Dover School to Continue International Baccalaureate Program Following Vote

After a period of program evaluation the decision was passed with a 27-18 vote.

The River Valleys Unified Union School District decided to retain the International Baccalaureate program at Dover School with a 27-18 vote, held during the district's annual meeting at Dover Town Hall. This decision came after a period of evaluation of the program's advantages and challenges, prompted by concerns raised by staff members about the program's viability.

Meredith Block, a member of the School Board, highlighted that since the community had previously shown interest in the IB program, it was only fitting that the community had a say in its future. A committee comprised of parents, educators, and board representatives compiled information for the presentation, which included insights gathered from a survey with 29 responses. Results indicated a divided opinion among parents and educators regarding the program—five out of 14 parents supported its continuation, while others expressed a desire to discontinue, suggesting that should IB be removed, alternate programs like STEAM might be necessary to attract families.

Block emphasized that the IB program carries significant prestige and can draw families interested in a globally-focused education. Both Block and fellow board member Kate Rideout noted the flexibility the program offered in curriculum development, although the introduction of the Expeditionary Learning program during the pandemic complicated its implementation for teachers, who also had to adjust to the new model.

Concerns were raised by community member Alan Block, who shared his positive experiences with the IB program during his schooling and suggested that a conversation about alternatives be held before the program's potential discontinuation.

In budget matters, the district approved a spending plan totaling approximately $6.85 million, with some parts of the plan amended to restore funding for the Spanish program, increasing its availability to two days per week. Alan Block stressed the program's uniqueness to Dover and its importance in offering something distinctive to students.

The budget represented a reduction of about $300,000 from the previous fiscal year, incorporating slight staffing adjustments and increased health care funding, projected to rise by 7 percent. School Board Chairman Rich Werner remarked that major changes should be avoided at this time, especially amidst discussions of potential redistricting.

The approved tuition rate for students attending Burr & Burton Academy was set at $23,050, ensuring students could enroll without being turned away due to capacity issues. Additionally, reserve funds of $100,000 for building maintenance and $20,000 for transportation were allocated, with limits on surplus fund usage to mitigate taxes.

Lindsey Campbell was elected to the school board while existing members, including Kate Rideout, Sarah Shippee, Andy McLean, and Marco Tallini, were reelected to their positions.