Friday Updates - October 31, 2025

Friday, October 31, 2025

This Sunday, November 2, Daylight Savings Time ends! Remember to set your clocks BACK one hour before you go to bed Saturday night.

It may be hard to believe but the new town hall was dedicated October 23, 2014 — eleven years ago! 

The Council will receive a report Monday evening from our external audit firm, Plodzik & Sanderson, on fiscal year 2024 (1/1/24 - 12/31/24) operations. They report it was a clean audit. To view the Audit, click HERE.

HALLOWEEN IS A BUSY TIME IN DURHAM!

Trick-or-treating in Durham will take place on Friday, October 31st, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. The Durham Police Department wants to remind all parents to think “Safety First” and recommends high visibility costumes. Also, there is a UNH hockey game scheduled to start at 7:00 pm, on the 31^st. That said, please expect Madbury Road and Edgewood Road to have an increase in motor vehicle traffic, as these roads are typically used for games at the Whittemore Center. 

WINTER PARKING BAN REMINDER - A sign that snow will soon be upon us!

Durham’s Winter Parking Ban goes into effect on Saturday, November 1^st and remains in effect until April 1^st. Parking is prohibited on all streets, highways, and town lots from 1:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M, every day during the ban.

Last weekend's Downtown Trick-or-Treat was a really fun event! The weather was perfect and there was a really strong turnout of participants. Lots of great costumes and smiling faces too!

There was also great participation from many of the downtown businesses, various local organizations and UNH student groups. Durham Public Works, Durham Fire, Durham Police, Durham Library and the Parks & Rec Committee offered great support to help make the event fun, safe and successful- Team effort for sure!

In accordance with the Durham Town Charter, Administrator Selig has provided for the Town Council’s review and consideration a proposed 2026 budget, which includes the General Fund, Water Fund, Sewer (Wastewater) Fund, Library Fund, Parking Fund, Depot Road Lot Fund, Churchill Rink Fund, and Downtown TIF Fund budgets, as well as the Administrator’s proposed 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan incorporating the FY 2026 Capital Fund budget utilizing a ten-year time horizon. The proposed budget allocates limited resources and supports funding for targeted initiatives. It is consistent with Town Council goals, to the extent that has been responsibly accomplished while still meeting the budgetary requirements of departments in order to safely and reliably meet the needs of the Durham community based on historical levels of service delivery and evolving challenges. 

Due to public sector wage pressures driven by the post-pandemic environment, a high rate of inflation over the last several years, increasing healthcare and energy costs, and low growth in the tax base, this is intended to be a status quo budget to ensure Town operations remain ready to accomplish needed tasks as efficiently and effectively as possible for a community of our size, complexity, and demographics, taking into consideration the reality that Durham is host to UNH, the State of New Hampshire’s flagship public university. 

The development of the proposed budget was part and parcel of a rigorous, yet inclusive process. Staff within the various departments of the Town prepared and submitted thoughtful, responsible, and lean budgets. The Business Manager and I subsequently met with departments, evaluated, and modified as needed each budgetary line item in an effort to assure ourselves, and thereby the Council and the community, that requests are justified and reflect meaningful efforts on the part of our boards, committees, commissions, trustees, and departments, as well as our various external partners, to accomplish the broad objectives of the town. Our effort was intended to eliminate unnecessary requests and waste altogether, identify and take advantage of new efficiencies and opportunities where possible, strategically pivot as needed within a complex and ever-changing world, and align spending with the 2025-2026 Town Council goals, thereby allowing the Council to focus its limited time on broad policy issues impacting the overall community. 

Because 2025 statistical revaluation update for all Durham property valuations is still in progress at this time and we do not yet possess 2025 updated valuation data, and with minimal new value through construction beyond home improvements anticipated to occur as of April 1, 2026, we’re projecting only a modest increase in the overall assessed valuation in 2026 (using 2024 value data) of just 1/2% or around $9.5 million.  As such, Admin. Selig notes for the record once again that without meaningful future tax base growth generated from new development and construction, significant TBD new efficiencies across operations, or a dramatic increase in non-property tax revenues, it simply will not be possible to hold the Durham tax rate in line with the rate of inflation without cutting services. That reality is unfortunately evidenced by this FY 2026 budget proposal.

