Committee Summary for House Education Policy and Administration (01/14/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1808 00:09:02.320 - 9:04:28 AM	Public Hearing	establishing the position of academic research and improvement performance data analyst in the department of education and making an appropriation therefor.	Ladd, Rick(R)[B+]2025
HB1640 00:21:53.440 - 9:17:19 AM	Public Hearing	relative to consent for school billing purposes.	Murray, Megan(D)[CT]2025
HB1373 00:48:12.720 - 9:43:38 AM	Public Hearing	relative to background check disqualifications for applicants seeking educator credentials.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025
HB1524 00:59:26.559 - 9:54:52 AM	Public Hearing	requiring a logic and critical thinking course within the state high school education curriculum.	Read, Ellen(D)[D]2025
HB1493 01:34:05.840 - 10:29:31 AM	Public Hearing	relative to health education and requiring pupils to view certain videos demonstrating gestational development of the heart, brain, and other vital organs.	Sellers, John(R)[A-]2025
HB1270 01:42:56.960 - 10:38:22 AM	Public Hearing	clarifying the definition of part-time teacher.	Drye, Margaret(R)[B+]2025
HB1507 01:55:46.639 - 10:51:12 AM	Public Hearing	requiring schools to provide a minimum amount of time for recess per day.	Murray, Megan(D)[CT]2025
HB1820 03:36:24.000 - 12:31:50 PM	Public Hearing	requiring the department of education to administer the education freedom account program.	Luneau, David(D)[CT]2025
HB1341 04:17:52.239 - 1:13:18 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a committee to investigate the department of education's actions regarding school administrative unit 6.	Luneau, David(D)[CT]2025
HB1402 04:41:39.280 - 1:37:05 PM	Public Hearing	relative to credentials for the position of superintendent of schools.	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2025
HB1403 05:00:45.200 - 1:56:11 PM	Public Hearing	relative to credentials for the position of school business administrator.	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2025
HB1823 05:32:28.400 - 2:27:54 PM	Public Hearing	requiring every school, school district, and school administrative unit to produce independent audits and financial reports to be posted publicly and sent to the department of education and the department of revenue administration.	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2025

HB1808: Representative Daniel Popovich (Co-Sponsor) Support00:09:02.320 - 9:04:28 AM; Representative Popovich introduced HB1808-FN-A as a co-sponsor since the prime sponsor is ill. He described the bill as straightforward, noting it passed the House previously but was cut from the budget. The bill creates a position in the Department of Education to analyze academic performance data deeply, providing reports to inform decisions by the department, educators, and legislators. He emphasized the importance of data-driven policy-making and urged support, stating the fiscal estimate is reasonable for a new position without needing new systems.
HB1808: Nate Green, New Hampshire Department of Education Support00:13:17.360 - 9:08:43 AM; Nate Green explained that HB1808-FN-A creates a position for data research and analysis on assessment and accountability data. The department lacks expertise for deep dives into student performance trends across cohorts, grades, and groups. Currently, they publish raw data in large spreadsheets but cannot perform advanced analysis, often directing requests to raw data. The position would enable exploring trends, producing reports, and addressing questions like student progress in math or literacy gains from science of reading initiatives. It would support state-level interventions, inform literacy and math plans, and measure their efficacy, ultimately providing strategies to schools for student improvement. He noted the department's current staff focuses on assessment administration and data reporting, not research.
HB1640: Representative Murray (Prime Sponsor) Support00:21:53.440 - 9:17:19 AM; Representative Murray introduced HB1640 to align New Hampshire's Medicaid to schools billing with federal law (34 CFR 300.154d), requiring only a one-time annual notification and one signature release from parents. She expressed concern that additional signature requirements could hinder or delay reimbursement opportunities for schools providing services under IEPs or 504 plans. The bill streamlines the process for a finite list of Medicaid-eligible services tailored to a child's needs, ensuring districts can recoup funds efficiently without extra barriers.
HB1640: Becky Wilson, Director of Governmental Relations, New Hampshire School Boards Association Support00:26:24.240 - 9:21:50 AM; Becky Wilson supported HB1640, aligning with the association's resolution to make Medicaid to schools more accessible, helping offset local property taxes. The bill removes barriers by eliminating extra consent requirements beyond federal standards of one-time annual consent. She clarified that IEP consents for services are separate from Medicaid billing consents, which only authorize releasing information that a child is receiving services. For new services like adding speech therapy, a new medical order is needed, but if initial consent exists, no new billing consent is required unless substantially different. Parents can withdraw consent anytime, but granular consents per service would be cumbersome for schools. Reimbursement depends on child eligibility and applies only to approved services, with districts using funds to reduce tax rates. She noted upcoming program changes but emphasized removing barriers benefits districts.
