Superintendent

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Dear Oyster River Families, 

As we approach the end of the school year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to our students, parents, guardians and caregivers, faculty and staff, and community partners who have made this year truly special. It has been an incredible first year serving as your superintendent, and I am deeply honored to be part of this caring and engaged community. 

I am pleased to share that I have successfully completed my 3-phase entry plan. This process has allowed me to listen closely, learn deeply, and engage meaningfully with many of you. Together, we have discovered valuable insights into the strengths of our schools and the many opportunities lying ahead. Thank you to everyone who participated in our Community Conversations and World Cafés. Your voices are essential in shaping our path forward. 

Looking ahead, we have begun the exciting work of developing our next 5-year strategic plan. This collaborative effort involves our students, faculty, staff, administrators, families, and community members working side by side to define clear goals and priorities that will guide the district’s future. I am confident that through our collective vision, we will continue to foster an environment where every learner thrives. 

Later this week, you will receive an invitation to participate in a community survey about our strategic planning that will provide an opportunity to share your perspective and insights on the future direction of the school district.

In addition, I want to update you on our capital planning initiatives. Thanks to the support of our community and careful planning from our administrators, we are moving forward with our civil engineering and construction management partners to prepare for the expansion and renovations at Mast Way and Moharimet schools. We anticipate presenting a second warrant in spring 2026 to raise the funds required to move forward with construction. This timeline would allow us to complete the work on time for the 2027-2028 school year. 

These much-needed improvements will provide adequate and safe learning spaces designed to meet the evolving needs of our youngest learners. They will also help us meet the diverse needs of our students, provide programmatic coherence, and ensure consistent and optimal learning conditions. 

It was a pleasure to join faculty, families, and friends in celebration of the achievements and accomplishments of the Class of 2025 at last week’s high school graduation. I wish seniors much future success as they pursue their passions and continue their journey as lifelong learners. We look forward to welcoming incoming kindergarten students (members of the Class of 2038) as they participate in orientation visits at Mast Way and Moharimet.   

As summer approaches, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the many joys the season brings. I personally look forward to spending time with my extended family, reading books, and enjoying the outdoors of New England.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Oyster River school community. I look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come. 

Respectfully, 
 
Dr. Robert Shaps 
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Oyster River Families, 

I am writing today to provide an update on ORCSD’s capital planning initiatives. This Wednesday, May 21, between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m., the ORCSD School Board will discuss the attribution of contracts for civil engineering and construction management services. You may view the meeting’s full agenda here.

The meeting will be live-streamed and available on the ORCSD Streaming YouTube channel. 

In March 2025, the district advertised two public requests for proposals (RFPs). One for civil engineering services, and another for construction management services. We also sought applications from community members to launch a Building Committee, which has since begun its critical work. 

Those interested in learning more can attend the May 21 School Board meeting in person at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824), 7:00-8:00 p.m., or watch the live stream on YouTube.

School Board meetings video recordings are made available on our ORCSD Video channel on YouTube shortly after the live stream. 

The district’s Capital Planning webpage has also been updated to provide additional information. 

Respectfully, 

Dr. Robert Shaps

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Parents and Guardians of Incoming Kindergarten Students,

I want to take a moment and extend a warm welcome to our incoming kindergarten families. This is an exciting time for your child and your family, whether you are new to ORCSD or already have students in our school system, and we appreciate your patience as we finalize placements for the 2025-2026 school year.

School principals will send information about your incoming kindergarten student(s)'s school assignment and orientation by the end of the week.

Those interested in learning more about how school assignment decisions are made can review our recently updated school board policy IIB-A Assignment to Elementary Schools. This policy outlines the specific criteria used in making placement decisions. We encourage you to review this document to better understand the factors involved.

When making placement decisions, we strive to balance factors such as proximity, available space, the need for optimal learning conditions, transportation requirements, and other academic and logistical considerations to ensure a fair and equitable experience for everyone.

Unfortunately, this year’s enrollment make up combined with our limited classroom space puts additional pressure on our facilities. While the district is seeking long-term resolution via capital planning initiatives, we have to explore creative solutions for the coming school year.

We know how important this decision is, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for you and your child(ren). If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your assigned school's principal.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming your child to our school community!

Respectfully,
 
Dr. Robert Shaps
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Oyster River Families,

We are writing to inform you of the School Board and administration’s recent action to join a federal lawsuit that speaks to the heart of our school system’s mission, values, and shared vision for public education.

