At its Nov. 12 meeting, the Portsmouth School Committee approved several personnel and financial items brought forward by subcommittees and administration.

The committee voted unanimously, 7'0to'0, to renew a three‑year contract for Human Resources Director Kim McGuire after the personnel subcommittee recommended the contract for full consideration. The committee also approved a set of budget transfers over $5,000 and accepted 26 smaller transfers under $5,000 (totaling $26,013.77) reported for information.

Members voted to adjust per‑diem substitute and part‑time pay rates for the 2025'26 school year. Superintendent staff explained the change was necessary because the state minimum wage will increase to $16 per hour on Jan. 1; the pay adjustments aim to keep the district competitive and attract substitutes and part‑time aides.

Policy DKC (expense authorization and reimbursement) received final approval after a minor editorial change tying the district's reimbursement rate to the U.S. General Services Administration rate table. Several agenda items were advanced from subcommittees with unanimous votes.

No dissenting votes were recorded. The committee did not amend the specific dollar amounts of the approved budget transfers during the meeting; detailed transfer line items were in the finance packet.