HB1640: Amy Daniels, New Hampshire Medicaid to Schools Resource Center Information Only00:41:09.839 - 9:36:35 AM; Amy Daniels provided neutral information on the complexity of Medicaid to schools billing, noting it involves separate systems for educational (IEP/504) and medical (DHS/Medicaid) purposes with distinct processes. She explained that billing reimburses districts for health services provided to eligible students, but confusion arises from overlapping yet independent requirements. The resource center, funded by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, supports districts navigating this without taking positions on legislation.
HB1640: Amy Daniels, New Hampshire Medicaid to Schools Resource Center Information Only00:42:47.119 - 9:38:13 AM; Amy Daniels continues her testimony explaining the role of Medicaid insurance in reimbursing schools for health services provided to children. She emphasizes that schools must follow rules for IEPs, 504 plans, and health plans, and parents must be notified of changes. Schools are required to provide and pay for these services, but Medicaid allows reimbursement up to 50% for eligible students with parental consent, similar to routine doctor visits. She notes that billing health insurance is not a school expertise, so they often subcontract, but parental permission is essential.
HB1373: Representative Katie Pednell, Towns of Walpole and Tuftonboro, Carroll District 6 Information Only00:48:12.720 - 9:43:38 AM; Representative Pednell introduces HB1373 in the absence of the prime sponsor. The bill extends criminal history record checks for applicants seeking educator credentials by adding additional crimes to the existing list.
HB1373: Steve Applebee, Division Director, Department of Education, Auburn, NH Information Only00:49:05.280 - 9:44:31 AM; Steve Applebee provides technical details on the bill, listing the offenses to be added: negligent homicide, felony robbery, felony forgery, and false academic documentation. These would be incorporated into the current screening list for educator licenses, preparation, student approvals, and bus drivers. He explains the process for handling charges pending disposition, where applications are halted until adjudication. He notes the bill originated from observed offenses in background checks and comparisons with other states' practices. Regarding redemption and time periods for certain crimes, he defers to the committee's decision, emphasizing the role of educators around children.
HB1373: Representative Woodcock Information Only00:49:05.280 - 9:44:31 AM; Representative Woodcock seeks clarification on the bolded additions in the bill text on lines five and six, confirming they refer to the RSA numbers for the offenses mentioned.
HB1373: Representative Belon Information Only00:50:20.720 - 9:45:46 AM; Representative Belon asks about specific RSA sections (631:2 and 631:2B) relating to second-degree assault, domestic violence, and sexual assault, and inquires about the bill's origin. Applebee confirms the sections and explains it stems from departmental observations and other states' practices.
HB1373: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:51:25.440 - 9:46:51 AM; The representative asks for clarification on 'charge pending disposition' on line three, and Applebee explains it halts the licensing process until adjudication, either clearing or denying the applicant based on the outcome.
HB1373: Representative Buukak Information Only00:52:20.720 - 9:47:46 AM; Representative Buukak seeks clarification on 'attempted violation' on line seven, and Applebee confirms it is treated similarly to pending disposition.
HB1373: Representative Hall Information Only00:53:20.480 - 9:48:46 AM; Representative Hall asks if a delayed court process of two years would prevent the applicant from working, and Applebee confirms yes, the process is halted during that time.
HB1373: Representative Nato Information Only00:54:25.440 - 9:49:51 AM; Representative Nato discusses belief in redemption for certain crimes and asks about potential time periods, to which Applebee responds that it is a committee decision, noting the sensitivity of crimes involving children and educators.
HB1373: Representative Nato Information Only00:55:07.680 - 9:50:33 AM; The speaker discusses the challenges of judging redeemable offenses and provides examples of false academic documentation, such as falsifying transcripts or assessment scores, explaining that such crimes would prevent credential issuance or lead to revocation under existing processes.
HB1373: Representative Cornell Information Only00:55:07.680 - 9:50:33 AM; Asks for clarification on false academic documentation and its implications for credentialed educators.
