SAU 16 Announces New Assistant Superintendent

Superintendent's Office News and Updates     SAU 16 Announces New Assistant Superintendent Good Afternoon SAU 16 Families, I am pleased to share the attached press release announcing Dr. Alison Bryant as the New Assistant Superintendent for SAU 16 joining the Senior Leadership Team on July 1, 2025. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Bryant to SAU 16! Sincerely, Esther -- Esther Asbell Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools, SAU #16  “A brave leader is someone who says I see you. I hear you. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m going to keep listening and asking questions.” Brene Brown Conference 2016   www.sau16.org

Tuesday, May 06 2025

SAU 16 Joint Board Decision

Superintendent's Office     Dear SAU 16 Families and Staff, Last night the SAU 16 Joint Board carefully reviewed all of their options regarding the recent Federal Request for Certification regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI states that "no person in the United States shall, on the ground​ of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." The certification form requires a signature from the superintendent of schools acknowledging that SAU 16 is in compliance with Title VI obligations in order to receive our Federal Grant funds. This year SAU 16 districts received a total of $5,216,441.64 in grant funding. These funds are used to support special education services, professional learning for faculty and staff, programming at Exeter Adult Education and Seacoast School of Technology as well as programs throughout our schools that are designed to reduce learning gaps and expand access to opportunity for all students.  The loss of over 5 million dollars would directly impact student programming and educators in ways that would have long lasting effects, such as the operations of the Seacoast School of Technology and special education programming. The Joint board voted to have me sign the required certification by the federal deadline of April 24, 2025 at 5:00pm. However​, the exception to this action would be if Judge Landya McCafferty rules in U.S. District Court of New Hampshire to issue an injunction before the April 24, 2025 deadline. This would nullify the requirement for superintendents to sign the form, thus providing SAU 16 access to Federal grant funding.  It is important to reiterate that SAU 16 prioritizes educational equity, inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all students, staff, and families. In today's political climate, there's often confusion or mischaracterization about what diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice look like in schools. At its core, our District values and respects the full spectrum of identities, experiences, and perspectives that make up our community. We believe this diversity strengthens our school community, builds empathy, and fosters a deeper understanding of one another. We are committed to continuing our work in providing excellence for every learner.  T​hank you for your continued support as we work together to ensure every child in SAU 16 is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. E​sther -- ​Esther Asbell Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools, SAU #16  “A brave leader is someone who says I see you. I hear you. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m going to keep listening and asking questions.” Brene Brown Conference 2016

Tuesday, Apr 22 2025

SAU 16 - Equity

Superintendent's Office     SAU 16 - Equity Good Morning, I am sending this to all families via parent square as well since some families may not have received this letter that I sent this morning. We apologize for the duplication, if any. The central office senior leadership team has been working to create a letter to communicate to families the priority of equity work in SAU16. This letter is attached below. If you were able to attend our recent strategic planning session the group of around 60 members worked to identify core values and priority areas. Two of the core values identified are belonging and equity. This reinforces that the SAU16 community wants and expects that we continue our work in these areas as educators for our students. Thank you for your ongoing support as we work to meet the high expectations the families require of us to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. Thank you, Esther -- Esther Asbell Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools, SAU #16  “A brave leader is someone who says I see you. I hear you. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m going to keep listening and asking questions.” Brene Brown Conference 2016  

Thursday, Apr 17 2025

Stress Management Workshop Reminder: Thursday, March...

​ ​ SAVE the DATE REMINDER! ​ ​ ​ ​ STRESS MANAGEMENT: On the Path to Inner Peace ​ Please join us this Thursday, March 20, 2025 for a workshop on: "Stress Management: On the Path to Inner Peace" Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025 Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Location: Exeter High School **This is open to all parents and caregivers of students in SAU 16 and surrounding communities ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​

Tuesday, Mar 18 2025

SAU 16 Strategic Plan Summit - invitation and regist...

​ ​ Superintendent's Office SAU 16 Strategic Plan Summit ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ March 27, 28 & 29 ​ Hello SAU 16 Staff and Families, We are excited to bring to life the beginning of our Strategic Planning Process. Please join us on March 27 & 28 from 5pm - 8pm and March 29 from 9am-12pm to workshop common themes while collaborating as a community to share ideas that will help the process of developing our Strategic Plan. Light meals and childcare will be provided each day. Please see the information below for details and how to register. We hope to see you there! Sincerely, Esther ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Strategic Plan Registration Link ​ ​

Tuesday, Feb 18 2025

SAU 16 and Executive Orders

​ ​ Superintendent's Office ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Dear SAU 16 Families,  As part of the recent Executive Orders related to immigration enforcement, the Trump administration removed "protected area" status from schools. We understand this change may cause confusion and uncertainty for many. SAU 16 remains steadfast in our commitment to educating all students and the belief that schools are first and foremost places for learning.  In accordance with the law, particularly as articulated in court orders, we will honor our families’ educational rights and rights to privacy. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) outlines many of those responsibilities with regard to these issues. While we will follow Executive Orders, SAU 16 has protocols in place to ensure the safety and well-being of students and families. As always, a variety of resources are available to support students through their school buildings. ​Best regards, Esther ​ ​

Thursday, Jan 30 2025