ORCSD is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where teachers and students engage in a diverse exchange of ideas, freedom of expression and thought, and the exploration of topics and subject matter that reflect our commitment to a broad and comprehensive education.

Since January of 2025, there have been multiple Executive Orders and compliance declarations from the U.S. Department of Education dictating what Oyster River teachers can teach, placing limitations on what students can learn, and defining types of programs they can experience.

Recently the District was directed to sign assurances that are predicated on a demand for compliance against a backdrop of vague restrictions and mandates as a prerequisite for receiving federal entitlement funds, including IDEA Special Education funding and funding for Child Nutrition including the Free and Reduced Lunch program.

This assurance document is coupled with threats of future investigations, potential litigation, retaliation and the withholding of federal funds that, for the first time in history, are linked to conditional and cloudy expectations regarding educational discourse, school experiences, or local control of curriculum, teaching and learning.

We believe this unprecedented effort to limit local control of education directly conflicts with our mission and values as a district and will compromise our children’s learning.

Therefore, in a nonpublic meeting session on April 8, the ORCSD School Board voted unanimously to join the NEA v. ED lawsuit challenging the President of the United States and the U.S. Department of Education’s authority to determine, limit, and/or mandate locally what is permissible in public schools. ORCSD is joining other districts in New Hampshire in this legal suit filed by the ACLU-NH at no cost to the district.

We take seriously our civic responsibility to advocate for our students, teachers, and families to ensure that we can offer a high-quality education for all students and create the conditions in schools where everyone is respected, valued, and appreciated. We hope this next step will support a democratic, informed, and engaged community as we work together to protect our children’s future.

As the legal case moves forward in federal court, we will update the community on the implications of judicial review as it pertains to directives by federal and state governments.

Respectfully,
 
Matt Bacon, Chair, ORCSD School Board
Dr. Robert Shaps, Superintendent of Schools

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,

I would like to personally invite you to join me at Oyster River Middle School on May 6 and May 27, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. for two Strategic Planning Sessions. This is a chance for us to collaborate and share our thoughts as we work together to shape ORCSD’s future.

During these two identical sessions, I will guide participants through the World Café protocol, a collaborative and interactive approach to group discussions designed to share ideas and generate collective insights. Participants will be invited to join rotating small groups of community members and engage in guided conversations on key topics.

Your input is invaluable, and I look forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions. Our diverse perspectives will contribute to the creation of the district’s next 5-year strategic plan. This new strategic plan will be a resource for all of us in ORCSD to align our educational programs, budget, and financial planning with the goals we set to achieve.

Please let us know if you plan to attend by completing this form so we can accommodate everyone.

I greatly appreciate your continued support and look forward to your participation.

Respectfully,
 
Dr. Robert Shaps
Superintendent of Schools

View the flyer.

Dear Oyster River Community Members,

The Oyster River Cooperative School District and School Board are looking for community members to serve on the District’s Building Committee, which helps review and plan for the District’s capital needs. Specifically, committee members will collaborate with School Board Members, the Superintendent of Schools, and the Director of Facilities to review the short- and long-term capital needs as identified in the recent District facilities assessment report for the purpose of prioritizing a list of recommendations for capital improvement for our schools.

We expect this committee to launch its work in late April/early May and meet periodically over the next twelve months. If you are interested in becoming a candidate, please submit a letter of interest and qualifications by Friday, April 4, 2025, to Ms. Wendy DiFruscio, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools at wdifruscio@orcsd.org. 

All interested community members are welcome to apply. The District will prioritize individuals whose professional experience includes capital design, development, engineering, and construction.

As always, we appreciate the support and involvement of our community.

Respectfully,

Dr. Robert Shaps

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Oyster River Community,
 
I send this message to the voters of Durham, Lee, and Madbury with deep gratitude. Your continued support of the Oyster River Cooperative School District's budget and warrants demonstrates your commitment to Oyster River students, staff, and families. As a result, we will continue the important work we do on their behalf.
 
I look forward to providing updates on our progress.
 
Respectfully,
 
Dr. Robert Shaps
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Oyster River Students, Staff, Parents, Caregivers, and Community Members,
 
I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who attended last night’s Capital Plan Information Session. Your engagement and thoughtful questions are critical to our work, and I appreciate your continued support.

For those who were unable to attend, or if you would like to review the materials NOVO Studio Architects shared during the event, please visit our Capital Planning web page.

Those who wish to view the presentation can do so on the district's YouTube channel.