HB1373: Representative Murray Information Only00:56:13.920 - 9:51:39 AM; Inquires about the threshold between misdemeanor and felony offenses, focusing on felonies as the relevant line, and asks about felony academic misrepresentations.
HB1373: Representative Celich Information Only00:57:10.000 - 9:52:36 AM; Seeks clarification on RSA 650:2 regarding obscene materials and its relation to the bill.
HB1524: Representative Ellen Reid, Rockingham 10 (Newmarket and Newfields) Support00:59:26.559 - 9:54:52 AM; The sponsor explains the bill's intent to add a semester (54 hours) of logic and critical thinking instruction for high school graduation, corrects drafting errors, provides a detailed definition of critical thinking developed with UNH professors, and argues its necessity for improving education outcomes, societal discourse, and decision-making in a media-saturated world. She emphasizes that logic is already defined but insufficiently integrated, and addresses fiscal concerns by prioritizing this foundational skill.
HB1524: Representative Hall Information Only01:08:10.079 - 10:03:36 AM; Questions the evidence that teachers are failing to teach thinking skills, challenging the sponsor's belief-based argument.
HB1524: Representative Krueger Information Only01:10:08.800 - 10:05:34 AM; Asks if current integration of logic and critical thinking is insufficient, to which the sponsor affirms.
HB1524: Representative Murray Information Only01:11:10.400 - 10:06:36 AM; Clarifies that the course is a separate semester requirement in addition to integrated logic and rhetoric, and inquires about instructional models like VLACS.
HB1524: Representative Belony Information Only01:13:00.080 - 10:08:26 AM; Confirms the course is for high school graduation between 9th-12th grade.
HB1524: Representative Woodcock Information Only01:13:54.640 - 10:09:20 AM; Raises concerns about the fiscal note's $1 million cost for curriculum development and the bill's expansion of adequate education definition, questioning if it's truly that high.
HB1524: Mary Wilson, retired curriculum director Oppose01:18:27.840 - 10:13:53 AM; Highlights logistical issues with implementation timing, unfunded mandates for teacher salaries, the competency-based system's existing integration of critical thinking across subjects, and questions the need for a dedicated half-semester course.
HB1524: Representative Papovichi Muller Support01:20:57.920 - 10:16:23 AM; Shares personal experience from a communist country where critical thinking was suppressed, supports teaching how to think analytically to analyze information, detect biases, and reach independent conclusions, urges support or guidance for improvements.
HB1524: Nate Green, NH Department of Education Information Only01:23:00.000 - 10:18:26 AM; Explains that logic and rhetoric are already required in all courses under ED 306 rules and as a half-credit high school graduation requirement effective 2026-27, suggesting the bill duplicates existing mandates; clarifies credits are competency-based, not tied to seat time.
HB1524: Drew Klein, Chairman, State Board of Education Oppose01:25:38.320 - 10:21:04 AM; Echoes that ED 306 rules already require half-credit in logic and rhetoric for graduation starting fall, integrated into all courses via competencies, making the bill unnecessary; views critical thinking as part of logic and rhetoric, and notes flexibility in achieving credits without a standalone course.
HB1524: Representative Cororsen Information Only01:28:13.840 - 10:23:39 AM; Appears to begin speaking at the end, but testimony cuts off.
HB1524: Lori Cororsen, KOAS District 7 Support01:29:04.960 - 10:24:30 AM; Lori Cororsen spoke in support of critical thinking education, contrasting it with rhetoric. She emphasized that critical thinking minimizes bias by testing claims against evidence, which is lacking in students and adults today. She believes teaching kids to understand beliefs behind repeated information would improve societal harmony.
HB1524: Representative Raymond, Chair of Policy Committee, Nashua Board of Education Information Only01:30:16.320 - 10:25:42 AM; Representative Raymond provided information on Nashua's updated policy requiring a half credit in logic and rhetoric for graduation starting 2026-2027, based on ED 306 updates. Districts are updating policies and creating classes for the course catalog. This is in addition to existing competencies, and students must pass both to graduate.
