition of the Town Clerk/Tax Collector role from long-time Town Clerk/Tax Collector Lorrie Pit to Deputy Rachel Deane. 

Code Office Audrey Cline reports that a potential third tenant is evaluating the former Goss facility on Technology Drive. If of interest, this would be a large firm dealing in high tech components. The facility is now owned by R.J. Kelly Co. 

Planner Michael Behrendt has reported that the Town applied for two grants recently to assist the Housing Task Force in developing zoning amendments that are more supportable than the prior draft: a $5,000 grant to hire a facilitator for a public forum to discuss housing and a $25,000 grant to hire a consultant to do a needs analysis.

Assessor Jim Rice reports that the ongoing revaluation is going smoothly. 

Library Director Sheryl Bass notes that the recent national “Take Your Child to the Library Day” had 85 participants. There will be joint programming for next week’s ORCSD vacation between the Durham, Madbury, and Lee public libraries. A flu shot clinic is being organized for kids. The DPL will be closed on Feb. 20^th for staff training. 

Parks & Rec. Director Rachel Gasowski reported last week that the department was pulling together the final details for the annual Sweetheart Skate last weekend. There will be camp activities for February ORCSD vacation week. (Read more below in the Parks & Rec. section.) Summer 2023 program planning is actively underway. 

DEPUTY TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR POSITION AVAILABLE

Applications are being accepted for a Full-Time Deputy Town Clerk-Tax Collector position. The Deputy is responsible for assisting the Town Clerk-Tax Collector in administering the Town’s collection and recording of all taxes and legal duties relative to property tax collection, utility billing, motor vehicle registrations, dog licensing, and vital records. They act on behalf of the Town Clerk-Tax Collector in that person’s absence.

Example of Duties:

• Serves as custodian to all municipal records; records and reports relating to vital statistics, liens, etc. as required by law. Processes such records and issues certified copies as requested.
• Oversees filing of candidates for elections. Distributes absentee ballots for all state and town elections. Completes voter registration.
• Issues all licenses and permits and collects all fees as required by statute and ordinance, unless otherwise provided, and deposits these collections with the Town Treasurer.        
• Serve as the collection point for all accounts due to the town including property taxes, utility bills, license and fees, unless otherwise provided.
• Maintain accurate records pertaining to the collection function.
• Turn over to the Town Treasurer all funds received in a timely manner.
• Collect fees for the registration of motor vehicles as required by law.
• Perform all other duties as required in the absence of Town Clerk-Tax Collection.

 Requirements include:

• Current resident of Durham, New Hampshire
• Strong computer skills.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Basic knowledge of principles and procedures of modern governmental accounting.
• Exercise a high degree of judgment and tact. 
• Carries out responsibilities in accordance with State laws and Town policies and procedures.
• Education and experience which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and ability to carry out job functions. While not required by law, a college degree would be beneficial.
• Prior Experience in Municipal Government helpful, but not required.

Resumes will be accepted until February 24, 2023. Interested candidates may apply by submitting a cover letter and resume by e-mail to rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us or by mail addressed to: Town of Durham, N.H., Town Clerk-Tax Collector Office, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824. For more information, please click HERE.

Have you visited Jackson’s Landing and its trails? If so, please help the Land Stewardship Subcommittee learn more about your experiences by completing the Jackson’s Landing and trails questionnaire HERE. Thank you! 

With the Durham Agricultural Commissions' endorsement, there will be a series of fruit tree pruning workshops in the month of February within our watershed community. Join in reconnecting with the landscapes to restore and recommit your relationships to place. These workshops will be held in different locations on Saturdays from 1-4 pm. During the workshop, techniques and practices of pruning will be discussed with fellow community member Bryan Cassidy who will support participants to actively engage in pruning in the later part of the workshop. Bryan believes that pruning fruit trees benefits the ecosystem (wildlife and human) through shelter, fruit, and health but maybe more importantly our interdependence of belonging and supporting the abundant gifts that come from a little attention close at hand and foot.

