Editorial:

We must make math education a priority

Half, yes, half, of the 11th-graders tested by the state were listed as “below proficient” in math. That’s the politically correct way of saying they failed. They weren’t even close to being able to do the math expected of them. Yes, the 11th-grade test is harder than simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. But if half the students taking the test fail, you have to wonder if it’s the students or it’s the test.
In this case, having looked at the test preparation booklet available online (http://www.ed.state.nh.us/Education/doe/organization/curriculum/NECAP/PracticeTest.htm), we think it’s the students. Which means they are either not taking the test seriously – a point worth considering – or they have not been adequately taught. You can’t do algebra or geometry without a strong basic foundation, and our elementary schools are also struggling to meet the state’s proficiency requirements. This problem started when these students were much younger.
We need to make sure our students are well educated in the fields of math and science. Our futures all depend on our children’s ability to solve complicated problems. China is graduating far more math and science students than the U.S. is – a point often hammered home by FIRST founder Dean Kamen. This isn’t to be taken lightly. We must find a way to teach our children and make them care about it.
 

letters:

Epsom should return to a five-member board of selectmen

To the Editor:
A committee to study whether the town would be better served by a five-member board was appointed by the town moderator. They met in 2001, four times in three months. They interviewed town officials from four towns that were about the size of Epsom and had changed from three to five members (Bow, Deerfield, Hinsdale and Bethlehem) and approximately 30 current and former town leaders.
The major concern was if we stayed at three we would need to hire a town administrator. And if we went to five, it would need to increase the office staff because of the extra work. At that time, we had one full-time and one part-time employee in the office. When the board went to five members, the staff doubled. We now have three full-time employees, who have been working in the office for the past four years.
There are over 18 departments and committees that the BOS is responsible for. Each one has to have a liaison from the BOS. Some committees require that a board member attend each meeting as a member of that committee. That’s six departments or committees for each selectperson.
The truth is that our town is growing, and the work load is increasing not decreasing. I am very concerned that if it stays at three, next year we will see an article for a town administrator.
Remember, if it doesn’t pass this year, it will take two years before we can change it back. That’s why I support voting to go back to a five-member board this year.
Richard Frambach
Epsom

I endorse Fred Kelly and Joe Duarte for selectmen

To the Editor:
There will be a “Meet the Candidates” night on Friday, March 7.
I would like to express my views on two of the candidates running this year.
One is Mr. Fred Kelly, who is running for re-election for chairman of selectmen’s board. I would like people to know that this man has served and delivered great things to our town for many years. He is truly dedicated to the people, interests and safety of our town and proves his dedication time after time. Even when the pressure is overwhelming, he always remains calm, open-minded and objective. He is also a resident of Candia, which I feel is important for our town.
The second is Mr. Joe Duarte who is running for re-election for selectman. I would like people to know that he also is dedicated and has delivered great things to our town. Mr. Duarte is always dedicated to the people of this town and always is truly interested in the issues of our residents. He never lets the small voice go unheard and is open-minded, objective and patient. He is also a resident of Candia.
Thank you for your time.
 Jennifer Haggett
Candia

Please vote for Trisha Korkosz for Hooksett School Board

To the Editor:
My name is Trisha Korkosz. I am a resident of the town of Hooksett and I am running for the Hooksett School Board. I would like to ask people to go to the polls and vote for me on March 11.
I would like to represent each of you on the Hooksett School Board. I will work with the School Board, the SAU administration and the school administrators to help us all educate the students of the town of Hooksett. I believe that we, as a town, need to work together to make the best choices for our students. I feel what I may lack in political experience, I make up for in that fact I represent a sector of the population that may not have a strong voice. By this I mean that I have young school-aged children within our system. I can bring fresh ideas and new energy to the board.
I feel that the School Board needs to work with the SAU administration, the other towns within our SAU and the school administration in a collaborative manner to enact what is best for our students. In our very changing economy, we need to be fiscally responsible and spend money in a manner that gets us the best results. I think this year the School Board and the Budget Committee worked very hard at having positive communication and doing what is best for our students while being as frugal as possible. I would like to help continue this improved communication.
When people ask why I am running, I answer that my husband and I are trying to teach our children that we each have a responsibility to do our part to make our community better. We believe, as we were raised, that the one of the most important things we give our children is a great education. We feel that Hooksett has a great school system and we would like to help make it better. The manner in which we think we can do that is by my running for School Board.
I can promise each member of the Hooksett community, when you vote for me on March 11, I will do my best to represent you on the Hooksett School Board.