Thank you again for your involvement and commitment to Oyster River students and community.

Respectfully,
 
Dr. Robert Shaps
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Oyster River Community, 

This year on voting day, you will notice that ORCSD is presenting Warrant #5 requesting the appropriation of funds related to architectural and engineering fees for the expansion and renovations at Moharimet and Mast Way schools. 
 
This warrant is put forward to resolve challenges caused by enrollment projections, class size guidelines, and our elementary schools’ limited classroom space. 
 
We invite you to join us at Oyster River Middle School on February 19 at 6:00 p.m. to learn more about our capital plan initiative. 
 

• February 19, 2025
• Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School
• 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

 
NOVO Studio Architects will be in attendance to answer questions.
 
Additional information about ORCSD's capital planning is available on the district’s website. 
 
Respectfully, 
 
Dr. Robert Shaps 
Superintendent of Schools 

Dear Oyster River Community,
 
The ORCSD FY26 operating budget will be on the ballot Tuesday, March 11, 2025. A summary is available here.
 
I shared my FY26 public budget hearing PowerPoint presentation during the January 15 School Board meeting. The presentation is available on the district’s YouTube channel. It starts at 2:50:50 in the recording.
 
This budget is anticipated to have a 2.65% increase, a rate comparable to the past 5 years in which the increase fluctuated between 2 and 4%. 
 
The major cost drivers for this budget are several expenditures related to:

• Health insurance for employees.
• IT updates to increase cyber security, device replacements, and software.
• Curriculum and professional development for competency-based programming.
• Transportation for the replacement and maintenance of buses and vans.
• Capital plan to cover an immediate need for roof and HVC repairs across the district.

On voting day, you will also notice warrants on the ballot, such as the Guild agreement and Mast Way/Moharimet facilities expansion and renovations.
 
A summary of Warrant Articles #3-7 is as follows:

• Warrant #3 is the operating budget for $58,002,091.
• Warrant #4 is the Teacher Guild agreement in the amount of $1,141,204.
• Warrant #5 is for the expansion and renovations at Moharimet and Mast Way in the amount of $530,922.
• Warrant #6 is funding toward Facilities development, maintenance, and replacement expendable trust fund in the amount of $125,000.
• Warrant #7 is funding toward the replacement of the high school turf field in the amount of $125,000.

 
One significant area of focus is the challenge of growing enrollment and currently available space. For this reason, ORCSD is presenting Warrant #5 requesting the appropriation of funds for fees related to architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and civil engineering services. 
 
Additional information about our capital planning initiative is available on the district's website. 

We will also host a community information session on February 19 at 6:00 p.m. in the Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School to provide information about our capital plan and Warrant #5. NOVO Studio architects will be there to answer questions.

Respectfully,
 
Dr. Robert Shaps
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Oyster River Students, Staff, Parents, Caregivers, and Community Members,
   
In November, I shared an inclement weather communication as a reminder of our protocols for delayed starts, snow days, and remote days. 

Weather-related decisions can be difficult to make and sometimes call for additional flexibility. For this reason, and with the support of our school administrators, I have decided to introduce a new 1-hour delay option. 

Just like a 2-hour delay pushes back our usual school day and bus schedule by 2 hours, a 1-hour delay will push back the start of the school day and bus schedule by 1 hour. In both cases, dismissal time will remain unchanged.

The 1 and 2-hour delay schedules for all four schools are available below. 
 

My goal remains to make all decisions related to delayed starts, school closures, and remote learning no later than 6:00 a.m. I do so after careful review of the weather and road conditions, and conversations with our Transportation team and superintendents from surrounding areas.

In the event of a delayed start, school closure, or remote learning day, a communication will be sent in ParentSquare as soon as the decision is made.

 Respectfully,
  
 Dr. Robert Shaps
 Superintendent of Schools

Dear Oyster River Students, Staff, Parents, Guardians, and Community Members, 

As we enter the winter holiday season, and approach the beginning of a new year, I wish to thank the ORCSD community for a warm welcome during my leadership transition. I appreciate the unwavering support for our public school system and the level of family engagement across our schools.

Moreover, I am deeply impressed by the professionalism of our staff and would like to acknowledge their hard work and dedication to students and families. Oyster River truly is a special community of learners and a place of vibrant and meaningful teaching and learning.

It has been a busy fall full of boundless activities, opportunities for engagement, and a host of student and staff accomplishments. I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in so many “first” ORCSD experiences and seeing firsthand students performing, creating, and just having fun! 