When: Saturdays 1-4 pm.

February 11th: LaRoche Farm (older apples/peaches) 41 Bennett Road Durham NH

February 18th: Emery Farm (older apples) 147 Piscataqua Rd, Durham, NH

February 25th: Tuckaway Farm (blueberries) 36 Captain Smith Emerson Rd, Lee, NH

What to bring: Wardrobe for the weather, water/snacks, and any tools available to you (loppers, pruning saw, pole saw, gloves, safety glasses to prevent falling wood shavings from saw cuts.) 

Cost: These workshops will be by donation to welcome all who are interested without a fee for entrance. Any donation is gratefully accepted, without any expectation, to Bryan Cassidy by cash or check.

Please write to bryancassidy77@gmail.com your intentions to join a workshop to gain more information such as parking for an event, or with any questions you may have.

DURHAM RESIDENTS: WHY YOU SHOULD WEATHERIZE YOUR HOME? Learn why from Durham's UNH Sustainability Fellow working in conjunction with the Energy Committee...

92.7% of Durham’s emissions come from the built environment and transportation, and one of the most significant actions in the Durham Climate Action Plan is to increase energy efficiency in homes and businesses to reduce emissions. Achieving this depends on Durham’s residents and businesses taking action. Durham's UNH Sustainability Fellow, Rafidah Rahman, has been working with the Town of Durham on the Climate Action Plan. She has written an article which focuses on weatherization, which is a tremendous opportunity to maintain comfort in our homes and offices and to reduce our energy bills and carbon footprint. 

To read the entire article and gain some great insight, click HERE. To learn more about Durham's Climate Action Plan, click HERE.

DID YOU KNOW? - Fabric Scraps are recyclable too!

Many residents have questions about what to do with fabric scraps.After doing some local research, this is what we found:

• If your scraps are 12”x12” or larger, you can put them in the Ecosmith bin at the Durham Transfer Station. Ecosmith cannot , however, take scraps smaller than this size.
• If your scraps are smaller than 12”x12” you can bring them to the following business for re-use or recycling:

Stitches, Alterations and Needleworks

107 N Main Street

Rochester, NH 03867

Hours of Operation

Wed 10-6

Thurs 10-6

Fri 10-4

Sat 10-2 

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at Durhamrecycles603@gmail.com

STRAFFORD 2023 REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT - Public Comment Period & Public Hearing Announced

The Strafford Regional Planning Commission is holding a public comment period and public hearing on its Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) in accordance with RSA 36:47.

A thirty-day public comment period for this document begins on Monday, February 13, 2023 and runs through Tuesday, March 14, 2023. A public hearing to review and solicit public comments has been scheduled for Friday, March 17, 2023 at 9 AM. The public hearing can be attended in person or via Zoom:

• SRPC’s Conference Room 1A, 150 Wakefield Street, Rochester, NH or
• Online/Telephonically via Zoom:
• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85802372877
• Meeting ID: 858 0237 2877
• Telephone-only Access: 1-646-558-8656

The draft RHNA documents are available by clicking HERE and at the Rochester, Somersworth, and Dover public libraries. Copies can be provided upon request.

Interested parties can submit comments and inquiries through March 14th and at the public hearing. Please direct comments to:

Megan Taylor, Office Coordinator

Strafford Regional Planning Commission

150 Wakefield Street, Suite 12

Rochester NH 03867

Phone: 603-994-3500 (ext. 115)

Fax: 603-994-3504

Email: srpc@strafford.org

If anybody has a problem accessing the hearing or needs special arrangements, please email srpc@strafford.org or call 603-994-3500 x115.