Projected non-tax General Fund revenues are down by $1.2 million or about 10% for 2026. The Town Council opted to utilize $442,000 of unassigned fund balance to smooth out the 2025 tax rate as part of the FY 2025 budget approval process. The FY 2026 proposed budget does not utilize unassigned fund balance for this purpose as such a practice is unsustainable over time. In addition, the Town utilized unassigned fund balance to pay for two major FY 2025 non-recurring projects: Restoration of the Bickford/Chesley House at Wagon Hill Farm ($1,173,423) & Madbury Road Complete Streets contribution ($1,000,000). Because these two projects are complete and the $442,000 used to smooth out the 2025 rate is non-recurring, the cash reserve revenue used to fund them has been backed out of our fiscal forecast showing a corresponding FY 2026 revenue loss.   Revenues have also been negatively impacted by weakening federal and state support. Revenues do include an additional projected $84,000 by creating a new classification of downtown year-round parking passes (70 total) for downtown renters along Garrison Ext (15 spaces), Strafford Avenue (12 spaces), and 66 Main Street (43 spaces). 

Revenue projections continue to include an annual approx. $150,000 payment from UNH to compensate the community for the University’s financial impact upon the Town in the area of policing services, plus certain actual roadway costs associated with the upkeep and maintenance/resurfacing of Main Street running through the UNH campus between Pettee Brook Lane and the Rt. 155A intersection. UNH also supports 50% of the Fire Department operational and capital budgets, 2/3 of the cost of joint water and wastewater capital projects, and a pro rata (rolling 36 mo. average) share of the water and wastewater operating budgets for Durham and UNH, as outlined below:

Budgetary projections not only take into account revenue and very modest growth in the tax base as outlined above, but also setting Overlay at $175,000 to cover potential abatements for 2026, an additional $360,000 associated with outstanding 2018 and 2019 Eversource abatement litigation still in Superior Court, and $1,105,000 associated with abatement appeals for 2023 & 2024 multi-unit rentals in Durham. Abatements will be funded through the use of unassigned fund balance.  The Town contingency account has been increased from $50,000 to $100,000 (0.45% of the proposed FY 2026 budget) to address unforeseen issues that might arise over the course of the year, which is less than the $125,000 historically allocated for this purpose. 

A primary driver within Durham’s municipal operation are personnel-related costs, which account for 62.7% of total spending as part of the proposed 2026 budget. In total, fixed costs comprise 75.14% of the total FY 2026 proposed budget.

Fiscal Year 2026 Budgetary Proposal

This year’s budget cycle has resulted in a proposed 2026 General Fund budget totaling $22,449,335, an overall spending decrease of $282,566 or 1.24% compared to the FY 2025 approved budget of $22,731,901. The projected decrease is due to the 10% revenue reduction described above. When the use of unassigned fund balance from 2025 is backed out, we show a real increase in proposed FY 2026 spending of approximately $1.89 million or 9.2%. 

Departmental budgetary changes are due in large part to $836,850 in personnel related increases -- including three of our four unions in which collective bargaining is ongoing for successor agreements to contracts that expire December 31, 2025 – the Durham Professional Firefighters Association (DPFFA), Durham Professional Municipal Managers Association (DPMMA), and AFSCME (representing DPW staff). Debt service also shows a significant increase $807,305 for past capital projects. And there is the loss of $442,000 in unassigned fund balance used to smooth out the 2025 tax rate. The budget carries a 3% COLA for non-union personnel, a 16% health insurance increase, energy/fuel cost changes, increases in various supplies, materials, and construction services, and other miscellaneous requests that will be discussed as part of the upcoming budget process.  

The twelve-month year-over-year, August to August change in Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) data follows for informational purposes:  

                                                                                     2022      2023      2024      2025

CPI-U Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH                         8.2%     2.6%     3.4%     3.2%

In total, this year’s budgetary proposal is projected to increase the 2026 local municipal portion of the tax rate from the projected $5.95 (using 2024 valuation data) by $1.07 to $7.02 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation (using 2024 valuation data), an increase of 18.02%. A $1.07 increase in the local portion of the tax rate would increase the annual tax bill on a $500,000 home by approximately $535. For contextual purposes, you will find below a matrix showing the allocation of the town, local school, state school, county, and full tax rates for Durham from 2013 to the present.