As we pivot to the new year, I will continue to prioritize building meaningful connections with students, families, staff and community members, and finding opportunities to engage in conversations, listen to ideas, and collaborate.  

In January, I will present themes that emerged from our Community Conversations focus group series as a way of sharing my learning and identifying stakeholder priorities, hopes, and specific areas of focus to improve the quality of educational experiences for all students.

Moving into spring we will focus on the 2025-2026 budget and the introduction of a framework for developing a new District Strategic Plan. This process will include opportunities for students, staff, parents, and community members to discuss our system’s values, mission, and priorities as we look to develop a comprehensive and meaningful roadmap for the future.

I look forward to having the opportunity to serve and lead alongside of you in the year ahead. Thank you for your support and partnership as we work toward an exciting future for our students.

I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful winter break and holiday season. 

Respectfully, 

Dr. Robert Shaps 

Superintendent of Schools  

November 26, 2024

Greetings Oyster River Families, 
 
For those celebrating Thanksgiving, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and relaxing holiday break. 

November 22 marked my 100th day serving as ORCSD’s superintendent of schools. I have felt quite welcomed by our community, families, teachers, parents, guardians, and staff. 

It's been a remarkable start to the school year. During the last four months I've been able to spend considerable time learning about our school system, engaging in conversations and hosting a series of Community Conversations focus groups for the purpose of understanding our school system and community. 

I also engaged with stakeholders and learn about what's important from the perspectives of parents, staff, and students. I will use that information moving forward.  

My goal for the second half of the year is to develop a strategic plan for the future and bring together all our voices to determine what we want ORCSD to look like five years from now. This process will really focus on the structure of strategic planning, and I hope to provide more information in the coming months.  

The last 100 days have been wonderful, giving me the opportunity to really understand the learning that takes place in our schools each and every day.  

I had the pleasure of visiting all our schools regularly and engaging in professional conversations with teachers about teaching and learning. I met and saw students learning from kindergarten and preschool all the way up through our AP courses at the high school. I'm very pleased to serve as superintendent to help move the system forward, and to continue important conversations about how we can be the best public school system in the country. 

At the most recent school board meeting, we had the opportunity to hear a presentation from our capital planning partners, Novo Studio Architects. They focused on three important projects that are underway at Mast Way, Moharimet, and Oyster River High School. They also provided a thorough review of our building conditions, which is an opportunity for us to understand our capital needs for the next decade. 

It's important to point out that this is just the beginning of a lengthy capital planning conversation. Parents, guardians, and community members will be invited in the coming months to discuss improvements, and we will determine together what we want to achieve over the next few years. 

It's been a wonderful first 100 days serving as ORCSD’s superintendent, and I look forward to the next 100 days. 

Respectfully,
 
Dr. Robert Shaps
Superintendent of Schools

November 13, 2024

Dear Oyster River Students, Staff, Parents, Caregivers, and Community Members,
  
The cold weather upon us is a reminder that inclement weather will be soon inevitable. Weather conditions can change quickly in New England, making inclement weather decisions so difficult to make.

My goal is to make all decisions related to delayed starts, school closures, and remote learning no later than 6:00 a.m. I do so after careful review of weather and road conditions, conversations with our Transportation team and superintendents from surrounding areas.

Notifications will be sent in ParentSquare as soon as the decision is made.

When it’s time to make a weather call, there are three options.

Delayed starts: We use delayed starts when the weather is predicted to thaw or improve by mid-morning. When school is delayed, we operate on a two-hour delay and morning PEP is cancelled.

Snow days: We use snow days for predicted heavy snow events. During a snow day, school is cancelled. All Oyster River schools, and the SAU office will be closed.

Remote learning: While we will prepare students and staff for the option to pivot to remote learning, for the first part of winter, we will limit inclement weather decisions to delayed starts and cancellations.

In the event of a delay or cancellation, we will evaluate safety and road conditions for the possibility of conducting after school and evening activities.

Respectfully,
 
Dr. Robert Shaps
Superintendent of Schools

September 26, 2024

Dear Oyster River Families,

It’s been exciting to visit our schools the last few weeks. As a new superintendent, it’s important for me to observe the teaching and learning happening across the district firsthand and I will continue to make scheduled classroom visits each month. I truly enjoy the opportunity to see teachers working with students and getting a sense of the instruction going on in our classrooms.