On Thursday, February 2, Durham Police Detective Carrington Cazeau and Problem Oriented Police Officer Emily Festa attended the first series of forums focusing on Hate Crimes in New Hampshire. Hosted by the United States Department of Justice, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, the forum focused on providing community members, public officials, and others information on the federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act and municipal hate crime laws. The participants of the forum included members of the New Hampshire Human Rights Commission, the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire, the Manchester branch of the NAACP, New Hampshire Council of Churches, and the IQRA Islamic Society of Greater Concord. 

The forum is part of a national initiative led by the U.S. Department of Justice to bring attention, training, and resources to community leaders and Law Enforcement to prevent local bias incidents and hate crimes. 

ONLINE CRIME THAT AIMES AT EXPLOITING YOUTH - Underage victims tricked into sending nude photos of themselves and then are threatened to pay money or the images will be released on social media.

Be aware that there is an online exploitation crime directed toward youth in which money is demanded from the victim. These crimes originate when someone begins messaging (typically on social media application platforms), with users they have never met or talked with before. 

After a brief conversation, the victim sends nude photographs of themself. Once the unknown user has possession of the photographs, they threaten to expose the embarrassing photos to the victims' friends and family, if the victim does not pay or send them money. 

Many teens and young adults become panicked and try to resolve the issue by sending whatever money they can. However, the scam doesn’t end. More money is requested and threats increase. 

If it happens, there is help! 

As part of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) taskforce, the Durham Police participated in messaging aimed at teens and young adults for Safer Internet Day, which occurred on Tuesday. 

The Durham Police, as part of a nationwide trend, have seen an unfortunate uptick in these cases. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has set up a task force to deal with this crime, however, many of the investigative leads end in Nigeria, where there is little to no help with bringing those responsible to justice. 

There are numerous online resources available if you have questions regarding this unfortunate trend. If you have a teen or young adult in your life, it is an important topic to talk about!

Please don't hesitate to contact the staff at the Durham Police Department at 603-868-2324 to discuss further if needed.

The Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 would like to introduce Smokey the Fire Dog. Smokey will give short tips on Fire Safety, weekly so Parents can generate conversation with their children about Fire Safety. Keep an eye out in the weekly updates These small questions and tips are a great way for you as a Parent to teach your kids about Fire Safety, the more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #7

DON’T PLAY WITH MATCHES OR LIGHTERS

Matches are something that you’re parents or guardians use. It is not safe or smart for kids to play with them. Tell an Adult if someone is playing with matches or a lighter. Click HERE for a helpful link to talk to kids about playing with matches.

PETTEE BROOK LOT EV CHARGING STATION REPAIRED FOLLOWING DAMAGE DURING DECEMBER 22/23 POWER OUTAGES - Other elements of lot under repair as well.

The EV charging station in the Pettee Brook Parking Lot has been repaired and is back to normal operation. When power was restored to the lot two weeks ago, DPW found that the tall light pole in the middle of the lot and one of the decorative light bollards that line the center pedestrian walkway did not illuminate. An investigation by Durham’s electrical contractor found that the fixtures inside these units succumbed to the surge of electricity when the utility pole was knocked down. DPW has learned that these units are obsolete, and the Town’s electrical distributor is actively searching for a retrofit replacement. Finally, Primex, the Town’s insurance carrier, approved a proposal from the Town’s electrical distributor to replace the destroyed decorative light pole that was crushed by an Eversource pole/transformer. It has been ordered, however, there is a 50-70 day lead time. 

PART-TIME SEASONAL DPW LABORERS WANTED

The Town is one of the most beautiful and desired locations in the State and is home to the University of New Hampshire’s flagship campus. Durham Public Works, a recognized leader in the Public Works field, is fully integrated and progressive using modern equipment and facilities to achieve its goals. The Department is seeking several highly motivated team members to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Part-Time Seasonal Laborer.

The successful candidates will assist the Operations Manager and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor in completing routine public works projects such as landscaping, park and facility maintenance, and road maintenance.

