Superintendent Announcement

Laconia School Board 39 Harvard Street Laconia NH 03246 www.sau30.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 26, 2026 The Laconia School Board is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Joseph Baeta as the next Superintendent of Schools for SAU 30, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Baeta brings seventeen years of superintendent experience, having led three Massachusetts school districts: Holbrook, Norton, and most recently Stoughton. He is widely recognized as a visible and trusted community leader who fosters strong school cultures grounded in high expectations, shared goals, and meaningful collaboration. Throughout his career, Dr. Baeta has demonstrated a consistent commitment to improving student outcomes and implementing programs that support student success. The Laconia School District serves as the heart of the community’s commitment to its future. With three elementary schools, preschool opportunities, a middle school, a high school, and the Huot Career and Technical Center, the district provides a comprehensive education for learners from early childhood through adulthood. Dr. Baeta’s leadership philosophy closely aligns with the district’s mission:  “Learning transfers to life beyond the Laconia School District experience, so students have the confidence to lead, to follow, and to grow in order to be responsible citizens who own their future.” The district’s vision,  “Ensuring success with every student, every day, in every way” , along with its Portrait of a Graduate skills, will guide Dr. Baeta’s work. The six core attributes identified by the Laconia community,  Communicate, Collaborate, Create, Persevere, Problem-Solve, and Self-Direct , remain central to preparing students for life beyond graduation. Dr. Baeta has expressed strong enthusiasm for advancing these priorities while supporting the district’s five-year Strategic Plan goals in  Academics, Student and Staff Wellness, and Community Engagement . The search process began in the spring of 2025 when the Laconia School Board entered into a contract with The Bryan Group. A representative search committee composed of parents, teachers, staff, district administrators, school board members, and community members invested hundreds of hours in a transparent, thoughtful and thorough process. Out of eight applicants, three highly qualified finalists were recommended to the Board. Following careful deliberation and with appreciation for the committee’s work, the Board confirmed its offer to Dr. Baeta, who proudly accepted and is excited to join Sachem Nation.  Dr. Baeta is currently completing the New Hampshire certification process (he is presently certified in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts). The Board has every confidence that certification will be finalized shortly and that a formal contract will follow. A resident of the Lakes Region, Dr. Baeta looks forward to bringing his collaborative leadership style and strong advocacy for public education to Laconia as he continues his distinguished career in New Hampshire. He recognizes that Laconia’s schools are poised for continued growth and innovation, supported by engaged families, dedicated staff, and a clear strategic direction.    The Laconia School Board extends its deepest gratitude to all members of the search committee, and a special thank you to committee chair Jen Sottak, who continued to support the process after the finalists were identified. The Board also thanks each candidate who participated for their professionalism and dedication to public education. The Laconia School Board would also like to formally recognize and thank Interim Superintendent Amy Hinds and Interim Assistant Superintendent Lisa Hinds for their steady leadership over the past year. Both stepped into new and expanded roles during a period of transition, demonstrating professionalism, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to students and staff. Interim roles come with unique challenges, balancing continuity with progress while serving the immediate needs of the district. Interim Superintendent Amy Hinds and Interim Assistant Superintendent Lisa Hinds embraced those challenges with grace and dedication, ensuring stability across our schools while continuing to advance the district’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities. The Board is grateful for their willingness to lead during this critical time and is proud of the work accomplished under their guidance. Additionally, sincere appreciation is extended to the Laconia High School administrative team for stepping up during this period while their principal served as Interim Assistant Superintendent. Their collaborative leadership, flexibility, and steadfast commitment to students and staff ensured the continued success and smooth operation of the high school throughout the year. The Laconia School Board is excited to welcome Dr. Baeta into the proud and spirited Laconia community. As he begins his leadership on July 1, 2026, the district looks forward to working together to strengthen its foundation, advance its goals, and continue ensuring success with every student, every day, in every way.

