NEWPORT, NH — Vice Chair Jenna Darling’s resignation was not the only emotional moment during this week’s Newport School Board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The meeting opened with citizens’ comments that ranged from passionate to angry.

Newport parents Breanna and Austin Davis each spoke about separate issues regarding a failure of communication from the district about their children. Breanna Davis raised concerns over her daughter’s anxiety regarding school that has elevated to a level where only one word can describe the school year: hopeless. Davis was not notified that her daughter was struggling in school and failing courses until recently, despite having a 504 plan that highlights communication with parents as crucial.