On July 1, the New Hampshire Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in the ConVal school funding lawsuit, upholding most of the 2023 Superior Court's ruling.

On Wednesday, July 16, the NH School Funding Fairness Project (NHSFFP) will host a webinar, starting at 6:00 pm, to explain the decision and its implications for the future of school funding. To register for the "ConVal Ruling Webinar: What it Means for NH Public Schools," please click the button below.

The ConVal School District is pleased to announce that a landmark decision was handed down by the New Hampshire Supreme Court this morning, affirming that the State’s underfunding of base adequacy is facially unconstitutional.

The ruling comes in response to a six-year legal challenge brought forth by ConVal and several school districts across the state, arguing that the current base adequacy funding fails to meet the state’s obligation to provide every student with the opportunity for a constitutionally adequate education.

“We are very grateful for this decision,” said Superintendent Dr. Ann Forrest. “This is a victory not only for our students, but for every community in New Hampshire. The Court has affirmed what educators, families, and taxpayers have long understood: that the state must do more to ensure every child has the resources they need to succeed.”

“We want to thank former Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders, former and current members of the ConVal School Board, and our legal team, Dean Eggert, Michael Tierney, and Elizabeth Ewing from Wadleigh, Starr, and Peters, for their leadership in this case. We also want to thank all the school districts that joined and supported the action. We look forward to the State acting expeditiously to provide full funding.”

The ConVal School District is pleased to announce that Rachel Hill, who has served as the principal of Francestown Elementary School (FES) since 2023, will be transitioning to a new leadership role as principal of Pierce School in Bennington, beginning July 1, 2025.

In her time at FES, Hill has established a reputation of being a dedicated and compassionate leader, fostering a strong sense of community, encouraging innovative teaching practices, and supporting staff, students, and families with a steady and caring hand. Hill's impact has been felt in every classroom and hallway, and she leaves behind a legacy of collaboration and growth.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to be part of Francestown Elementary, and I want to thank the town for its strong support throughout my tenure as principal,” said Hill.

“The community clearly values education, and that shared commitment has made my work here both meaningful and enjoyable. The students, staff, and families have shaped my journey as a school leader in important ways, and I will carry that spirit of successful collaboration with me."

"As I step into this new role at Pierce Elementary, I look forward to building strong relationships with students, meeting families, and supporting the dedicated educators who make Pierce such a vibrant place to learn.”

Superintendent Dr. Ann Forrest noted: “We are excited that Rachel Hill applied for, and was selected to be, the new principal for Pierce School, proud home of the Bennington Black Bears. Rachel brings with her a wealth of experience working collaboratively and successfully with elementary students, their families, school staff, and community members. Her commitment to providing all students with high-quality, engaging learning experiences and environments strengthens our district’s commitment to continuity and excellence.”

The district will begin the process of identifying a new principal for Francestown Elementary School in the coming weeks. To ensure a smooth transition, the search for a new principal will include seeking input from families, teachers, and community members.

On Saturday, June 14, ConVal High School celebrated the 153 members of the Class of 2025 with its 54th commencement ceremony. Due to the rain, the event had to be held inside the MacGuire Gymnasium.

After welcoming students, families, members of the ConVal School Board and the Superintendent’s Office, faculty, school administrators, and staff, Principal Heather McKillop asked for a moment of silence to commemorate two students and a staff member who passed away during the school year. Her speech then traced the achievements of the Class of 2025, with each year expressing a theme for their growth.

The Valedictorian Speech was given by Isabelle Jobin, who expressed gratitude for the education that she had received at ConVal and the financial support from the ConVal communities that made it possible. Abigail Rodenhiser delivered the Salutatorian Speech and emphasized the growth that each and every member of the Class of 2025 has shown while at ConVal. Grace O’Brien was the student speaker who remarked how important it was to live in the moment and to appreciate how the influence of those around us is truly a gift.

Alexis Harris presented the Faculty and Staff Award to Kendrick Edwards who had been selected as the senior who in the collective opinion of the ConVal faculty and staff, best represents — in practice and intent — spirit, unselfishness, service, leadership, and accomplishment.