Trisha Korkosz
Hooksett

Thank you for allowing me to serve the town of Epsom

To the Editor:
To the residents of Epsom:
Thank you for allowing me to serve you as selectman for the past year. I have certainly learned a lot about Epsom; budgets, RSAs, tax rates and many other important things.
I have also learned what a great town Epsom is, especially the people. I am overwhelmed sometimes at how eager people are to help, donate, volunteer and generally assist the town.
Although I will be running unopposed, as are the other two selectman candidates for their positions, it is important that you make the effort to vote on March 11.
Vote yes on Article 1 and carefully consider each article on the ballot. Each warrant article has many hours of thought and consideration behind it, including cost considerations.
It is important to support our police and fire departments, as well as the work that needs to be done on our roads and for our Highway Department.
Thank you for continuing to support our great town!
Joanne Randall
Selectman, Epsom

Snowmobilers and four-wheelers make park a raceway

To the Editor:
On Sunday afternoon, my daughter and I went for a snowshoe hike to Hayes Marsh in Bear Brook State Park. But it felt more like we were at the Loudon Raceway with all the snowmobiles and four-wheelers flying full throttle down the trails. Firsthand we learned why snow vehicles should not be allowed in the same area of the park that hikers and skiers use.
Following a trail parallel to Podunk Road (which goes from Deerfield Road to the 4-H camps), we came to a wide roadbed leading from Podunk Road to Hayes Marsh. There were 15 to 20 vehicles revving their engines so much that we could hardly hear each other talk. They all took off at full speed toward the marsh. We walked along the edge of the road looking for the next foot trail to escape to. A four-wheeler sped past us and suddenly veered to the right as three snowmobiles came racing from the other direction.
At the place where the road narrowed, a sign said “No motorized vehicles allowed,” but they all drove past it without slowing down to look.
On our return trip, we took the Hayes Farm Trail to save time, but had to keep stepping aside for each group of machines that was apparently trying to set a new speed record. When we were about a quarter mile from the parking lot, we went down Podunk Road and had to suddenly evade a snowmobile that was racing full throttle up the road around a curve at what seemed like 40 to 50 mph.
I am disappointed in the behavior of all these people. In the summertime, you can walk along a roadway and feel safe that passing cars will slow down and give you wide berth. But that does not seem to be the mindset of the snowmobile/four-wheeler crowd. Full throttle seems to be the only way to travel.
Michael Frascinella
Allenstown

No need to be disagreeable when disagreeing with someone

To the Editor:
Apparently, the young Mr. Ross mistook what I intended as advice for admonition.
For the record, Rep. Snow stands behind his votes. As a candidate I was, hopefully, clear about how I would represent my constituents, if elected. I have, again hopefully, consistently attempted to do what I said I would do: listen to everybody, attempt to understand all the sides of every issue and vote for what I believe best serves the needs of all the people.
Inasmuch as there are many sides to every issue, some people will inevitably disagree with any particular vote. It would be nice if we could disagree without being disagreeable.
As always, I’m available for discussion on any issue. I’m old enough to have gained the wisdom to know that there are more questions than there are answers and that I, like Mr. Ross, have opinions, but that neither of us have infinite wisdom.
Richard H. Snow
Candia

Epsom needs recording system

To the Editor:
I am writing this letter in support of Article 17. This article addresses the purchase of an audio/video system for the various town board meetings.
For years, the Board of Selectmen and other boards have had to rely on handwritten notes and transcribed minutes to record their meetings. For those who cannot attend the meetings, it is difficult to keep up with business in town.
This equipment will allow Metrocast subscribers to view the meetins from your home. It will supplement record keeping and could be made available for public use and would be in invaluable in future litigation.
Many towns are now broacasting their town meetings. Let’s bring Epsom into the 21st century.
John Campbell
Epsom

Things not done

To the Editor:
I regret not being able to accomplish the following tasks:
1. An exit exam for the eighth grade, done independently from the school.
2. State and federal government to pay for unfunded educational mandates.
3. State and federal government to pay for unfunded non-educational mandates.
4. The state to allow schools to refuse the mandate moneys and not comply, as is done on the federal level.
5. Stop the demasculinization of our youth.
6. An understanding of where our rights come from and what they are in the Constitution.

Gordon R. Ellis
School Board member
Epsom