What's new in Somersworth schools for 2024-25? Here's what parents, students need to know

SOMERSWORTH — John Shea , new superintendent for Somersworth and Rollinsford schools, is no stranger to the district, having served as principal of Somersworth High School in the past.

His three-year contract began on July 1.

Shea said the district team is ready and excited for the start of the new school year.

"Somersworth is a special community," he said. "I keep learning this, seeing this, hearing this — most every day. Gritty, resilient, proud, inclusive, accomplished. Hilltoppers. And a very strong sense of community. The same goes for Rollinsford. So many good things are happening and coming together. Social services, economic development, the downtown, new housing in the works. We will meet the challenges. I feel very fortunate that I get to be a small part of all this."

When is first day of school in Somersworth?

The first day at all Somersworth schools is Wednesday, Aug 28. At Somersworth High School, only ninth-graders attend the first day.

"(It is) a big orientation day with the help of UNH on that day," Shea said. "The first day for 10th, 11th and12th-graders will be Thursday, August 29."

Somersworth school staff filled with veterans

All principals are on board to return this year.

They are:

• Liza Cocco (principal) and Kate Gove (assistant principal) at Idlehurst Elementary.
• Devin McNelly (principal) and Max Ferguson (assistant principal) at Maple Wood Elementary.
• James Lampron (principal) and Jenn Spector (assistant principal) at Somersworth Middle School.
• Chris Tebo (principal) and Michael Blouin (assistant principal) at Somersworth High School.
• Katelyn Carrington (director) of the Career Technical Center.

And Shea said staff from all school levels are returning, except for those who retired.

"We will have tons of Somersworth experience," Shea said of returning staff. "There are some new teachers and paraeducators (replacing retirees and others who moved on to new positions) joining us in 2024-25, about 25 across the district. They are spread pretty evenly across Idlehurst, Maplewood, Somersworth Middle School, and Somersworth High School. And my two cents is we have an incredibly dedicated, compassionate, talented and hardworking faculty across all grade levels. Teachers, paraeducators, counselors, coaches, advisors. And our administrative staff, custodians, cafeteria crew, bus drivers, too. All are 100% focused on our kids."

Somersworth has new leaders and returning veteran leaders, too

• Kat Crosby, assistant superintendent, comes from Middleton Elementary and with 24 years of experience in the education field (including 14 in Rochester) and is fully certified, according to Shea.
• Leander Corman, director of student services, has 15 years of experience in special education administration -- in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts and at the New Hampshire Department of Education and is also certified, according to Shea.
• Stephanie Lafreniere, director of grants and development, has 20 years of experience at the school level, district level, and state level, plus extensive experience with federal and state grant programs (Title I included), Shea said.
• Katie Krauss, business administrator, is in her 23rd year in the Somersworth central office.
• Jay Lilly, facilities director, is going into his third year.

"We have one of the hardest working and most forward thinking school boards I've ever had the privilege of knowing or working with over my career," Shea added. "School boards matter -- a great deal. And it's difficult and sometimes thankless work. Our Somersworth community is fortunate to have the leaders we do."

"As we start the new school year, the dedication and strength of our district leadership is evident," said School Board Chair Maggie Larson. "We have demonstrated unwavering commitment through every challenge. With each effort, we find opportunities to grow. Together, with strong leaders and devoted educators and staff, we build a solid foundation for student success."

More Somersworth news: Medical building may transform to housing in Somersworth

Shea said almost all districts are getting hit hard right now financially, with Somersworth being no exception.

"The toll of inflation the past few years, the loss of (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds, funds that have made a huge difference the past few years, coming when schools everywhere are just beginning to recover from the impact the pandemic had on learning and on social and emotional well-being are being felt." said Shea. "We are feeling upward pressures on salaries to fill openings where there are staffing shortages, with no money to cover them. And, here in New Hampshire, of course, there is a limited and messy state funding system that we've been bickering about and trying to fix for decades. New Hampshire continues to rank at the very bottom in terms of percentage of K-12 public school funding coming from the state. That is not too big of a problem for our richest communities, but a different story for everyone else. Nonetheless, we are going to work through it in Somersworth and Rollinsford. We will do everything possible with the resources we have, and continue to creatively pursue grants and other funding sources. We also need to do our part to help sort out a better state funding system."

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to state the assistant superintendent and special education director positions have been filled.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: What's new in Somersworth schools for 2024-25? Here's what parents, students need to know