The salary for these part-time, seasonal positions is $14-16/hr, depending upon qualifications. These 40 hour/week positions run from May-August and normal work hours are 7:00am – 3:30pm, Monday – Friday.

The successful candidates must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or may be 16 or 17 years of age with signed parental permission. Experience with small engine operation, including lawn mowers, string trimmers, and lead blowers is desired.

Applications are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on March 10th, 2023.   

DPW SEEKING REGULAR PART-TIME MECHANIC

DPW is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Regular Part-Time Equipment Mechanic.

The successful candidate will assist the Fleet Services Supervisor in the maintenance, repair, and installation of a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment within the Public Works Fleet. Responsibilities include diagnosing and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, performing regular preventative maintenance on equipment, ensuring equipment is operating safely and efficiently, and keeping accurate and detailed maintenance records. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Fleet Services Supervisor and Operations Manager.

The salary for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/hr, depending upon qualifications. Flexible scheduling is available for this 24 hour per week position, with normal work hours from 7:00am – 3:30pm Monday – Friday.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of (1) year of experience or formal training in the maintenance of fleet vehicles and heavy equipment. Possession of a Class B Commercial Driver’s License and State Inspection Certification desired.

Applications are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on March 10th, 2023.   

The Oyster River Cooperative School District recognizes Durham Police Officer Michael Nicolosi on National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, and offers its deepest gratitude for the valuable service he provides to the District and its students.

The National Association of School Resource Officers recognizes those SROs on Feb. 15 each year. A School Resource Officer, or SRO for short, is a full-time law enforcement officer that is trained in school-based, community-oriented policing. SROs serve as protectors, educators and mentors each day. They also serve as liaisons between educators and law enforcement.

Officer Nicolosi is a continuous presence at the Moharimet Elementary School, Mast Way Elementary School, Oyster River Middle School, and Oyster River High School, and is among the District's biggest Bobcat boosters.

School Resource Officers:

• Work with guidance counselors and other student support staff to assist students and to provide services to students involved in situations where referrals to service agencies are necessary.
• Assist in conflict resolution efforts.
• Are visible within the school community. Attend and participate in school functions.
• Build working relationships with the school’s staff as well as with student and parent groups.
• Giving assembly presentations on school safety, drug and alcohol abuse, bullying, and online safety.
• Initiate interaction with students in the classroom and general areas of the school building.
• Promote the profession of police officer and be a positive role model and increase the visibility and accessibility of police to the school community.

"Every day, Officer Nicolosi builds trust with our students, faculty, and staff" Superintendent James Morse said. "He keeps everyone safe and embraces our vision of treating all with dignity and respect. He is a fantastic resource and role model."

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD NEWS FOR FEBRUARY 15, 2023

The annual Deliberative Session of the Oyster River Cooperative School District was held on February 7, 2023. Paul Bamford was recognized with the ORCSD Distinguished Service Award. Voters also considered warrant articles 3 (budget) and 4 (reserve funds for future solar array purchase). The budget represents a 1.54% increase in total spending, and a 1.5% increase in general fund spending from 2022-2023 to 2023-2024. Local elections are March 14, 2023. 3 school board seats, the moderator, the budget, and funds for future solar array purchase will be on the school district ballot.

Congratulations to the ORHS Girls Indoor Track team for winning the state championship! There were also several top-5 finishes for both teams and individuals in Swimming, Diving, and Boys Indoor Track. Go Bobcats!

February 15 was National School Resource Office Appreciation Day, and ORCSD SRO Mike Nicolosi presented to the school board on the role he plays as SRO. Officer Nicolosi has built connections with students, improved traffic flow and safety before and after school, participated in field trips and extracurriculars, evaluated school building safety and procedures, facilitated collaboration and emergency planning across emergency services that serve all Oyster River towns, and consistently demonstrated extraordinary commitment to students, families, and schools. Thank you, Officer Nicolosi!

Schools in Oyster River are closed February 20-24 for winter break. Classes resume February 27