Friday Updates - January 31, 2025

Friday, January 31, 2025

Sunset at Old Landing. Courtesy, Mark McPeak

On Monday, we all felt the 4.1 magnitude earthquake off of York, Maine coastline as it rattled the Durham Town Hall and the Seacoast as a whole. At first staff thought that either a car had driven into the building or the furnace had exploded. Fortunately, it was neither of these things.   

This past Monday, January 27, was International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Celebration of the Lunar New Year began on January 29 and runs through to February 12. Often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, it is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian communities. Every year is marked by a different animal and 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

WHY DON’T WE HAVE MORE EARTHQUAKES IN NH?

UNH Assistant Professor for Geophysics, Margaret Boettcher, answered a few questions about earthquakes back in 2016 in Granite Geek. (See link HERE) 

Q: Why don’t we have more earthquakes?

A: “We’re not on a plate boundary,” referring to the massive tectonic plates that carry the planet’s continents as they float on underlying layers of hot magma. Most of the world’s earthquakes are felt where these eight or so plates meet, occurring as tectonic plates collide or slide over or under each other. “We’re in the interior of the North American plate” and thus relatively stable, Boettcher said.

“There’s a zone of weakness in central New Hampshire most likely was caused by when the Atlantic opened, 200 million years ago – all of the stress imparted on our rocks is slowly being released over time. We’re not certain that’s exactly why all the earthquakes occur in this area, but that’s likely to be a part of it,” Boettcher said.

When earthquakes do happen, we feel them.

“In the eastern part of the U.S., we have pretty cold and hard rocks, so earthquake waves do propagate efficiently. When one occurs, we can feel it further away and feel it more strongly,” Boettcher said.

The most recent New Hampshire earthquake of any serious magnitude was centered near Lake Ossipee in December 1940.

All this is not to say that a big earthquake is impossible here. One of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded in the U.S. occurred near New Madrid, Mo., on the Mississippi River, in 1811, even though that area is not near a plate boundary. In the article, Prof. Boettcher said that strong earthquakes are also possible along the Saint Lawrence Seaway in Quebec, and historically have been strong enough to be felt throughout the state.

“Given there was a 6.5-ish earthquake in (New Hampshire) in the past, we think that something could happen here,” Boettcher said. Don’t expect predictions, however Temblors in the interior of plates are much less understood that temblors at the edges of plates: “We have no idea what the recurrence area could be.”

And even four centuries of reports dating back to colonial days doesn’t really help.

“Four hundred years is extremely small (time span)” for geology, Boettcher noted.

CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DURHAM TOWN ELECTIVE POSITIONS and ORCSD ELECTIVE POSITIONS

The 2025 Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Oyster River High School, Multipurpose Room, Coe Drive, Durham, N.H. The polling hours are 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. 

The following are the open Town offices and the residents who have filed for those offices in red (as of 5 PM today):

• Three positions for Town Councilor (3-year term) - Joe Friedman, Eric J. Lund, Robin Vogt
• Three positions for Durham Public Library Board of Trustees (3-year term) - Sudie Blanchard, Katharine Gatcomb, Elizabeth Newkirk
• One position for Trustee of the Trust Funds (3-year term) - Alberto Manalo

The following are the open Oyster River School positions and the residents who have filed for those offices in red (as of 4:00 PM today):

• One Moderator (1-year term) - Michael Williams
• Two At-Large School Board positions (3-year term) - Sean Harrison, William Howard, Heather D. Smith, Nancy Smith
• One Lee School Board position (2-year term) - Renee Bennett

To learn more about the candidates running for Town office, please click HERE.

A view along the Oyster River Forest Trail. Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNUAL BUDGET PROCESS MOVING FORWARD 

The ORCSD FY26 operating budget will be on the ballot Tuesday, March 11, 2025. A summary is available HERE.

School Superintendent Robert Shaps shared his FY26 public budget hearing PowerPoint presentation during the January 15 School Board meeting. The presentation is available on the district’s YouTube channel HERE. It starts at 2:50:50 in the recording. The PowerPoint document is available HERE.

This budget is anticipated to have a 2.65% increase, a rate comparable to the past 5 years in which the increase fluctuated between 2 and 4%. 

The major cost drivers for this budget are several expenditures related to:

• Health insurance for employees.
• IT updates to increase cyber security, device replacements, and software.
• Curriculum and professional development for competency-based programming.
• Transportation for the replacement and maintenance of buses and vans.
• Capital plan to cover an immediate need for roof and HVC repairs across the district.

