NH Department of Education dangerously close to breaking the law

New Hampshire’s state funding of public schools is the lowest in the nation, sparking controversy and legal battles over the state’s obligation to provide an adequate education for every child. Despite the state Constitution mandating adequate funding, local property taxes still cover around 70% of public school costs.

The New Hampshire Department of Education is currently updating its minimum standards for public schools, a process that occurs every decade. Critics argue that the revised standards will further reduce funding and shift more financial responsibility onto local taxpayers.

Andru Volinsky, a lead lawyer in the Claremont case, which challenged the state’s school funding, expressed concern over the department’s proposed changes. He emphasized that the state is disregarding previous Supreme Court rulings that ordered adequate funding for public schools.

David Trumble, a retired lawyer, also raised objections to the revisions, citing violations of state law RSA 193-E, which requires both input and output accountability for schools to demonstrate they are providing an adequate education.

The proposed changes include removing maximum classroom sizes, eliminating requirements for certified teachers in certain subjects, and making certain program elements optional rather than mandatory. Critics argue that these changes undermine the principles established by previous court rulings and state statutes.

As the debate over school funding continues, educators, advocacy groups, and community members are pushing back against the proposed revisions. The fate of the updated minimum standards will ultimately be decided by the Education Oversight Committee and the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules. People opposing the changes are encouraged to reach out to representatives and the governor to voice their concerns before the final draft is expected in May.