The Message to Seniors was delivered by Sherry Nixon who served as the attendance secretary at ConVal for the past two years and is retiring after serving the school district for 31 years in a variety of roles.

After the diplomas and pins were jointly presented by Principal Heather McKillop and Superintendent Dr. Ann Forrest, the Farewell Address was delivered by Class President Liam Lambert.

The Community Forum, held in the Lucy Hurlin Theatre at ConVal High School on Wednesday, June 4, focused on the New Hampshire public school system and its funding methods.

In an hour-long presentation, speakers from the NH School Funding Fairness Project detailed the state's disproportionate reliance on local property taxes to fund schools. One slide was devoted to visualizing what property tax reduction would result from the implementation of the ConVal lawsuit ruling (see photo). The presentation was followed by an extensive Q&A session.

The mission of the NH School Funding Fairness Project is to inform the public about the condition of New Hampshire public schools and their funding; to advocate for changes to make the system more equitable for students and taxpayers alike; and, if necessary, to prosecute, manage, control, and/or participate in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the system for funding education in New Hampshire.

The ConVal School District is proud to announce the appointment of Amy Stevenson as its new Assistant Superintendent. With an impressive record of educational leadership and a proven commitment to student success, she brings a wealth of experience and academic achievement to the district.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Education, Stevenson holds a School Administrators Certificate and a Superintendent's Certificate in Organizational Leadership. She is currently in the final stages of completing a Doctorate from Sacred Heart University in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Social Emotional Learning.

Stevenson joins ConVal from the Rocky Hill Public Schools in Connecticut, where she served as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Student Services for nearly eight years. In this role, she was responsible for implementing effective strategies to attract and retain top talent, fostering a positive work environment, and ensuring the well-being of all students. Prior to that role, she served as the Director of Special Education in the Stafford Public Schools in Connecticut for seven years, where she led comprehensive special education programs that prioritized inclusive practices and individualized support for students with diverse learning needs.

Stevenson’s academic attainments and work experience reflect a deep commitment to both the theory and practice of successful school leadership. Asked about her interest in ConVal in particular, Stevenson noted during the School Board meeting on Tuesday night: “I am relocating from Connecticut to New Hampshire, and I have been very intentional about which school district I was going to apply for. I think you have a wonderful community that I would love to be part of. It is clear that you have a deep commitment to students, and that matches who I am. I have a passion for working with district leaders, teachers, families, and students to promote the best learning experience possible. I would be so grateful and honored to be part of the ConVal School District.”

On Wednesday, Stevenson took the opportunity with Superintendent Dr. Ann Forrest to tour schools and meet students in person.

Forrest is excited about the new Assistant Superintendent making a positive impact at ConVal: “The ConVal community looks forward to welcoming Amy Stevenson and will benefit from her vision, expertise, and passion for education. With her strong educational background and proven leadership, our district is well-positioned to advance our mission of preparing all students for academic success and career readiness.”

Join school board members, administrators, teachers, parents and representatives from the NH School Funding Fairness Project (NHSFFP) for a one-hour community conversation with a Q&A session about how New Hampshire funds its public schools—and why it's leading to unequal tax burdens and unequal opportunities for students.

The Community Forum will take place on June 4 at 7:00 PM in the Lucy Hurlin Theatre at ConVal High School.

The speakers will share local data, explain recent court rulings, and talk about what's next and opportunities to make an impact. This event will focus specifically on the ConVal School District and the challenges its towns face under the current funding model. There will be time for questions and discussion.

Please click here to register.

Why register?

Registration helps us prepare materials tailored to the towns represented. We won't sign you up for anything unless you choose to opt in. Presented by the New Hampshire School Funding Fairness Project, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to make school funding more fair for students and taxpayers.

As part of our commitment to providing the best possible support and resources for students receiving special education services, we invite you to participate in the annual Parent Involvement survey conducted by the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED).

This brief survey is to gauge the level of parent involvement in our schools and how it contributes to improving services and outcomes for children with special education. The survey window is April 11-May 23, 2025. All responses are anonymous. To access the survey, visit this link on the NHDOE website.

Please complete a separate survey for each child receiving special education services in your family. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child's education.