On voting day, residents will also notice warrants on the ballot, such as the Teachers Guild agreement and Mast Way/Moharimet facilities expansion and renovations.

A summary of Warrant Articles #3-7 provided by the ORCSD is as follows:

• Warrant #3 is the operating budget for $58,002,091.
• Warrant #4 is the Teacher Guild agreement in the amount of $1,141,204.
• Warrant #5 is for the expansion and renovations at Moharimet and Mast Way in the amount of $530,922.
• Warrant #6 is funding toward solar panels in the amount of $125,000.
• Warrant #7 is funding toward the replacement of the high school turf field in the amount of $125,000.

One significant area of focus is the challenge of growing enrollment and currently available space. For this reason, ORCSD is presenting Warrant #5 requesting the appropriation of funds for fees related to architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and civil engineering services. 

Additional information about ORCSD capital planning initiative is available on the district's website HERE. 

The district will be hosting a community information session on February 19 at 6:00 p.m. in the Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School to provide information about the capital plan and Warrant #5. NOVO Studio architects will be there to answer questions.

DURHAM'S EQUALIZATION RATIO FOR 2024 IS 82.5% - This means Durham property values, particularly home values, continue to be on the rise (a significant increase in fact)...

The Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) recently conducted a sales-assessment ratio study using properties that sold in Durham between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. The purpose of the study is to compare the assessments of those properties sold to their selling price. 

Based on the survey, the DRA has determined that the median ratio for vacant land and improved properties in Durham for tax year 2024 is 82.5%. This means that, on average, the assessments of properties in Durham were approximately 17.5% below market value as of April 1, 2024. When compared to the 2023 median ratio of 94.2%, it reveals that on average, property values continue to significantly increase in Durham. If you are interested in reviewing recent sales in Durham, please click HERE.

According to the statistical guidelines established by the NH Assessing Standards Board, the median ratio must fall between 0.90 and 1.10. When the ratio falls outside of these parameters, a revaluation or statistical update should be conducted to bring all assessed values in the municipality to 100% market value. 

A statistical update is planned for Durham in 2025. 

Further information will be forthcoming.

ADMIN. SELIG ATTENDS BUSINESS NH MAGAZINE ECOMONIC FORECAST FORUM FOR NH – An interesting event in Manchester earlier this week.

On Thursday morning, Administrator Selig attended a Business NH economic outlook forum looking ahead to the next 12-months. The leadoff speaker was UNH President Elizabeth Chilton speaking on the topic of Higher Education. Other topics included Energy, Health Care, Banking/Wealth Management, Manufacturing, Nonprofits, Technology, Law, Construction, Marketing, Hospitals, and Travel/Transportation.

Take Aways: The consensus was that the NH economy is likely to continue on a positive basis for the coming year, however, uncertain factors such as increased US tariffs on international trade partners, high inflation rates, and reduced immigration could provide challenges for the economy. Many NH seasonal businesses rely upon low-cost international workers during the tourist season and manufacturing and high-tech businesses rely upon skilled international labor, all through the work visa programs. 

The lack of adequate/affordable housing continues to be a constraint on the NH economy. 

There was no mention of recession for the year ahead.

President Chilton noted that while in the past colleges and universities more or less simply competed with each other for a steady annual flow of college bound high school seniors, today they are impacted not only by fewer high school seniors in aggregate nation-wide, but also by many young people who previously would have chosen college but are instead choosing not to attend an institution of higher learning at all as their families grapple with the value proposition of the cost of higher education.

Three bills were approved by the NH Senate this week. 

• SB 13: Invalidates out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants.
• SB 62: Allows state, county, or local law enforcement agencies to partner with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
• SB 71 Prohibits local governments from adopting sanctuary city policies that would obstruct cooperation with federal immigration officials. At least two separate bills this session would have financial penalties for municipalities that do.

All three bills passed on a party-line vote of 15-8, with NH Senate Republicans voting in favor and Democrats voting against. 

While the Town of Durham prides itself on being a welcoming community as evidenced by the signage entering town (see image above), Durham is not a so-called sanctuary city. 

Durham police have no authority or time to enforce Federal law and do not question individuals on their immigration status unless individuals are suspected of committing a crime (i.e., assault, theft, stealing a car, burglary, etc.) or there is an active Federal arrest warrant or detainer issued for that individual.