Again, the proposed budget generally represents a status quo operational budget with the following exceptions: 

• The Code/Zoning Officer position has been reduced in hours from full to part-time. ($46,000 reduction)
• The Durham Community Access Television (DCAT) Coordinator position has been reduced in hours from full to part-time. ($54,000 reduction)
• The part-time Land Stewardship Coordinator position has been increased to a 35 hr./wk. full time position as of April 1, 2026. ($26,000 increase)
• A part-time 24 hr./wk. CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) Coordinator position has been added at the Police Department as of July 1, 2026. ($17,000 increase)
• Solid waste curbside collection is recommended to be outsourced as of July 1, 2026. ($70,000 increase per initial estimate. Currently under review.)

The proposed 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan incorporating the FY 2026 Capital Fund budget is self-explanatory and provided as part and parcel of this budget proposal. It is recommended that the Council pay special attention to projects listed therein in terms of both policy and cost implications, with particular attention to the 2028 budget year in our fiscal forecast. 

The proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 3% increase in user fees (a rate of $11.25 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2026. 

The proposed Sewer (Wastewater) Fund budget reflects a 4% increase in user fees in FY 2026 (a rate of $11.08 per hundred cubic feet). 

Details associated with the budget can be found within this FY 2026 budget book, the 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Program document, or within a separate informational book being prepared by the Business Office that will offer high-level analysis concerning the proposal for Town Council and community information.  Each of these documents are now available online for review (see below) and in hard copy at the Town Hall and Durham Public Library.

To see the proposed Budget, click HERE.

To see the proposed CIP, click HERE.

To see the Informational Booklet, click HERE.

A public hearing on the proposed budget and CIP will be held as part of the regularly scheduled Town Council meeting on November 17 in the Town Council chambers. 

NH HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES HELPING THOSE WHO RELY ON SNAP BENEFITS BUT YOU CAN HELP TOO!

The NH Department of Health and Human Services announced its plans on October 23 to partner with the New Hampshire Food Bank to make up for the delayed federal funds. The plan would support mobile food pantries specifically for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) participants, and traditional food pantries will receive additional food for SNAP enrollees.

However, food pantries can use all the help they can get! Consider supporting Durham's local food pantries during this difficult time.

St. Thomas More Food Pantry: Food Pantry open Thursdays in the St. Thomas More Church Hall 4-6pm. Food/monetary donations can be brought to the parish office during business hours. To volunteer, please contact the parish office at 868-2666 for more information.

Waysmeet Center Food Pantry: Food Pantry open Tuesday 3-6pm, Wednesday 1-4pm, and Friday 12-2pm. The Center takes perishable and nonperishable food, toiletries, produce from gardens, and eggs from backyard chickens. Please stop by during food pantry hours, come by the office 9am-4pm Monday-Friday, or call/email to arrange a time for drop off. If you are donating perishables, please contact the Center and they'll arrange a time when they can get your food into a refrigerator or freezer. Phone number - 603-868-1216, Email -director@waysmeetcenter.org

Two children in pumpkin monster truck costumes received cotton candy at Downtown Trick-or-Treat. Courtesy, Parks & Rec

NH DMV TRANSITIONING TO FULLY APPOINTMENT-BASED SYSTEM STARTING NOVEMBER 3

This week the Durham Town Clerk received a press release that the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has announced it will be increasing access to services by transitioning to a fully appointment-based system beginning Monday, November 3, 2025.

The DMV conducts over 425,000 in-person transactions at 14 locations around the state each year. Starting November 3, additional appointments will be available to accommodate customer volume. The busiest DMV locations in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and Epping will also offer appointments during extended hours until 5 p.m., twice a week. Additionally, a limited block of same-day appointments will be made available each day for customers with urgent transactions.

Customers can find appointment availability on the DMV website HERE, where they can select “Make an Appointment” on the homepage. DMV staff will assist walk-in customers with finding appointments, including at other DMV locations if necessary. You can call the DMV at 603-227-4000 for information.