HB1493: Representative John Sers, Grafton District 10 Support01:34:05.840 - 10:29:31 AM; Representative Sers reintroduced the bill, noting its history from last year, which reached the governor but was vetoed over local control concerns; veto override failed. He highlighted new evidence on humanizing the pre-born, scientific life starting at conception, and benefits like reducing substance use during pregnancy to prevent underweight babies and lifelong medical issues, saving societal costs. Videos from Endowment for Human Development and TED Talks are short (3-6 minutes) and free. Personal anecdote of a known case where drugs caused newborn detox and DCYF involvement, preventable by the video.
HB1493: Mary Wilson, retired curriculum director and assistant superintendent Oppose01:40:49.600 - 10:36:15 AM; Mary Wilson opposed the bill, stressing local control over curriculum, especially for specific items. She raised concerns about who would vet the video.
HB1270: Representative Margaret Dry, Sullivan County District 7 Support01:42:56.960 - 10:38:22 AM; Representative Dry introduced the bill, which adds to existing law at the Department of Education's request, and introduced Steve Applebee for technical details.
HB1270: Steve Applebee, Director, Department of Education, Auburn NH Information Only01:43:46.159 - 10:39:12 AM; Steve Applebee explained three technical fixes: correcting an RSA reference from 189:3-a to 189:3-c; clarifying that qualifications are determined locally by superintendent and principal, not the department; and enforcing professional code of conduct via rescinding criminal history checks for violations, as they lack licenses. This addresses issues with unlicensed community college faculty teaching dual enrollment in high schools.
HB1270: Brian Hawkins, NEA New Hampshire Oppose01:49:28.320 - 10:44:54 AM; Brian Hawkins noted the bill tightens last year's unnecessary law. It's broader than dual enrollment (applies to 20 hours/week, not just guest speakers). Suggested explicit requirement to submit part-time teacher info to the department, like for one-year certificates, to apply code of conduct. Could impact shortages and union contracts variably.
HB1507: Representative Murray Support01:55:46.639 - 10:51:12 AM; Representative Murray introduced the bill for 45-60 minutes daily recess, allowing local flexibility. Supported by over 500 signatures. Benefits include cognitive/executive function, focus, social skills, mental health, physical activity, motor skills, and imagination. Aligns with American Academy of Pediatrics' 60-minute gold standard. Bipartisan interest. Asked to pass as amended.
HB1507: Dan Mitchell, Principal, Griffin Memorial School, Litchfield NH Information Only02:03:43.199 - 10:59:09 AM; Dan Mitchell supported recess benefits for health, development, and interactions. Concerned about provision banning recess withholding as punishment, as schools use restorative practices (not punitive) for reflection and skill-building during recess time, improving outcomes. Needs flexibility for safety and evidence-based responses; broad language may limit this.
HB1507: Carolyn Drury, President, New Hampshire Academy of Audiology Support02:10:11.360 - 11:05:37 AM; Carolyn Drury supported the bill, noting audiologists' agreement. Highlighted classroom noise (55-85 dB vs. ideal 35 dB) causing stress and listening fatigue, especially for young children without developed auditory skills until age 12-14. Recess reduces this stress, akin to adult break requirements.
HB1507: Bry Belmme, Executive Director, New Hampshire Association of School Principals Information Only02:13:52.400 - 11:09:18 AM; Bry Belmme provides information on the value of recess for students' social-emotional and cognitive development, peer relationships, and overall well-being. He emphasizes that school leaders universally value recess but urges the committee to consider implications for state statutes and ED 306 rules regarding instructional hours and the instructional day. He notes the required instructional hours for kindergarten through grade 6 and the limits on daily instructional time, suggesting that any changes might require amendments to ensure alignment. He highlights the need to balance academic requirements with students' emotional health and submits written testimony for deeper details on instructional hours.
HB1507: Chesley Marvin, Founder, Say Yes to Recess New Hampshire Support02:17:12.478 - 11:12:38 AM; Chesley Marvin shares a personal recess memory from her childhood and discusses how HB1507 originated from community concerns about insufficient unstructured outdoor play. She highlights a survey showing 76% of educators believe students lack enough recess time and notes the bill's development with statewide input and research. Marvin emphasizes recess's role in educating the whole child, supporting academic success, and providing equitable access to safe play. She opposes extending the school day but supports local control and clarifies that the bill intends recess time to come from instructional blocks, not lunch or specials, without mandating it as instructional time. She urges passage of HB1507 to lead nationally in child development.