In 2017, the Town Council held considerable discussion around whether it made sense for Durham to become a sanctuary city, and the decision was made by the Council at the time, with the recommendation of the Administrator, not to do so. 

You can read about the discussion in 2017 in a Seacoast Online article HERE.

EFFECTS OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FUNDING FREEZE ON NH (AND INDIRECTLY DURHAM)...

On January 27, 2025, the Trump Administration issued a memorandum directing federal agencies to "temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal."

The order created confusion and concern for governments and nonprofits across the country, with conflicting messaging on which programs were affected. We continue to monitor the situation locally in Durham, but much is unknown at this time.

Currently, the freeze is suspended. Minutes before the directive was set to take effect, a federal judge halted the President's freeze on federal aid programs, ruling that the courts needed more time to consider the potentially far-reaching ramifications of the Trump Administration’s order.

The judge's order will expire February 3 at 5:00 PM, which states that the Administration cannot suspend disbursement of any congressionally appropriated funds until then. The judge described the move as a "brief administrative stay" intended to maintain the status quo while further litigation can play out.

Although the freeze is suspended, there may still be delays or other issues with grant funding. 

FEDERAL GRANT MONEY FOR DURHAM: EASY COME, EASY GO – Awarded grant monies for two new 4-handled charging stations (one for Depot Road Lot and one for the Pettee Brook Metered Lot) are now on hold.

The NH Dept. of Transportation reached out with an update on the state’s successful application for the Federal Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grant.

As noted above, on January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) “Unleashing American Energy”, and subsequently provided a clarifying memo on January 22, 2025 "Memorandum to the Heads of Departments and Agencies" which declares, among other things, that it is the policy of the United States Government to:

“eliminate the ‘electric vehicle (EV) mandate’ and promote true consumer choice, which is essential for economic growth and innovation, by removing regulatory barriers to motor vehicle access; by ensuring a level regulatory playing field for consumer choice in vehicles; by terminating, where appropriate, state emissions waivers that function to limit sales of gasoline-powered automobiles; and by considering the elimination of unfair subsidies and other ill-conceived government-imposed market distortions that favor EVs over other technologies and effectively mandate their purchase by individuals, private businesses, and government entities alike by rendering other types of vehicles unaffordable”

Section 7 of the EO states:

“All agencies shall immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA aka BIL), including but not limited to funds for electric vehicle charging stations made available through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program”

The EO mandates an immediate pause of the disbursement of IRA and IIJA/BIL funds supporting programs, projects, or activities that may be implicated by the policy established in Section 2 of the EO, which includes funds appropriated by the NEVI Formula and CFI Discretionary Grant Programs. Additionally, all agency heads of the federal government are required to submit a report to the Directors of the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) within 90 days of the date of the EO. This will require review of processes, policies, and programs for their accordance with the policies outlined in Section 2 of the EO and include any recommendations to “enhance their alignment with the policy” of the EO. The Director of the OMB and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy will ensure these recommendations align with the stated policy.

What we know...

• There is a pause on any disbursements of NEVI and CFI funding from the federal government while agency heads compile their reports for the NEC and OMB.
• Following this pause, the NEC and OMB will review these reports and any recommendations for their alignment with the policy of the EO.

What we DON’T know...

• The length of time it will take for a determination to be made.
• The time frame for when an executed Grant Agreement with FHWA will occur.

Should the disbursement of CFI funding to NH be approved, NH Department of Transportation, as lead applicant, will then begin the process of negotiating a Grant Agreement with FHWA (which typically takes several months) with entities like the Town of Durham. Once finalized, NHDOT would then begin the process of developing subsequent agreements with Team members (team members include those identified in the application for Phase 1 and 2 EV charging projects as well as those identified in the application for education and outreach programs).

A significant thank you is extended to Durham Energy Committee member Jack Lannamann who has spearheaded writing this grant for the Town of Durham.

Along the Oyster River Forest Trail Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

NUMEROUS STAFFING CHANGES AT THE DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT - DPD to move to 12-hour shift staffing to cover shifts in March.

One of our officers will be leaving Durham PD on February 8th for a job with the Londonderry Police Department. This makes the third officer that has left Durham to take a position in Londonderry. Londonderry has been offering hiring bonuses and pays significantly more per hour than Durham, even with the recent changes approved by the Town Council as part of the recently completed collective bargaining agreement negotiations. 

An officer who left Durham a year or so ago for family reasons will be returning to the department on Feb. 10 and has now passed their polygraph. 

