Your August Adventure
From the Executive Director
We re excited about what s ahead! Planning is in full swing for a wide range of professional learning opportunities. Be sure to visit the “Upcoming Events” page in this newsletter to see what’s coming. Just announced: the early bird registration deadline for the K-8 Literacy Summit 2.0 has been extended to August 30—giving you extra time to register at the discounted rate. This year’s summit will feature dynamic sessions, practical strategies, and rich opportunities for connection.
We’re also thrilled to welcome seven new board members to NHTLLA. Their knowledge, passion, and fresh perspectives will help shape our work in meaningful ways. You can learn more about each of them in this newsletter—we’re grateful for their service and excited for the impact they’ll make in the year ahead.
Thank you for all you do, every day. We’re proud to stand with you in support of New Hampshire’s students and educators.
Warmly, Jan
UpcomingEvents
SEP 29
9:00 am- 3:30 pm
K-8 Literacy Summit 2.0:
OCT 8
Strengthening Reading and Writing for All Learners 9:00 am- 3:00 pm Empowering Future-Ready Planning Through Educator Practice: A Five Part Series
OCT 22
9:00 am- 3:30 pm
Nov 10
Equipped to Care: A Mental Health Symposium for Resources, Strategies, and Support 9:00 am- 3:00 pm
Empowering Future-Ready Planning Through
Practice: A Five Part Series
Oct 27 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm Staying Power: Understanding Staff Retention and What Works 9:00 am- 3:30 pm Rethinking Grading Practices and Strengthening
Meet Our Board Members
Lucy Canotas, President
SAU 106, Timberlane, Director of Elementary Education
NHED, Education Consultant
Jan Yost, Executive Director
Lynnette Lawrence, Secretary
Meet Our Board Members
Meredith Bastien
SAU 106, Timberlane, ELA
Intervention Instructional Coach
Lois Costa
SAU 90, Superintendent
Tim Vasconcellos
SAU 67, Dunbarton Elementary School, Principal
Liz Cannon
SAU 39, Director of Curriculum and Accountability
NHED, Bureau DirectorAssessment and Accountability
SAU 13, Superintendent
Nate Greene
Michael Whaland
Meet Our Board Members
Trisha Kent
SAU 18, District Reading Writing Specialist
Angel Littlefield
SAU 62, Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Delaney Rosenberg
SAU 83, Ellis School, Principal
David Levesque
SAU 18, Franklin High School, Principal
Beverly Puntin
SAU 80, Director of Curriculum
GraniteStateUpdate
Caitlin Davis Confirmed As New Commissioner of Education
Governor Ayotte confirmed Caitlin Davis as the new Commissioner of Education on Monday, August 4 , 2025 at the Department of Education. The swearing in ceremony was attended by Department staff as well as several legislators, school leaders, and professional organizations. Caitlin brings 15 years of experience working within the state agency she now leads and has received numerous accolades as well as resounding bi-partisan support from around the state as she steps into this new role.
Open Enrollment Legislation
Several bills this legislative session have focused on increasing open enrollment in New Hampshire. HB 741 and SB 101 both focus on cross-district open enrollment, while SB 97 focuses on within-district open enrollment. Another bill, HB 771, which passed earlier this year, focused on clarifying regulations relative to the payment of tuition under the current open enrollment laws.
Lawsuit Challenges DEI-Ban in New Hampshire
A coalition including NEA-New Hampshire, the ACLU of New Hampshire, and several school districts has filed a federal lawsuit challenging New Hampshire’s new ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, enacted July 1, 2025 through House Bill 2. The plaintiffs argue the law is unconstitutionally vague, conflicts with federal civil rights protections, infringes on educators’ First Amendment rights, and risks millions in lost funding for schools and colleges. They warn the broad scope could extend beyond education to public safety, libraries, and other public services, creating confusion and exposing institutions to arbitrary enforcement.
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