ROUNDABOUTS IN NH - New York Times article takes a look at the benefits of roundabouts in Keene

A recent New York Times article highlighted the safety and climate benefits of roundabouts, specifically in the city of Keene, NH. The article quotes a 2018 study that found that Keene's roundabouts reduced air pollution by 40 percent due to the fact that cars were not idling at traffic lights for long periods of time. Keene was the one of the first U.S. cities to create a climate action plan, and roundabouts are a major part of the plan.

You can read the whole article HERE.

Photo opp at Downtown Trick-or-Treat Courtesy, Parks & Rec

ELECTION CLARIFICATION - Durham does not have a November election

Many cities and larger towns have their local elections in November, but not Durham. Durham does not have another election until the Town/School election on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. 

However, anyone who is not yet registered to vote and will be 18 by March 10, 2025, is more than welcome to register to vote at the town hall any time the Town Clerk’s office is open (not on Wednesdays). The Supervisors of the Checklist also have a session scheduled for registration and changes to their registration on Thursday November 13, 2025, from 7:00 - 8:00 PM at the Town Hall. There will be other Supervisor Sessions before the March election which will be announced later. The ORCSD Deliberative session is early in February. This is not considered an election, but you cannot vote at that meeting unless you are registered.

Applicants for registration must bring with them proofs of identity, age (18 by the next election), U.S. citizenship, and domicile (in Durham). Affidavits are no longer accepted. The list of proofs currently accepted, especially for domicile, is rather complicated. A NH Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s License with your local address is the easiest thing to bring for identification, age, and proof of domicile in Durham. However, it does not prove citizenship, even if it is a Real ID, so you must bring another document for that.  If you are unsure of what is necessary and what will be accepted, please call the Clerk’s office at 603-868-5577 or check the Secretary of State’s website HERE and click on the link ‘Registering to Vote in New Hampshire.’

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN UPDATE

UNH Sustainability Fellow Sophie Goodwin and Admin. Selig have reviewed updates to Durham's Climate Action Plan, including new sections on recycling initiatives and community resources. The draft document along with a PowerPoint will be presented to the Town Council on November 3.

Sophie and Admin. Selig discussed how to frame the plan's aspirational goals and the need for widespread community-wide participation in achieving carbon reduction targets if the plan is to be successful, while also addressing challenges with the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and Global Covenant of Mayors' (GCOM) seeming lack of support for small municipalities. There was a decision to explore maintaining ICLEI membership for access to tools, while potentially leaving GCOM and considering conducting a greenhouse gas inventory this summer.

To see the draft Climate Action Plan, click HERE.

Assistant Parks & Rec Director Kellie Desimone helps with the inflating of a pumpkin arch for Downtown Trick-or-Treat. Courtesy, Parks & Rec

NOAA BUILDING PROPOSED AT THE EDGE - Planning Board has Reviewed the Plans

Last week the Planning Board reviewed plans for the new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) building at The Edge. The proposal was presented by Ken Weston, Executive Director of Campus Stewardship and University Architect, and Eric Doremus of Tighe & Bond engineers. The Center for Excellence in Ocean Mapping, being built with a grant from NOAA, will help to train a workforce for ocean mapping, provide technical expertise for NOAA’s mapping operations including for new ships and uncrewed survey vessels, and partner with UNH and private industry to help in the transition of cutting edge ideas from research to operations.

The project is located within the planned Edge mixed-use development but as a university project it is not subject to formal review nor taxation by the Town. In accordance with state law, the university provides for a courtesy review and public hearing with the board for any significant new projects like the NOAA building. You can see more information HERE. Other future projects at the Edge will be subject to formal Town review.

PLANNING BOARD DISCUSSES DURHAM'S ROLE IN 2026 REGIONAL MASTER PLAN

Strafford Regional Planning Commission is working on a new 2026 master plan for the region. The plan will identify conservation priorities and recreation links, advocate to fill gaps in transportation and for green commuting, help to enhance the small business environment, and address workforce housing, among other issues. The commission is now reaching out to the communities for a conversation about local concerns. 

Mike Pollizzotti, Senior Economic Development Planner at SRPC, met with the Durham Planning Board on Wednesday, October 29. It was a fascinating conversation about Durham’s identity, our role in the region, our priorities, connections with neighboring towns, the downtown, and what members are excited about for Durham’s future. You can watch the meeting HERE.