Our two new recruits at the NH Police Academy are both doing very well and will graduate on April 25th. Once they graduate, they will be in field training for ten to twelve weeks.

The department has been conducting interviews this week in an attempt to identify three candidates to fill three current/upcoming vacancies. The earliest that an officer can get into the police academy is May 5th, with a graduation date of August 22nd, 2025. Durham's newest hire will attend the May 5th academy along with any uncertified candidates identified in the current hiring process.

Another officer remains on light duty status until their due date, which is early summer. They will then be on parental leave for an as yet undetermined period of time.

Chief Kelley has reached an agreement with the Durham Police Officers Association to start 12-hour shifts on March 10th, which is the date that one of our officers will begin 12-weeks of Paternity Leave. The 12-hour shift schedule is identical to the schedule implemented a couple of years ago when the department were short-staffed. Built into the 12-hour shift schedule is eight hours of overtime, per pay period, for each officer and sergeant. It is anticipated that the officers will remain on 12-hour shifts until another of our officers returns from their military commitment around the middle of May. While officers are on the 12-hour schedule, we will curtail all training and have asked staff to limit vacation and personal days. It is not easy, and we really appreciate the willingness of the staff to step up in order to cover open positions and adequately staff the Town for each shift.

While Chief Kelley is not a proponent of 12-hour shifts, there are no other options. And while the officers certainly would prefer to remain on their current schedule of 4 days on and 3 off, they all recognize that remaining on the current schedule just isn't an option at this time.

2024 YEAR END GROSS WAGES COMPILED FOR DURHAM

The 2024 year-end gross wages for Durham have been compiled and are posted on the town website HERE.

While the Town is under no obligation to do so, Administrator Selig believes it is important for the community to be able to easily understand what public employees and officials are paid by the municipality in a completely open manner. Business Manager Gail Jablonski therefore annually prepares the costs of full time, part-time, overtime wages, and other compensation-related payments.

The Durham Police Department, in partnership with the Durham Public Works Department, recently purchased a new radar speed sign to help bring awareness, enhance safety, and promote responsible driving on our roadways. The speed sign is solar powered and displays an operator’s speed while simultaneously flashing a message to warn violators or thank those adhering to the appropriate speed limit. Additionally, the unit can track and store speed information that will be valuable to supervisors when determining where and when they should assign directed patrols.

The sign has initially been set up on Canney Road, but it will be moved throughout the year to areas of concern identified by the Traffic Safety Committee. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON SITE PLANS AND ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS

There are numerous public hearings coming up related to site plan applications and proposed zoning amendments.

Planning Board - Public Hearings on February 12

1) A preliminary review for Phase II of Riverwoods, to be located on the northerly side of Stone Quarry Drive. For more information, click HERE.

2) A review for façade improvements and site enhancements for the rear building at Mill Plaza. For more information, click HERE. 

Town Council - Public Hearings on February 17

1) a significant rewrite of the Definitions article in the Zoning Ordinance. For more information, click HERE.

2) minor changes in the purview of the Historic District Commission. For more information, click HERE.  

The Planning Board has forwarded a proposed amendment to the Town Council regarding Student Rentals, the Three-Unrelated Rule, and Habitable Floor Area. It is tentatively scheduled for first reading on February 3 with a possible public hearing on February 17. For more information, click HERE.

Thompson Forest after the last snowfall. Courtesy, Jean McPeak

FRUIT TREE PRUNING WORKSHOPS TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY

There will be a series of fruit tree pruning workshops in the month of February within the watershed community. These workshops will be held in different locations from 1-4pm. During the workshop, we will go over techniques and practices of pruning with 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. Bryan dreams of a posse of pruners, all reimagining and engaging in the magic of fruits and trees still here. 

When: 1-4pm.

• Saturday February 15th: Emery Farm (older apples, blueberries) 147 Piscataqua Rd, Durham, NH
• Sunday February 16th: LaRoche Farm (varying ages of apples) 41 Bennett Road Durham NH
• Saturday February 22nd: 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: Suggested Donation of $10 to Bryan Cassidy by cash or check are welcome. No one will be turned away related to cost, please be welcome as you are.  

Please RSVP to bryancassidy77@gmail.com or with any further questions!

HIGHLIGHTING OUR VOLUNTEERS - Dave Langley on the Agricultural Commission

For the next few weeks in the Friday Updates, we will be profiling some of the dedicated volunteers who serve on Town Boards, Committees and Commissions. The goal is to honor those who work diligently to better this Town, as well as to encourage others to consider volunteering. This week's profile is of Dave Langley, member of the Agricultural Commission.

