On March 19, 2002 we received word that the United States 1st Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Walker, et. al. Lawsuit against the ERCSD. This is very positive news for the commencement of our high school project and other municipal/school projects that have been on hold because of this litigation. The plaintiffs may appeal to the United States Supreme Court and we will know within the next few weeks what ramifications this will have if they choose to do so.

The results of the March 12, 2002 ballot vote and the school districts meeting votes for the SAU 16 towns were favorable for the school budgets and warrants articles. All of the school budgets passed as presented. The voters in Exeter and Newfields chose to remain SB2 districts, as the warrant articles to change their status on their ballots were defeated. Kensington received over 60% in favor of their school addition, as did the ERCSD vote to upgrade existing athletic/physical education playing fields. Although this did not meet the 66 2/3 percent that is now being challenged in the courts, we feel because of the latest court decision (noted above), we are very close to beginning these projects. Technology remains a high priority with the voters of the ERCSD as this $200,000 Warrant Article received 67% of the vote. Some observations that Greg Kann, a member of the ERCSB, compiled from the voting patterns on ERCSD issues over the last five years:

1. The voting in East Kingston is decreasing.
2. The voting in Kensington is increasing.
3. The "No" vote in Exeter for 2002 was the same as 2001 while the "Yes" vote in 2002 was larger by 370.
4. The voting patterns in Brentwood are the most consistent.
5. The voting patterns in Exeter are the most inconsistent.
6. Stratham has the largest gap between "Yes" and "No" votes.
7. Stratham, Kensington and Brentwood have the largest voter support for the ERCSD operating budget.

Thanks to all of you who took the time to Vote!

- Skip Hanson