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This episode is a quick summary of the ERCSD co‑op school board meeting (Oct. 21). Chair Bill Gothier opened with introductions and student reps from Exeter High and Cooperative Middle School reported on activities, safety lessons, and extracurricular successes. Highlights included a first‑place U.S. History project; facilities planning with a proposed RFP for campus renovations and cost‑saving office relocations; approved small grants for water treatment and robotics; and updates on budgeting, policies (parental bill of rights, device and homework policies), and safety programs. State Rep. Melissa Litchfield clarified recent legislation affecting intra‑ vs. inter‑district schools. The board approved a Quebec immersion trip and debated (but did not revoke) a Morocco trip amid safety concerns

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 This episode opens with heartfelt gratitude for Jim and Laura Hajjar, two unsung heroes quietly serving our community. We then recap a pivotal November 4th Select Board meeting featuring the swearing-in of new fire and police chiefs, staffing and public-safety updates, budget decisions, and key policy discussions shaping Brentwood’s year ahead. To close, we step into the season with a brief journey through the history of Thanksgiving—its origins, evolution, and the spirit of gratitude it inspires—along with reminders about burn permits, food-bank donations, and appreciation for our first responders and soldiers. Happy Thanksgiving from Brentwood Joe’s Town Hall Podcast.

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Welcome to this important episode where we take a closer look at the SAU 16 School Board meeting from October 20th, 2025. Attendance at these meetings has been low, yet they have a major impact on our communities—especially since our schools account for nearly three-quarters of our property taxes. This podcast aims to change that by highlighting key discussions and decisions so residents can stay informed and involved.

In this episode, we unpack the night’s major themes:

• Budget transparency: The SAU presented a “zero percent increase” budget, but the real story lies in how costs are shifting between towns.
• Audit corrections: The administration responded quickly to recent compliance issues, but long-term oversight will be key.
• Technology overhaul: After years of frustration with Alma, the board approved a move to Infinite Campus—raising big questions about cost, training, and lessons learned.
• Open enrollment fallout: A new NH Supreme Court ruling could reshape district budgets and student assignments, introducing fiscal risk and governance challenges.
• Governance and engagement: From delayed votes to minimal public turnout, this meeting underscored the need for clearer communication, stronger planning, and better outreach.

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This week on the Brentwood Podcast, we’re inviting you to join us for our usual look at the Selectboard meeting—where decisions big and small keep our town running—and a thoughtful dive into a topic that touches us all: Daylight Saving Time. From the financial housekeeping that keeps Brentwood’s gears turning to heartfelt community updates, we’ll cover the details that matter most. You’ll hear about property zoning challenges, cemetery stewardship, budget priorities, and even a generous land donation that highlights the town’s spirit of responsibility. Then, we shift gears to explore the origins and impacts of Daylight Saving Time—its history, benefits, and the growing debate about whether to keep changing our clocks. As always, we’d love to hear from you. Leave your comments on YouTube, Facebook, or right here on the podcast, and don’t forget to send in your shout-outs—no milestone is too small to celebrate. With the holidays approaching and local events like the Library’s Pumpkin Festival on the horizon, let’s remember to support our neighbors, thank our first responders and military, and keep our community strong. Tune in, get informed, and be part of the conversation—because your voice makes Brentwood better.

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 In this episode, we catch up after a short break to talk about Brentwood’s latest happenings — from heartfelt community moments and nostalgic memories of Hampton Beach to important Select Board updates on budgets, health insurance, and town planning. We also share local news on upcoming events, safety advisories, and ways to support our neighbors. It’s all about keeping Brentwood connected, informed, and inspired.

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This podcast episode for "Brentwood Joe's Town Hall" offers a comprehensive look into Brentwood's municipal affairs,The bulk of the discussion centers on the September 8, 2025, Municipal Budget Committee meeting, where significant financial discrepancies were uncovered, particularly regarding employee health insurance overpayments by the town and compensation ratios exceeding national averages. The episode also covers a Select Board meeting that included the swearing-in of new police officers, discussions about police pay scales to aid recruitment, and updates on open town positions and the ongoing 2024 financial audit. 

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This episode of "Merit vs Mandate" delves into a contentious Select Board meeting concerning COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) raises for Municipal workers, where a proposal suggested an increase no less than the Federal COLA for Social Security recipients, with a subsequent cap at 4%. Emphasizing the "Janice situation," a speaker highlighted that as a Social Security recipient managing personal expenses like car payments, they believe any COLA increase for municipal workers should not exceed the percentage determined for Social Security recipients. This discussion underscores the tension between such a universal, mandated COLA and the current system where Municipal workers receive compensation through collective bargaining and merit-based raises. The meeting also saw disturbing "veiled threats" of service deprivation if compensation requests were unmet, all within a small town of approximately 4600 residents where employment expectations should consider the town's size. Ultimately, the conversation framed monetary compensation as distinct from appreciation, contingent instead on the town's budget and the residents' ability to tolerate tax increases.

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In this episode, we cover the Brentwood Select Board meeting from August 19th, 2025—a packed agenda featuring major announcements, community discussions, and important decisions. Highlights include John Morgan’s heartfelt resignation from the board, approval of payroll and consent items, and a unique property reassessment for a Middle Road resident. We introduce Julie Stevens as the new Finance Manager, celebrate National Night Out, and hear the retirement announcement of longtime Police Chief Joseph Bird. Other key topics include police detail rate adjustments, building inspector hours, health insurance concerns, Route One Twenty Five speed limit legislation, fire department updates including a new forestry tanker, progress on town-wide property revaluation, and a review of the COLA policy. Public comment raised spirited debate on trash collection, budget clarity, and community transparency. Committee reports rounded out the evening, touching on the municipal building project, highway paving, and upcoming school year events before the board moved into non-public session

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Brentwood Joe's Town Hall podcast is your direct connection to the heart of Brentwood, fostering community dialogue on local issues from recycling to the tax cap. It offers transparent updates on municipal building projects, including the new police department, while also celebrating the town's rich history and dedicated volunteers. Tune in to message your questions and feedback, helping to "build a better place to be" for all residents

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Participate to Make a Difference is your invitation to step off the sidelines and into the conversation. Hosted by a first-time podcaster with a first-time mission for our town, this show is all about waking us up, tuning us in, and getting us involved. Each episode opens the door to what’s really going on in our community — from upcoming town meetings to local projects, debates, and decisions that shape our daily lives. You’ll hear stories, meet neighbors, and discover the small but powerful ways your voice and your vote can make change happen. It’s time to listen, learn, and take part — because in this town, participation isn’t just encouraged, it’s how we make a difference.