How long have you lived in Durham? My family has been in Durham since 1714. I’ve lived here most of my life with the exception of time serving as a US Marine.

How long have you been on the Agricultural Commission? I’ve been on the Agricultural Commission for about four years. 

Why were you interested in joining the Agricultural Commission? I’m passionate about local food production and striking a balance between protecting the needs of the natural world and the needs of humans. I feel strongly that climate resilience will require everyone, in the not-too-distant future, to raise as much of their own food as they can and support small scale farming practices both within Durham and the region. 

What would you say to those thinking about joining a Board, Commission or Committee? I think folks should consider serving as their voice and perspectives are crucial to understanding, meeting, and overcoming the challenges we face. 

The Agricultural Commission has no open positions at this time. Other opportunities can be found by clicking the link below.

AND SPEAKING OF DAVE LANGLEY......

Dave Langley is the featured presenter at the Lee Backyard Farming Initiative program on February 19 from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Old Town Hall, 7 Mast Road, Lee. Dave will be speaking about Societal Changes and the Natural World and his extensive self-study regarding the impact of humans on the natural world. Call or email the Lee Public Library for further details and to sign up, 603-659-2626, leelibrary@comcast.net

Campus Creamery will be reopening for the season on Friday, January 31. The operating hours will be 12 noon until 10 PM every day. Located next to Town & Campus at 60 Main St. in beautiful downtown Durham. 

Come down to enjoy some delicious ice cream treats! Anyone ordering a Brownie Sundae this weekend gets a Campus Creamery Hat.

Did You Know?  Battery Disposal

Every year, fires caused by improper battery disposal cost over 1.2 billion dollars and threaten the lives of hundreds of waste, recycling, and scrap operators. In fact, the town of Lee had a fire at their transfer station in 2022 due to poor battery disposal.

Along with the risk of fire, batteries that must be recycled are a danger to the environment when thrown in the trash and end up in a landfill.

A Change in NH Law.

Starting July 1, 2025, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries will be prohibited from disposal in New Hampshire’s landfills and incinerators. 

Examples of where I will find lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are used in a wide variety of consumer products, including: 

• Automotive vehicles
• Electric bikes and scooters
• Lawncare equipment
• Portable electronics such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, wireless headphones, speakers, toothbrushes and other rechargeable electronic devices
• Cordless power tools
• Toys

Where can I recycle my lithium-ion batteries?

To find a drop-off site nearest to you, check Call2Recycle.org. In addition, the Durham Transfer Station accepts lithium-ion batteries. Please give them directly to a transfer station attendant. 

Remember – if it’s rechargeable, it’s recyclable! 

Next week, we will review the best disposal methods for other types of batteries. Stay tuned!

Sources: Northeast Resource Recovery Association, NH Department of Environmental Services

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: https://recyclesmartma.org/

DURHAM POLICE UNDERTAKE/RELEASE ANNUAL REPORT ON UNLAWFUL OR IMPROPER BIAS

Staff at the DPD have reviewed the Durham Police Department policy that governs the delivery of police services to the community without the influence of bias.

Originally adopted in 2001, the policy remains current and in full effect today. In 2024, CALEA mandated that all agencies now refer to what we previously called the "Bias Review" as Unlawful or Improper Bias in Public Safety. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) also added additional elements to the review, which are addressed in this year's report.

This policy, along with the DPD practices, was reviewed by CALEA in July 2024 and found to be in compliance with international law enforcement standards. It is mandatory that all reported incidents related to Bias/Hate Crimes be investigated and documented.

The Durham Police Department meets or exceeds all professional standards set by CALEA as they pertain to:

•  Equal employment opportunities
• Training
• Professional development
• Promotional policies

Based on the findings of this review, staff do not recommend any changes to current policies or practices. 

To review the actual report, which is quite interesting, click HERE.

Chief Rene Kelley contracted to have a SWOT analysis conducted with all agency staff, sworn and unsworn, to garner insight of their perceptions regarding the functions of the Department. 

A SWOT analysis has assisted the Durham Police to assess internal factors that might affect the operation of the organization and external factors that may influence outcomes.  A SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats and is designed as a mechanism that ensures a well-rounded approach to gathering relevant information. It is designed to focus upon internal dynamics and gather insight, perceptions, and expertise by engaging and creating ownership of the agency’s most valuable commodity, agency personnel. Additionally, it is designed to detect and develop recommendations needed to establish a framework of goals and expectations for the future of the Durham Police Department as well as a high-level review of systems and procedures for potential enhancements of efficiencies.