HB1507: Paul Dutton, Principal, North Londonderry Elementary School Support02:22:24.080 - 11:17:50 AM; Paul Dutton supports the importance of recess for social skills, emotional resilience, and physical health but raises implementation concerns. He discusses increased staffing needs for 45-60 minutes of recess, potential for more conflicts and fatigue, and safety issues for younger or special needs students, especially in winter. He advocates for student preferences like better equipment or indoor options over longer durations and stresses equity and local control, as schools vary in facilities and needs. Dutton provides written testimony and notes indoor unstructured time in classrooms for bad weather.
HB1507: Chrissy West, State Chapter Leader, Say Yes to Recess; Doctor of Physical Therapy Support02:25:44.720 - 11:21:10 AM; Chrissy West shares childhood and parental experiences illustrating children's need for movement and recess to prevent behavioral issues like shutdowns and disengagement. As a physical therapist in NH schools, she explains that unmet needs for movement and regulation lead to reactive interventions, which recess can address universally. She highlights recess's benefits for creativity, relationships, and learning readiness, urging an 'ought to pass' vote for HB1507 to support all children through infrastructure rather than individual plans.
HB1507: Daisy Support02:29:33.600 - 11:24:59 AM; Daisy briefly expresses hope that the committee says yes to recess in support of HB1507.
HB1507: Molly Swanson, Parent from Concord Support02:29:33.600 - 11:24:59 AM; Molly Swanson supports more recess to retain families in public schools, drawing from her sons' transition from nature school with ample outdoor play. She emphasizes that increased outdoor time compromises between public education support and unstructured play needs. She stresses prohibiting recess deprivation as punishment, suggesting addressing dysregulation after play for better resolution, unless safety is at risk.
HB1507: Lindsay Benson, Parent from Hooksett Support02:31:57.600 - 11:27:23 AM; Lindsay Benson supports HB1507 based on her children's experiences, including a class losing recess due to a few students' actions, highlighting the need for statewide protection. She argues time can be carved from long instructional blocks often spent on screens, which harm mental health, versus beneficial unstructured play for regulation and focus. Benson views recess as a developmental need, not a reward, and calls for consistency across NH to address district variations and inexperienced teachers' practices.
HB1507: Ellen Gran, Founder of Let's Grow Outside NH Support02:34:03.120 - 11:29:29 AM; Ellen Gran, founder of Let's Grow Outside NH, which operates outdoor farm and nature schools for children ages 3-6, spoke in support of HB1507. She emphasized the mission to get kids outside more and described their full-day program aiming for 50% outdoor time. Reacting to earlier testimony, she cited research showing that extended play, ideally 45 minutes, aids children's brain development and physical activity. She argued that 20-minute recesses are insufficient, leading to heightened excitement without resolution before returning to class. She advocated for at least 30 minutes plus 15 more throughout the day, suggesting reevaluation of school day expectations if that's not feasible. As a former school board member, she noted past statutes allowing 30 minutes of recess to count as instructional time and recommended reinstating that. She addressed punishment concerns by suggesting common-sense approaches to leave no child inside, highlighting the bill's role in providing consistency across schools amid rising mental health challenges.
HB1507: Don Savali, PlayWorks Support02:38:13.359 - 11:33:39 AM; Don Savali from Henniker, New Hampshire, with over a decade at PlayWorks, a national nonprofit focused on recess and play in schools, supported HB1507. He shared a story of a fourth-grader named Charlie with ADHD who struggled in class but thrived at recess, leading to improved focus and grades when allowed leadership roles and extra time outside. Savali noted that while many educators recognize recess benefits, implementation is unequal across nearly 300 school partners he's worked with. He stressed recess as essential for development, not a reward or privilege to withhold, providing opportunities for free play, social skills, conflict resolution, and stress relief. He urged support to equalize access.
HB1507: Lewis Esposito, Executive Director of AEL New Hampshire Support02:41:51.120 - 11:37:17 AM; Lewis Esposito, executive director of AEL New Hampshire, former supportive education teacher and paraprofessional, and father of neurodivergent children, supported HB1507. He emphasized that many children, especially those with disabilities, learn better with movement and fresh air to reset. He addressed withholding recess as punishment, which often unfairly affects disabled students, and noted the bill's provision for more time to accommodate transitions like changing clothes or settling in, which can take 5-7 minutes for some. He offered to submit further information online.
