Ivy Ln, Barnstead, NH 03225

We moved to Strafford because the school district was so highly rated at that time. Little did we know that the installation of a new superintendent and a new principal that same summer would be the downfall of the school. Staff were leaving in droves, teachers left or retired earlier than expected, and students from "old, established" families were given license to verbally and physically attack newer students right in the hallways of the school. School administration was abysmal at responding to parents' concerns. And because they allowed most of the best teachers to just leave, students' academic progress sank like a stone.There are a new principal and superintendent in place now, hopefully they can repair the damage that was done. But at present, the only saving graces of this this school district are the few excellent teachers who remained amid the wreckage of the previous administration, and the prospect of eventually sending students to Coe Brown.