As the Claremont School District reels from a massive budget crisis that’s forced layoffs, canceled sports, and even discussions of closing an elementary school, taxpayers are venting outrage at the nearly $40,000 severance package granted to the man who led the district during its financial collapse.
On Friday, SAU 6 announced it had “mutually agreed” to part ways with Superintendent Chris Pratt, who has been on paid administrative leave for weeks. Under the separation agreement, Pratt will collect $39,500 — the equivalent of three months’ salary — plus health insurance coverage for three months.
That payout, residents say, is salt in the wound for a community still reeling from revelations that the district is $5 million in arrears on bills, including health insurance, food service, and employee retirement contributions.
“Send the kids out to beg for sports money, get to the point of closing a school because of cut employees, have teachers try to raise money for printer paper … pay the resigned f**k up 40K,” resident Erica Sweetser wrote on Facebook.
Claremont’s shortfall came to light this summer, stunning taxpayers and forcing the elimination of nearly 40 positions. The district has already frozen purchases, canceled sports programs, and shelved hiring plans. Bluff Elementary School could close its doors as early as next year, though that proposal is currently on hold.
Independent auditor Michael Campo said the financial mess “likely began on Pratt and (Business Administrator Mary) Henry’s watch.” State officials had warned Claremont not to hire Henry due to her poor track record working for other districts.
Both Pratt and Henry were placed on paid leave as the deficit ballooned. Henry, who earned $135,000 annually, remains on leave.
Pratt, who took over as superintendent in January 2024 after serving as principal at Stevens High School, is the second consecutive Claremont superintendent to exit under controversy. His predecessor, Michael Tempesta, earned $147,000 a year.
School Board Chair Heather Whitney has publicly called for the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office or the Sullivan County Attorney to open a criminal investigation into the crisis, saying taxpayers deserve to know if misconduct — not just incompetence — is to blame.
Claremont residents, already paying more than $23,000 per pupil, say Pratt’s severance is indefensible.
“Give the people who brought this disaster a summons, not a check,” resident Steve Scott posted. “A few hundred citizens, students, and parents should begin a protest on his front lawn demanding he donate that $40K to the deficit.”
Another resident, Tina Rock, questioned why the board approved the payout while the district contemplates shuttering a school.
“Disgusting,” she wrote. “He just opts out and asks for three months plus health care, knowing the predicament he helped put SAU 6 in. Whoever decided to go along with this … should be ashamed. He failed his job.”
Even before the budget meltdown, Claremont schools faced long-standing challenges. Despite significant funding subsidies from the state, 36 percent of students tested proficient in English language arts. Just 20 percent met standards in math and science, below state averages.
The SAU 6 Board issued a statement praising Pratt’s service and promising “a search for new leadership will begin immediately.” But taxpayers say words won’t be enough.
Pratt’s departure clears the way for Claremont Middle School Principal Kerry Kennedy to step in as interim superintendent. The board initially tapped Human Resources Director Patrick O’Hearn, but quickly reversed course after criticism over his lack of state certifications.
For now, the focus remains on stabilizing the district’s finances, avoiding school closures, and restoring public trust. Whether Pratt’s $40,000 payout will be the last straw for fed-up taxpayers remains to be seen.