Thursday, Feb 26 2026

Superintendent Search Committee Announces Finalists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Laconia Superintendent Search Committee Announces Finalists Laconia, NH  — The Laconia Superintendent Search Committee has announced three finalists for the position of Superintendent of Schools. The committee, which has been meeting since September, devoted extensive time to soliciting community input and identifying the roles, competencies, and leadership qualities most important to the Laconia School District. Based on this comprehensive process, the committee believes each finalist is well-qualified to serve the district. The three finalists in alphabetical order are: Dr. Joseph Baeta , Stoughton, Massachusetts Ms. Lisa Hinds , Laconia, New Hampshire Ms. Wendy Kohler , Goffstown, New Hampshire Dr. Joseph Baeta has served as a superintendent for seventeen years in three Massachusetts districts—Holbrook, Norton, and currently Stoughton. He is known for being a visible and trusted community leader, focused on building a strong culture grounded in high expectations, shared goals, and collaboration. With a history of improving student outcomes and implementing numerous programs to support student success, as well as a residence in the region, Dr. Baeta hopes to bring his extensive experience as a strong advocate for public education and his collaborative leadership style to Laconia as he completes his career in New Hampshire. Ms. Lisa Hinds has supported the Laconia School District in multiple leadership roles since 2015, including Academic Coordinator for Teaching and Learning, High School Principal, and, most recently, Interim Assistant Superintendent. An active member of district-wide planning, she demonstrates a capacity for engagement and collaborative leadership. She has a rich background in instructional quality and improving student achievement, future-ready learning, student support systems, and a deep understanding of Laconia’s schools, families, and community, and in building strong community relationships needed to support them. Ms. Wendy Kohler has served as Assistant Superintendent in Goffstown since 2022. Previously, she was Principal of Goffstown Middle School for nine years and Assistant Principal of Londonderry Middle School for four years. Ms. Kohler brings a history of building supportive, student-centered systems, empowering educators, and strengthening opportunities for all learners. She is recognized for building trusting relationships, partnering with communities, and leading with integrity and transparency. She hopes to relocate to a family home in Laconia, where she has long-standing ties. The Laconia School Board will interview the finalists this week and anticipates making a selection within the next week.   A "candidate meet & greet” for district staff and community members will be held at the Huot Technical Center Dining Room on Monday, February 16 th  from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.  [Thursday, Feb 12 at 3:05 PM] UPDATE: February 12, 2026. The meet and greet planned for Monday, February 16 is canceled. It will be rescheduled for a later date.

Tuesday, Feb 10 2026

Extended Learning Opportunities

Office of Extended Learning Laconia School District School Administrative Unit 30 "Ensuring success with every student, every day in every way"   Kerri Howe, Director  ~  (603) 524-5710  ext. 1006 November 21, 2025 Good Afternoon Parents, We ask that you please take a moment to watch the attached Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) video. ELO is a program available to all Laconia High School students that empowers them to take ownership of their education; learning by doing, connecting with mentors, and preparing for the future.  Encourage your child to start their ELO by completing the  ELO Interest form  which is located on the  Laconia High School  website. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ken Martin, ELO Coordinator  kmartin@laconiaschools.org  or you may contact me. Have a wonderful weekend. Kerri Howe, Director khowe@laconiaschools.org

Friday, Nov 21 2025

Superintendent Search Committee Survey

  Laconia School District SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH COMMITTEE Please Participate in the Laconia School District Superintendent Community Survey ! (Link will be active until November 19) The Laconia Superintendent Search Committee  is reviewing the role of the Superintendent and will be searching for the best person to support the needs of students, staff, and the community. As membership on the committee was limited, the search committee is reaching out to the Laconia community to gather thoughts on the strengths of the district, areas of need, and the actions you feel should be the focus of the new Superintendent. This survey is available November 6-19, and can be accessed on the District website or by clicking on the following link.  [ https://forms.gle/nrPv73kvkuzHZJ8BA ] “Ensuring success with every student, every day, in every way” 11/6/2025

