Happenings @ SAU 70

August 26, 2025

From Our Superintendent 

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year.   I am so excited to begin this journey together with you.  Yesterday I spoke with the staff about a recent documentary I watched, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, and how it resonated with me in relation to my journey in education.  I discussed how Jiro isn’t focused on perfection in a way that suggests there’s a final, flawless result.  For him, the goal is the daily pursuit of small improvements, and knowing that every piece of sushi can be a little bit better than the last time.   That is how I feel about my work in schools.  

I asked the staff to think about finding happiness and fulfillment in the quiet daily work of mastering an art and inspiring our students to get a little bit better at something every day. This year, my goal is to create a place where every student and staff member can find the passion and joy that comes from working hard at something they love.  It’s not about being perfect; but being curious, trying new strategies, and supporting one another as we work on our craft.

As we enter a new year of growth, discovery and happiness, I am looking forward to seeing all of the wonderful things our students and staff will achieve.  

With that in mind, I would like to welcome new SAU staff members and leaders to our district. Please help me to welcome:

Lauren Amrhein, Interim Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Teresa Taylor, Business Administrator
Janice Starkey, Assistant Business Administrator
Shannon Butler, Administrative Assistant to the SAU
Colleen Roy, Interim Principal of the Bernice A. Ray Elementary School
Anissa Morrison, Interim Principal of the Frances C. Richmond Middle School

Along with that, there are a few changes you will notice in and around our schools.  Crosby Street is currently closed to through traffic.  There is also paving and construction happening on and around Hovey Lane and Lebanon Street.  This work may impede travel to and from the schools, so please plan accordingly.  As you also may know, the New Hampshire legislature passed a “bell to bell” cellphone ban in schools.  Our School Boards are currently working on policy related to this legislation.   Principals also sent out information regarding this matter in their newsletters.   

I look forward to our year of growth together!

From Our Interim Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

It is with deep gratitude and genuine excitement that I write to introduce myself and thank you for the honor of serving as Interim Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for SAU 70. I am humbled to continue my journey in this exceptional community, known for its deep commitment to education and its unwavering support of students and educators.

I have had the privilege of working in education for nearly 20 years, beginning as an elementary school teacher in Virginia, continuing in Washington, D.C., and ultimately making my way to Hanover, where I taught 3rd grade at the Ray School. Following my time in the classroom, I served as assistant principal and then principal at Ray. These experiences affirmed and strengthened my belief in the importance of strong relationships, high-quality instruction, and a shared vision for student success.

Throughout each chapter of my career, I have been closely engaged in the work of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, striving to create meaningful learning experiences for students and supportive structures for educators. I believe deeply in cultivating spaces where students develop not only foundational knowledge but also the ability to think critically, ask big questions, and see themselves as capable contributors to the greater good. That work has been both my passion and my purpose, and I am excited to bring that same focus and energy to this new role.

I am especially honored to support Robin Steiner as she steps into the role of Superintendent. As Assistant Superintendent, her thoughtful leadership in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment laid a strong foundation for innovation, collaboration, and equity across SAU70. I look forward to continuing the important work she has begun, learning alongside our dedicated educators, and advocating for every student we serve.

Thank you once again to the community and our school boards for the opportunity to continue serving in this new capacity. Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! I look forward to the important work we will accomplish together in the time ahead.

SAU 70

41 Lebanon Street, Suite 2

Hanover , NH 03755