Fall is an exciting time of the year with so many activities and events. I encourage you to come cheer on our student athletes and, as we move closer to concert season, please keep an eye on our calendar of events.

I continue my Community Conversations focus group series on October 3 at Moharimet School. Middle school parents and caregivers were invited to partake on September 24, and I will meet with high school parents and caregivers on October 8.

On October 10, I warmly invite all families and community members to attend our Community Dinner at the Oyster River Middle School. Kindly RSVP by October 8 so our Child Nutrition team can prepare enough food for everyone.

Representatives of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force will visit us on October 28 and offer a free Internet and Digital Safety presentation. This event is open to adults only as it’s not suitable for students and will include a demonstration with K-9 Niko who is New Hampshire's first Electronic Storage Detection K-9.
 

During the months of October and December we will offer Inclusive Connections, two new event series designed to create support spaces for the parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ and multicultural youth.

At the most recent school board meeting, Director of Student Services Catherine Plourde and DEIJ Director Rachael Blansett presented their goals and work plans for the 2024-2025 school year. I will continue to report on our progress in the coming months.

Lastly, I wish to extend my warm congratulations to Oyster River High School class of 1992 alum Scott Poteet. Mr. Poteet was Polaris Dawn’s mission pilot and took part in the first-ever commercial spacewalk mission.

Respectfully,
 
Dr. Robert Shaps
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Oyster River Families,

It's been a great start to the school year. A lot of energy, excitement, and joy in our schools. It has been a great opportunity to visit classrooms, to have conversations with educators, and get a sense of the rhythm of our school day. Please read on for some updates and reminders.

9/10 is a Teacher Workshop Day
All Oyster River schools will be closed Tuesday, September 10, for a Teacher Workshop Day.

Community Conversations Focus Groups
I am excited to begin our four-part Community Conversations next week with parents and guardians. These sessions are designed for us to engage in conversations about a range of educational topics and to hear your feedback about what you hope for and would like to see in our schools. 

2024-2025 Work Plan
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to work with our administrators to present our 2024-2025 work plan to the school board. You may view the presentation here (starts at 38:38 minutes). We presented a set of initiatives and goals that really focus on targeted areas and instructional practices across our elementary, middle, and high school grade levels. We look forward to updating the community on our collective work in the spring.

Transportation and Safety
Our Transportation Department is working hard to make sure students arrive and leave school on time. We thank you for your patience and invite you to view our Transportation Safety video. We anticipate experiencing challenges throughout the month of September and until the ongoing roadwork concludes in Durham.

Overall, I'm really pleased with this start of the school year. The weather has been wonderful, and I look forward to providing more updates soon.

Respectfully,
 
Dr. Robert Shaps
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Oyster River Families,

As we are kicking off another school year, I wanted to take a moment to share some important updates and extend a warm welcome to all our students, parents, guardians, and staff.

I am excited to announce the launch of a new initiative called Community Conversations. This series of four focus groups is designed to foster open dialogue and explore a range of educational topics that will help us identify important themes.

Elementary school parents and guardians are invited to join us on either September 11 or October 3

• September 11, 7:00-8:00 p.m. at Mast Way School (Commons)
• October 3, 7:00-8:00 p.m. at Moharimet School (Café)

Middle school parents and guardians:

• September 24, 7:00-8:00 p.m. at the Oyster River Middle School (Learning Commons)

High school parents and guardians:

• October 8, 7:00-8:00 p.m. at the Oyster River High School (MPR)

For those who have not yet completed the registration process, please do so in PowerSchool as soon as possible. Ensuring that all paperwork is up to date will help us provide the best possible support and resources for your child(ren). If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please contact your school’s front office.

Our bus routes are available online. Please note that bus routes are subject to change at any time and are currently changing daily based on student enrollment. 

Barrington bus routes are managed by Dail Transportation. You may contact Route Coordinator Ginger McHugh at gmchugh@sau74.org with any questions.

Due to the extensive ongoing road work projects in Durham, we have prepared a transportation and safety video for middle and high school families. I encourage you to take a few minutes to view this video, as it contains essential information to ensure the safety of students.

The ORCSD School Board and Administration made good use of the summer months to plan for the upcoming year, set priorities, and identify future challenges. The highlight of my summer was meeting with our administrative team and getting to know staff to prepare for a smooth opening of the schools.

As an incoming leader, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and partnership. Thank you for being a part of our Oyster River family. 

Respectfully,
 
Dr. Robert Shaps
Superintendent of Schools