Thursday, Nov 06 2025

Superintendent Search Committee Membership

“Ensuring success with every student, every day, in every way”      August 12, 2025 Subject: Call for Applications – Superintendent Search Committee Membership Dear Laconia School District Community, The Laconia School Board is initiating the search for our next Superintendent, a decision of great significance for our district’s future. As part of this process, we are forming a  Superintendent Search Committee  composed of representatives from across our school community to provide input and guidance throughout the search. The outcome of the search committee will be to recommend qualified candidates to the full school board for final selection. We are seeking interested individuals to apply for a position on this important committee.  Parents, staff, and community members  are encouraged to apply. Participation on this committee is a unique opportunity to represent your stakeholder group and contribute meaningfully to the leadership of our district. Time Commitment: Committee members will be expected to attend and participate in the following scheduled meetings: 9/11, 5-7pm 9/25, 5-7pm 10/2, 5-7pm 10/16, 5-7pm 10/30, 5-7pm 11/6, 5-7pm (optional) Please ensure you are available for all listed dates before applying. Committee Charter: A draft  Committee Charter  outlining the purpose, scope, responsibilities, and representation categories of the committee will be provided upon being selected. We encourage all search committee members to review the draft charter prior to the first meeting. Selection Process: Applicants will be grouped by stakeholder category as defined in the Committee Charter (e.g., parent, teacher, admin, community member, etc.). Only one submission will be accepted per person based and must designate an applicable role being submitted for. From each category,  members will be selected at random  from the submitted pool of qualified applicants to ensure fairness and broad representation during the school board meeting on 9/2. Selected individuals will be notified within 48 hours of the selection  and asked to confirm their participation promptly. If you are interested in applying, please complete the [attached/application link] form and submit it by  9/1  either to  superintendentsearch@laconiaschools.org  or drop it off at the SAU building at 39 Harvard Street, Laconia NH, 03246. If you have any questions regarding this process please reach out to Michele Munson (Bryan Group Consultant) at  mmunson1024@gmail.com . We appreciate your interest in serving our school community during this pivotal moment. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of the Laconia School District. Sincerely, Laconia School Board    LaToya Beck-Brown LaToya Beck-Brown, Chair Ward #4 Jennifer Anderson Jennifer Anderson, Vice Chair Ward At Large Zachary Dea Zachary Dea, Member Ward #1 Laura Dunn Laura Dunn, Member Ward #2 Karin Salome Karin Salome, Member Ward #3 Nancy Simoneau Nancy Simoneau, Member Ward #6 LSD Superintendent Search Committee Application Thank you for your interest in serving on the Superintendent Search Committee. Your participation is vital to this important process. Please complete the following application to be considered for a role on the committee. Either print and return completed form to the SAU Office, email the form to  superintendentsearch@laconiaschools.org , or  complete via our Google Form . Applicant Information Full Name:  _____________________________________ Email:  _________________________________________ Phone Number:  _________________________________ Address:   ______________________________________ Are you an employee or resident of Laconia (  Y  /  N  ) Role Selection Please select the role that best represents your affiliation. Please select only one as each applicant will only be considered for one role: ⬜  Elementary Admin ⬜  Elementary Staff ⬜  Elementary Parent ⬜  LMS/LHS Admin ⬜  LMS Staff ⬜  LHS Staff ⬜  LMS Parent ⬜  LHS Parent ⬜  SAU ⬜  Community at large ⬜  City Representative Statement of Availability Please confirm your availability for the scheduled committee meetings. ⬜   I confirm that, as of this time, I am available for the scheduled dates of the Superintendent Search Committee meetings and am a resident or employee of Laconia NH. I understand that my availability is a crucial component of my ability to serve effectively on the committee.