A sunlit forest trail. Courtesy Lori Mendelsohn

A NOTE FROM THE SWAP SHOP

The Swap Shop welcomes your Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah holiday items starting on November 1st. The Swap Shop will not be accepting any Halloween items starting on November 1st. We do not have the ability to store items for a year. Please save them for October 2026. 

The Swap Shop is not open for Valentines Day, St. Patrick’s Day, or Easter. Please do not bring items for these holidays. Consider taking your items to Savers or another organization taking holiday items.

Please remember to bring items that are CLEAN, have all of their parts, and are in working condition.  Ask yourself whether you would give this item to a friend or family member in its current condition.

The Swap Shop will close for the winter season on December 13th.  We will not be accepting any large items after December 6th. The Swap Shop plans to reopen in early April. Go to https://swapshopdurham.wordpress.com/ to find locations for your reusable items throughout the year.

The equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes is burned or dumped in a landfill every second. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world: it is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater as producing one cotton t-shirt can require up to 713 gallons of water.

We can do better! To help address these challenges, an upcoming community event has been organized.

Join us on Saturday, November 8 from 9 AM - 2 PM for the Second Annual Clothing Swap! The event will be held at the Oyster River High School, 55 Coe Dr, Durham.

• Bring a bag (or 2) of gently loved clothing and accessories that you're ready to swap for new-to-you items.
• Please separate child and adult items.
• After 12 PM, no need to bring a bag - just come and shop!
• All ages, all sizes, all genders, all welcome!

For more information, please check out the flyer below.

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 Land Stewardship Coordinator worked with a great group of scouts from Troop 154 this past Saturday at the Longmarsh Preserve.

Relocating duck nesting boxes, pulling invasive burning bush plants, talking history, leave no trace and trails for people and wildlife, and also eating lots of snacks made for a great workday in the outdoors!

A big thank you to the whole group!

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION HOSTING PROGRAM ON NH ART AND ARTISTS

The Durham Historic Association is hosting a special program, "Granite State Gallery: New Hampshire Art and Artists through the Years." This program takes place on Sunday, November 2 at 2 p.m. in the Durham Town Council Chambers. The presentation will explore what makes art from New Hampshire unique, examining works by itinerant and folk painters, landscape artists inspired by the state’s scenic views, and modern artists who used bold styles to depict daily life in the Granite State. Notable artists such as Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Childe Hassam, and Maxfield Parrish will be discussed. Light refreshments will be served.

The program will be delivered by Jane Oneail, founder of Culturally Curious, an arts education consulting firm that specializes in art appreciation programs. Jane holds a Master's Degree in Art History from Boston University and a Master's in Education from Harvard University. A native of New Hampshire, she has worked with esteemed organizations such as the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served as executive director, and the Currier Museum of Art, where she was a senior educator. She has also taught at the college level for more than a decade, most recently at Southern New Hampshire University.

Sergeant Craig Forrest, Officer Chloe Scott, and Officer Ryan Gooding had a great time at the Downtown Trick-or-Treat event on Sunday! They handed out junior police officer badges and candy from a Chase (Paw Patrol) bucket, bringing lots of smiles to kids and families along the way. One excited little boy even ran straight to the officers as soon as he saw them! Moments like these remind us how special our community is.

A big thank-you to the Parks and Recreation Department for putting together such a fun and memorable event for everyone!

Last week, Durham officers stayed very busy with several events held by the University of New Hampshire, including the first sold-out football game of the year! Officer Barthel is pictured assisting with traffic on Main Street, helping the many visitors of Durham navigate their way through town.

DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT HIRING FOR POSITION OF DEPUTY CHIEF OF SAFETY AND RISK

The Durham Fire Department is accepting applications to fill the position of Deputy Chief of Safety and Risk. The Deputy Chief of Safety and Risk manages and advances the Fire Department’s Safety Management System (SMS) and Community Risk Reduction (CRR) components, including policy development, records management, information technology, data management, reporting, and analytics. This role may serve as the third-in-command of the department, reporting directly to the Fire Chief.

The Deputy Chief may serve as Acting Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief and Assistant Chief, respond to emergency incidents as necessary, and is empowered to act within the spirit of the department’s mission and strategic goals. This posting is not meant to be inclusive of all job duties or qualification requirements. 