HB1820: Representative Dave Luno, Prime Sponsor, Districts 9 (Hopkinton and Bow, Merrimack County) Support03:36:24.000 - 12:31:50 PM; Representative Dave Luno presented HB1820, arguing for transferring EFA program administration from a third-party contractor (Children's Scholarship Fund) to the Department of Education for efficiency, transparency, and cost savings. He critiqued the program's evolution: originally for low-income students escaping public schools, now open to all with minimal public school exodus (95% already in non-public settings), yielding no taxpayer savings but adding costs. He highlighted the contractor's 10% administrative fee (up to $5.2M in 2026 for 10,636 students), equating to $350K per employee among 15 staff, potentially funding marketing or incentives. Luno proposed state administration to eliminate conflicts (e.g., legislators on the board), ensure timely reports for audits, and avoid 'grifty' incentives. During Q&A, he addressed constitutional concerns, clarified the fee structure, emphasized taxpayer money flow, and noted continuity in tools like class wallets via bidding. He estimated state efficiency over private excess and supported full funding to students without the 10% cut.
HB1820: Karen Leo Hill, Executive Councilor for District 2 Support04:01:23.760 - 12:56:49 PM; Karen Leo Hill, Executive Councilor for District 2 (81 cities and towns in Western New Hampshire), supported HB1820 for better governance, accountability, and clarity in managing the EFA program with public dollars. She argued it's appropriate for a public agency accountable to the governor, council, legislature, and taxpayers to handle eligibility, compliance, and oversight. The bill strengthens transparency, standardizes procedures, improves auditing without altering eligibility or fund uses, reduces fragmentation, and ensures consistent stewardship. She urged an 'ought to pass' vote as a practical management improvement. In Q&A, she deferred on interstate contract details but offered follow-up.
HB1820: Nate Green, New Hampshire Department of Education Information Only04:04:29.920 - 12:59:55 PM; Nate Green from the NH Department of Education provided information on HB1820, noting a forthcoming fiscal note. Initially assuming the 10% set-aside would transfer, they saw no fiscal impact, but the bill's removal requires either reinstating up to 10% retention for DOE administration or additional funding for staff and office (not absorbable without resources). He estimated needing a few staff via DOP process, likely under 10%, with excess lapsing to trust funds. He requested a 1-2 year transition timeline for setup, as July 1 implementation is unfeasible for a $52M program. In Q&A, he discussed admin fee norms (varied percentages or fixed amounts), deferred on interstate contracts, confirmed internal/external compliance monitoring (e.g., audits by KPMG), clarified 'up to 10%' likely means full 10% of $52M, affirmed DOE capability with resources/staff, noted motivation via expenditure limits, and explained current fiscal/compliance role focused on data/reports. He noted direct data access would enable full audits, unlike current third-party reports.
HB1341: Representative Dave Luno, Bow and Hopkinton Support04:17:52.239 - 1:13:18 PM; Representative Luno introduced HB1341, emphasizing that the bill is not about blame but about understanding shared responsibilities between local and state authorities to detect school district distress early. He focused on SAU6 and Claremont School District's financial crisis, rooted in economic decline, high local taxes, and inadequate state funding despite constitutional obligations. He highlighted the Department of Education's role in oversight and funding, noting red flags like non-compliance reports and missing data. The bill proposes a committee to investigate circumstances, DOE actions, subpoena evidence, hold hearings, and recommend preventive measures. He criticized recent state board changes reducing credentials as counterproductive.
HB1341: Representative John Cludier, Claremont Support04:26:15.920 - 1:21:41 PM; Representative Cludier, a Claremont native and product of its schools, strongly supported HB1341. He shared his background as a substitute teacher and noted constituents' outrage over the $5 million deficit revealed just before school started, leading to demands for resignations and accountability. He described the impacts: no athletics funding, reduced busing, staff layoffs, and school closure. He stressed the need to investigate the state's role, especially in grant administration and early warnings, to prevent recurrence elsewhere, viewing Claremont as a 'canary in the coal mine.' He advocated for the committee despite the ongoing local forensic audit, emphasizing shared responsibility without excusing local officials.
HB1341: Representative Hope Damon, Sullivan District 8 Support04:35:33.599 - 1:30:59 PM; Representative Damon, co-sponsor from Sullivan District 8 including Claremont, supported HB1341 to examine state-level DOE actions and former administration's oversight failures, distinct from the local forensic audit. She attended Claremont school board meetings, describing community trauma: teens worried about school opening and curriculum, staff dedication amid 19 rescinded hires, over 20 terminations, and staff fleeing to districts like Newport. She noted other vulnerable NH districts recognized issues locally without DOE help, urging the bill to define state roles and prevent future crises.