Tuesday, Aug 12 2025

Graduation Update

Graduation will be in just a little bit! Join us in celebrating our 2025 seniors! Go Sachems! Here is an updated link for watching live: https://youtube.com/live/3_A2E4eTg_U?feature=share

Friday, Jun 06 2025

Announcement of Interim Superintendent

LACONIA SCHOOL DISTRICT School Administrative Unit 30 "Ensuring success with every student, every day in every way"   Amy N. Hinds, Interim Superintendent Diane Clary, Business Administrator June 4, 2025 Subject: Leadership Transition and Commitment to District Goals Dear Staff and Families of the Laconia School District, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to follow up on the recent announcement of Superintendent Bob Champlin’s resignation. At the June 3 rd  School Board meeting, the Board approved my appointment as Interim Superintendent for the remainder of this school year and the 2025–26 school year. It is an honor to serve the Laconia School District in this capacity. I am committed to continuing the work already underway and maintaining consistency in advancing the goals of our district’s strategic plan. Together, we will keep our focus on academic excellence, student well-being, and creating a welcoming and supportive climate for all students, staff, and families. Our shared goal is to ensure a smooth transition as we work toward welcoming a new Superintendent for the 2026–27 school year. In the meantime, I look forward to continuing our progress, supporting our dedicated educators and staff, and strengthening the strong partnerships that define our school community. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the success of our students and schools. Warm regards, Amy N. Hinds Interim Superintendent 39 Harvard Street .   Laconia, New Hampshire .   03246  .   Tel. (603) 524-5710  .   FAX (603) 528-8442  Equal Opportunity Employer 

Wednesday, Jun 04 2025

Announcement Re: Superintendent Bob Champlin

LACONIA SCHOOL DISTRICT School Administrative Unit 30 "Ensuring success with every student, every day in every way"   Amy N. Hinds, Interim Superintendent of Schools Diane Clary, Business Administrator June 3, 2025 Dear Laconia School District Staff and Families, Subject: Important Announcement Regarding Superintendent Champlin I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you that our current Superintendent of Schools, Bob Champlin, has made the decision to step down from his full-time role effective immediately. This decision follows his dedicated service to our school district, and we are grateful for his leadership and commitment over the years. The Laconia School Board accepted his resignation, with regret, and sincere appreciation for his dedication to the District at their meeting this evening during a non-public session.  They discussed the next steps for the district and the importance of ensuring a smooth and effective leadership transition. The Board is committed to keeping our community informed throughout this process and updates regarding this process will be shared as they become available. We appreciate your understanding and support during this time. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued dedication to our school community. Warm regards, Amy N. Hinds Interim Superintendent ahinds@laconiaschools.org 39 Harvard Street .   Laconia, New Hampshire .   03246  .   Tel. (603) 524-5710  .   FAX (603) 528-8442  Equal Opportunity Employer 

Tuesday, Jun 03 2025

Got Lunch! Summer Program Registration

Laconia School District June 3, 2025 Hello Laconia Families! Got Lunch! Laconia is entering our 15th season and is now accepting registrations for families to sign up for delivery. Our program runs June 23-August 25. To be eligible for inclusion in the program a child must be born before October 1, 2021 (i.e. turn 4 by September 30), live in Laconia (as deliveries will NOT be made outside of Laconia), and have children registered in the District. The first delivery is Monday, June 23, and the deadline to register for this first delivery is Monday, June 16 by noon. I f you miss this deadline, sign ups are by noon on Mondays .  Register now using this link ( https://forms.gle/VzoxsNTXdwwuF7v9A )   or by visiting our website at  gotlunchlaconia.com.   If you have any questions please e-mail Betsy Damon (Database Manager) at glldbmanager@gmail.com . GOT LUNCH! Providing Laconia's Children a Summer Healthy Lunch Program! [Sunday, Jun 15 at 9:50 AM] The Got Lunch Summer Program runs June 23-August 25. Registration information can be found on the website at gotlunchlaconia.com.

Tuesday, Jun 03 2025

CTE Teacher of the Year

Monday, Apr 21 2025