For consideration, please email a cover letter, resume, and completed Town of Durham job application to durham.fire@unh.edu to the attention of:

Chief David F. Emanuel

Durham Fire Department

51 College Rd

Durham, NH 03824

Application deadline is Friday, November 7, 2025, at 4:00 pm. Position will remain open until filled.  Please see full job description HERE.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION HOSTS FREE EVENT - “Living Without Plastics”

The Active Retirement Association (ARA) announces a FREE presentation entitled “Living Without Plastics” on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 10:00 – 11:30 AM, at the Community Church of Durham, 17 Main Street, Durham, NH, and also via Zoom. The featured speaker is Keith Launchbury, a global citizen who has visited every continent and ocean on earth. Due to his concerns about the effects of microplastics and nano plastics on the environment and the impact of these invisible poisons on our health, since August of 2024 he has made a deliberate effort to remove them from his daily life.

Launchbury holds a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Applied Physics from Brunel University in West London, UK, and has worked as an industrial engineer, business systems analyst, and manager. He is an accomplished author of nine books and in 1983 started his own consulting firm providing education and consulting in manufacturing systems and supply chain management to over 150 companies.

This FREE event is open to the public; pre-registration is required for non-members only 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 325 members from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and beyond. The ARA is committed to expanding the world of 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

Planned November School Closures

• November 4: All Oyster River schools will be closed for a Teacher Workshop Day.
• November 11: All Oyster River schools and the SAU office will be closed in observance of Veterans Day.
• November 26-28: All Oyster River schools will be closed for Thanksgiving Break. The SAU office will be closed on November 27-28.

School News

• Moharimet Pumpkin Stroll and Year of Maple Sugaring - On Thursday, October 23, the Moharimet community celebrated the school’s annual Pumpkin Stroll, welcoming students, staff, families, and community members for an enchanting autumn evening. Attendees walked the scenic trails of the sugar house, where illuminated jack-o-lanterns carved by students created a magical display on the trail. More information can be found HERE. This year, Moharimet students will explore the Year of Maple Sugaring. More information can be found HERE.
• Mast Way Spooktacular - On October 24, Mast Way School opened its doors for its annual Spooktacular. The community event welcomed students, staff, friends, and their families for a costumed celebration filled with activities and surprises. More information can be found HERE.
• ORMS Students Walk a Mile in Someone Else's Shoes - On Friday, October 24, Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) students and staff took part in the “Walk a Mile in Someone Else’s Shoes” event, organized by the school's counseling team. This year’s theme was "CommUNITY", in honor of Bullying Prevention Month. Participants were encouraged to wear orange to show their support for kindness, inclusion, and respect, as orange is the national color for unity. More information can be found HERE.

Elementary Project Capital Plan Update

On October 16, the ORCSD School Board discussed Mast Way and Moharimet schools’ expansion and renovation project. The full discussion is available on the district's YouTube channel HERE (starts 1:23:00 into the recording). During the meeting, Superintendent Shaps emphasized the historical priority of expanding the size and capacity of Mast Way’s cafeteria and the pressing need for additional classroom space at Moharimet. The project also includes the necessary renovation of inadequate spaces to ensure the appropriate delivery of instruction and support services, as highlighted in the space/program audit included in the December 2024 Facilities Assessment Report, which can be accessed HERE.

The administration and partnering construction management and architectural firms made several decisions to scale down the scope of work to ensure an overall project cost of less than $10 million. ORCSD's guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for this project is $9,827,000.

The next step in the process is for the school board to review and discuss financing options. Superintendent Shaps looks forward to sharing additional information as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, we hope you will consider completing our 2-minute survey HERE to help us communicate these capital plan initiatives. This survey is open to all Oyster River community members.

Coming Events

November 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Coffee House

Coffee House celebrates the quarterly launch of the award-winning student publication Mouth of the River. The $5 admission can be purchased at the door and is one of MOR's primary fundraising sources. Food and drink are included with admission. In the Multipurpose Room at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

November 10, 9:00-10:00 a.m. ORMS Veterans Day Breakfast

Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) invites local active and retired service people to join them for a breakfast celebration. Please RSVP HERE.