Voting Logistics

The polls will be open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM for all registered Claremont voters.

• Ward I and Ward II: Voting takes place at Claremont Middle School.
• Ward III: Voting takes place at Disnard Elementary School.

The Ballot Articles

Voters will decide on eight warrant articles that will shape the district's future:

• Article 1 (Election of Officials): Selection of representatives to serve on the school board and other district positions.
• Article 2 (Main Budget): A proposed $42.9 million budget, which reflects a $220,000 reduction from the current year and an estimated tax rate of $17.27.
• Article 3 (Claremont Administrators Association): Decisions regarding the professional association that represents district leadership.
• Article 4 (Authorization for a Special Meeting): Granting the district the authority to call a special meeting if required by unforeseen circumstances.
• Article 5 (Sale of Bluff Elementary School): Authorization to sell this closed property to return it to the tax rolls; leasing is not an option.
• Article 6 (Sale of 40 Maple Ave.): Authorization to sell the former Masonic Lodge property; leasing is not an option.
• Article 7 (Adopting Open Enrollment): A defensive mechanism intended to limit financial liability by capping incoming enrollment at 10%.
• Article 8 (Budget Cap): A petitioned article seeking to limit annual budget increases based on a calculation of per-pupil costs, enrollment, and inflation. This article requires a 60% supermajority to pass and is not recommended by the School Board.

Key Concerns Regarding Article 8

The School Board and legal counsel have raised several alarms regarding the proposed budget cap:

• Financial Impact: The board warns it could force a $9 million budget cut, potentially leading to the closure of two elementary schools, the Sugar River Valley Regional Tech Center, and the elimination of all athletics.
• Legal Standing: District counsel has stated the article may be unenforceable or invalid because it lacks the specific per-pupil dollar amount required by New Hampshire state law.