While a SWOT is not a comprehensive review, it is intended to contribute to the coordination and alignment of Durham Police resources, activities, mission, and vision statements all designed to augment delivery of law enforcement services to the Durham community.

To download the results of the SWOT, click HERE 

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

ORCSD Implements a New 1-Hour Delay

Inclement weather-related decisions can be difficult to make and sometimes call for additional flexibility. For this reason, and with the support of our school administrators, Superintendent Shaps has announced a new 1-hour delay option. Just like a 2-hour delay pushes ORCSD's usual school day and bus schedule by 2 hours, a 1-hour delay will push back the start of the school day and bus schedule by 1 hour. In both cases, dismissal time will remain unchanged. Additional information is available HERE.

ORCSD Proposed Budget and Capital Planning

The ORCSD FY26 operating budget warrant articles will be on the ballot on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. A summary is available HERE and budget documents are available on the District website HERE. The District also created a Capital Planning webpage to provide additional information about capital plan initiatives which can be accessed HERE.

ORCSD Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year will be open from January 28 to February 7, 2025. Registrations for all incoming kindergarten students will be accepted in person only during the daytime and evening sessions listed HERE. If you cannot come in person on these dates, you may complete registration forms at the SAU office between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. starting Monday, February 10.

Important Dates to Remember:

January 22 through *January 31 until *5:00 PM - Filing period for school district openings (no filing fee required).

• One Moderator position - 1 year term
• Two At-Large School Board positions - 3 years term
• One Lee School Board position - 2 years term

February 4 - Annual Meeting Session I - Deliberative - ORMS Morse Recital Hall 7:00 PM. Snow date: February 6th same time and location.

February 8 Lunar New Year Community Day

10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Cafeteria at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Snow date: February 15. 

February 19 Information Session

A community information session to provide details about ORCSD's capital plan and Warrant #5. NOVO Studio architects will be there to answer questions. The session is from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

March 11 - Annual Meeting Session II - Voting Day - Vote in Town of Residence

• Durham: Oyster River High School, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Lee: Lee Safety Complex, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Madbury: Madbury Town Hall, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Report of the District February 2025 Edition

Available at the end of February at the SAU Office, ORCSD schools, and posted on the ORCSD website. If unable to pick up a report, please contact Wendy DiFruscio at 603-389-3286 or via email at wdifruscio@orcsd.org. Budget information can be found HERE.

February 4 Extended Learning Opportunities and CTE Info Night

For ORHS students and their families. 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Auditorium at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

The Taste of Moharimet Celebration

On January 16, the Moharimet Curriculum Enrichment Committee brought back a wildly popular event - The Taste of Moharimet! It was a fantastic evening that brought our community together, sharing food and stories from all over the world. All the continents and 40 countries were represented with a wide variety of main dishes, appetizers, drinks, and desserts. Additional information and photos are available HERE.

In spite of being cut from the Campus Services budget in January 2024, the UNH Cat Trax Bike Share program was sustained in 2024/25 thanks to partnership and support from the Town of Durham and the Student Activities Fee Committee, as well as program administration from the Sustainability Institute. Cat Trax garnered 530 members, 3,942 rides, and 3,925 miles ridden.

The program continues to grow in use and popularity, with a dedicated group of high-frequency users as well as more casual ones. It has been featured in UNH campus admissions tours to demonstrate the university’s sustainability leadership position, and the Sustainability Interns who lead the program have organized community bike rides, repair clinics, and an info-session at the Durham Public Library to promote wider community and campus use across Durham, both on campus and off.

Exciting news! The UNH Parent Council has provided a generous grant of $2700 that will play a crucial role in expanding the Cat Trax Bike Share program. With this funding, CAT TRAX will be able to support community events, engage both students and local residents, and offer bike repair clinics, all while promoting sustainability and active living.

A special thanks to Vic Whitcomb (’27, Wildlife Conservation and Biology and Sustainability dual major), one of the Sustainability Institute's Cat Trax Interns, whose dedication and hard work in completing the proposal made this possible.

It is exciting to see the program continue to grow and have an even greater impact within the collective UNH and Durham community!

So, when in Durham, check out a Cat Trax bike (for free!) to take a spin around town and campus! You can find instructions HERE.