NO: 4- September 11, 2026

Hilltopper News & Happenings

Welcome to the City of Somersworth Newsletter!

Thank you for being an engaged member of our community. We're glad you're here, and we hope you'll join us every two weeks to stay up to date on what's happening in Somersworth!

2026 State Primary Election: Thank You

The City would like to thank everyone who helped make the 2026 State Primary Election a successful and well-organized event. Special thanks to the City Clerk team, election officials, poll workers, volunteers, City staff, and the Department of Public Works for their hard work in preparing the polling locations and supporting the election process.

Click here to view the 2026 State Primary Election Summary.

The Future of Somersworth Schools

The Mayor's Commission to Redesign and Reimagine the Somersworth School District is inviting residents to help shape the future of Somersworth's public schools through a three-part community engagement series. The kickoff event, "The Future of Somersworth Schools: Permission to Think Outside the Box," takes place Wednesday, September 16th from 6:00–7:00 p.m. at Idlehurst Elementary School, with no RSVP required, and childcare and light refreshments provided. The series continues with a hands-on brainstorming session on September 23rd, featuring small-group discussions on facilities, community partnerships, K-8 redesign, and a reimagining of our high school. The series then wraps up on October 7th.

Chaired by Superintendent John Shea and formed at Mayor Matt Gerding's initiative, the Commission is tackling questions that go beyond incremental fixes — considering how Somersworth might need to fundamentally rethink its schools in the face of statewide pressures like open enrollment, school vouchers, and tax caps. Organizers describe the sessions as judgment-free spaces where every idea is welcome, with proposals expected to come forward in time for the 2027 budget season.

To learn more about the upcoming events, check out the press release here

Primary Candidate Forum

The Somersworth Community Chamber of Commerce hosted a Primary Candidate Forum Tuesday, September 1st at City Hall, giving residents an opportunity to hear from local candidates ahead of the September 8 Primary Election. Candidates shared more about themselves, their priorities, and why they are asking for your vote.

Click here to watch the forum recording

Check out more events hosted by The Somersworth Community Chamber of Commerce

Governor & Executive Council Breakfast

We were happy to welcome Governor Kelly Ayotte, members of the New Hampshire Executive Council, and local community leaders to Somersworth for the Executive Council & Governor’s Breakfast. Thank you to The Somersworth Community Chamber of Commerce and New England Sports Hub for hosting and including City staff. It was a great opportunity to connect with state and local leaders and talk about the work happening here in Somersworth.

Proposed Amendments to Chapter 19. Zoning Ordinance

The Planning Board (PB) will hold a workshop meeting during the regular PB meeting on Wednesday 9/16/2026 to review the proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance. Some of these changes include re-zoning certain areas of the City, changes to setback, frontage and lot size requirements, and density allowances.

The Office of Economic Development and Planning has been working with Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) on Phase III of the Housing Opportunities Grant taking the recommendations from the 2024 Zoning Audit and proposing amendments to Chapter 19. Zoning Ordinance.

If you are interested in learning more about the proposed changes, please reach out to the Office of Economic Development and Planning at 603-692-9516 or email Dana Crossley at dcrossley@somersworthnh.gov

Update: Water Main Replacement work on Old Rochester Road and on Indigo Hill Road

Work on the new water main on Old Rochester Road is substantially complete, and residential properties are now being connected to the new main. Crews will soon move to Indigo Hill Road between Main Street and Rita Road, with work beginning the week of September 14.

Construction will include some road closures and detours, with flaggers and signage in place. The project is expected to be completed in late November, followed by milling and overlay of the road surface.

Update: Road Resurfacing work begins on local neighborhood streets

The City’s FY26 pavement management work includes Nash Parkway, Myrtle Street, Morning Street, and Hanson Street. Milling, shimming, and structure replacement work is underway Tuesday, September 8, through Friday, September 11, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Paving is expected to begin the week of September 14.

Motorists should expect delays and intermittent traffic impacts and are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible. Please use caution and allow extra travel time.

Library Next Chapter Event: September 19th

Join us on Saturday, September 19th for The Next Chapter, an after-hours open house celebrating the launch of the public fundraising campaign for the Somersworth Public Library Addition and Renovation Project.

13th Annual Somersworth Indonesian Festival

Celebrate Indonesian culture at the 13th Annual Somersworth Indonesian Festival on Saturday, September 19, from noon to 4 p.m. at the new location, Maplewood Elementary School, 184 Maple Street. Enjoy an afternoon of food, fashion, culinary arts, live music, traditional dances, community resources, and more. The festival is hosted by ICC-Little Indonesia in collaboration with local community partners.

Salmon Falls Success Safari

Join the Salmon Falls Watershed Collaborative on September 30, 2026 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm to explore recent projects in the beautiful Salmon Falls region and share your knowledge and expertise to inform the development of the Salmon Falls River Watershed Plan. To register, please visit Salmon Falls Success Safari. For more information, contact Laura Weit-Marcum at laura.m.weit-marcum@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-2862. The event is free, but space is limited. Register today!

Click here to reserve your spot

View the agenda here

School Board Seats Vacant in Ward 3 and 5: Here is the process for filling them

The School Board has recently had two resignations. Under the Charter, the City Council will appoint individuals to fill the vacancies until the next election, when voters will elect candidates to serve the remainder of the terms.

What Happens Next

1.Applications are being accepted.

The City Clerk is accepting applications from qualified Ward 3 and Ward 5 residents interested in being appointed to the School Board.

2.City Council will make appointments.

The Council will appoint individuals to serve until the November election.

3.Candidate filing begins September 9.

Candidates interested in appearing on the Special Municipal Election ballot must file between:

September 9, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.
September 24, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Special Municipal Election

A Special Municipal Election for School Board Ward 3 and Ward 5 will be held in conjunction with the November 3, 2026 State General Election. Voters will elect candidates to serve the remainder of the unexpired terms.

For more information or to apply, contact City Clerk Kristen LaPanne at (603) 692-9511. Additional information will be shared as the process moves forward.

Get Involved!

Do you want to be involved in land use decision making? Become a board member. For more information click on the link.

Job Opening- Utility Billing Clerk

Provides administrative support to the water/sewer billing office by compiling data, responding to customer inquiries, preparing invoices, bills, and permits and performing a variety of related paperwork. Knowledge of bookkeeping, customer service, computers, office practices, equipment and procedures required. The City offers a competitive benefit package including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, NH Retirement System, and optional 457 retirement plans. Pay Rate: $23.87 - $31.40 Closing Date: Open Until Filled with first review 09/16/26. EOE.

To apply click on the link

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Safety Resources

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Text, call, or chat if you need to talk to someone. Life brings challenges and can be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, substance use, or just struggling with the stresses of family and life, call 988, and someone can be there to help, so you are not alone. https://988lifeline.org/