Announcing Inaugural Innovation Schools Fellowships

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Education is pleased to announce the selection of Concord School District and SAU-7 (Colebrook Academy) as inaugural members of the Innovation Schools Fellowship. 

Through the Innovation Schools Fellowship, Concord and Colebrook Academy will pursue bold plans to provide more choices for students and families through the creation of newly proposed schools. At the end of the planning and design process, each district will emerge with a new school model that, if approved by the local school board, has the potential to dramatically change the lives of children in their community for years to come.

“I am delighted that Concord and SAU-7 have embraced this opportunity to reimagine learning with the Innovation Schools Fellowship, which can directly support their local educators,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner. “These two districts are seizing this unique moment to offer more choices for families through ambitiously redesigned schools, and the teachers and students in Concord and SAU-7 will benefit immeasurably from their innovative work.”  

Through the Innovation Schools Fellowship, SAU-7 intends to develop a comprehensive Career Technical Education (CTE) program in collaboration with local industries, and with a focus on students accessing early college. 

“Our comprehensive platform of innovation will refocus all of our efforts and strategies so more students gain a sense of purpose and agency …,” said Debra Taylor, superintendent of SAU-7. “Our school board, educators and students are squarely in support of our efforts.”

The Department of Education selected Concord School District for the Innovation Schools Fellowship because of the district’s vision to create a middle school program that provides more holistic, wraparound supports for its diverse student body. 

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to be a part of the Innovation program. We look forward to moving beyond all of the challenges we have had over the past two years,” said Kathleen Murphy, superintendent of the Concord School District. “This is an opportunity for us to build a strong partnership in our community while focusing on middle-level students …”

The Innovation Schools Fellowship, an initiative of the New Hampshire Department of Education, is funded by Title II, Part A funds. If a district still wishes to apply for the Innovation Schools Fellowship for this year, please contact Matt Brunell from Rooted Partners at matt@rootedpartners.org.