Oops, They Did it Again- Merrimack School District Sinks Deeper into Shambles - Granite Grok

Oops, They Did it Again- Merrimack School District Sinks Deeper into Shambles

Merrimack school district spending money3

The Merrimack School Board doubled down recently on continuing their quest to run the district into the ground.

Related: The Two-Budget Solution to the School Funding Problem


We’d like to thank Narwood Ganter for this Op-Ed. If you have an Op-Ed or LTE
you want us to consider, please submit it to Skip@ or steve@granitegrok.com.


Parents across the district are still confused and frustrated by how the school year is going. They are turning to social media to find answers, only to find other parents spinning in circles trying to figure out things like what the attendance policy is this year, how do I get my child’s assignments to make sure they are getting done, why can’t PowerSchool be updated more often, and more.

All of this among a surge in Covid-19 cases at the high school. As of this week, Merrimack High School has earned the number one spot for the highest number of cases. All while still trying to figure out how to educate students.

The most frustrating thing of recent though, are the interviews the board held to fill the position Brandi Nunez left when she resigned. The Board had more people interested in serving than ever. Many with some very good qualifications and ideas.

But when it came time to discuss the candidates and vote, Shannon Barnes quickly took control away from the Chair and made a motion for Jenna Hardy to be appointed. Cinda quickly seconded that. There was no discussion whatsoever about the candidates, a very telling sign of the board ensuring their own agenda is served and not the taxpayers.

This School Board either did not care or blatantly ignored how bad they would look by Jenna’s appointment.

The appointment of Jenna Hardy is clear evidence that the board wants people that will vote as they do, never question any spending, and look to increase expenses, all while continuing to offer a sub-par education. One post on social media reminded folks that Jenna recently asked taxpayers to fund a $1.2M turf field.

It is becoming clearer by the day that the Merrimack School Board is more concerned about themselves than they are the taxpayers and students.

If they cared at all, they would be exploring how to diversify the Board with members who bring different points of view, exploring ways to improve the education the students receive, and directing the Superintendent on what they expect instead of allowing him to run the show.

The Board has failed miserably for years, and this year is certainly no different, regardless of Covid-19. The board’s confidence level is falling fast among the people of Merrimack, and the students are the ones suffering.

The Board keeps saying they want to hear from the taxpayers. I encourage you to share your feelings with them.

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