HB1402: Representative Hope Damon, Sullivan District 8 Support04:41:39.280 - 1:37:05 PM; Representative Damon introduced HB1402 to establish comprehensive statutory credentials for superintendents, noting most districts employ them despite not being required. She outlined upcoming amendments: increasing experience to 5 years (not 3), requiring a master's or higher degree, clarifying application processes, and emphasizing history/experiences over traditional references to assess past performance and avoid hiring those with protected failure records. She detailed roles like ensuring emotional and physical safety, budgeting, and professional development, arguing these are essential statewide responsibilities, not local discretion, to protect students. She clarified hiring and review by SAU boards, and that current superintendents would be grandfathered.
HB1402: Steve Applebee, NH Department of Education Information Only04:54:52.240 - 1:50:18 PM; Steve Applebee, Director of Educator Credentialing, provided technical assistance. He confirmed sharing recommendations with Representative Damon to align the bill with existing administrative rules (Ed 506.01 and common requirements in Ed 505.04) for superintendent standards, avoiding mismatches in experience or degrees. He noted RSA 194-C:4 outlines broad superintendent services. He deferred on recredentialing current holders to legislators, emphasizing the bill's intent to translate rules into law without unintended consequences. He explained credentialing structure: general, professional, and administrator-specific standards for efficiency.
HB1403: Representative Hope Damon, Sullivan District 8 Support05:00:45.200 - 1:56:11 PM; Representative Damon, prime sponsor, introduces HB1403 as a companion to HB1402, addressing credentials for school business administrators, which were removed in 2022. She notes a forthcoming committee amendment to broaden degree requirements to related fields. The bill sets entry-level requirements like a bachelor's or master's degree, work and education records, and knowledge in areas such as financial management, human resources, facilities, and more. She emphasizes that qualifications do not guarantee success but are foundational, especially given fiscal challenges in districts like Claremont. The bill details responsibilities including financial reporting, compliance, audits, and expertise in bonds and leases. Damon argues for clear statutory needs to ensure capable hires.
HB1403: Representative Jim Copalt, Hillsboro District 32 Oppose05:12:02.160 - 2:07:28 PM; Representative Copalt shares experiences from Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative School District with four business administrators: two adequate, one poor (uncredentialed, failed basic tasks like ledger recording), and one excellent (initially uncredentialed but obtained credentials). He opposes the bill, arguing it creates false security as past credentials did not prevent issues, like in Claremont where the administrator was credentialed. It may shrink the talent pool, forcing safe but limited hires; the poor performer was hired as the only credentialed option. He notes the credential was eliminated in 2023 for sound reasons and urges voting it down.
HB1403: Wayne Ford, Business Administrator Support05:16:17.920 - 2:11:43 PM; Wayne Ford, certified since 1998 (lapsed in 2025 due to elimination), supports reinstatement for skill validation and ongoing professional development, aligning with requirements for other certified staff. He acknowledges certification does not guarantee excellence but helped his early career. The bill's skill list reflects the job's scope; he likens the role to behind-the-scenes operations critical to avoid public failures. He requests provisions for lapsed certifications to reinstate easily, e.g., his to 2025-2028 cycle. On grace periods, he notes past local decisions on certification requirements, citing an outstanding uncredentialed administrator in a large SAU.
HB1403: Chuck Bates, NH Association of School Business Officials Support05:21:18.240 - 2:16:44 PM; Chuck Bates, part-time executive director of NHASBO and former SAU13 business administrator, supports reinstating licensure (repealed June 2023) but suggests strengthening recertification for ongoing professional development. He discusses NHASBO's PD offerings and how best practices could avoid issues like Claremont's, emphasizing early revenue variance detection. Repeal reasons were avoiding licensing and easing hires, but shortages persist. He describes the BA role as VP of finance/operations, needing awareness of all functions. NHASBO's certification program mirrors state requirements; ALT-4 allowed entry with PD (1-3 years). He supports beefed-up licensure for excellence.
HB1403: Steve Applebee, NH Department of Education Information Only05:31:10.718 - 2:26:36 PM; Steve Applebee, Director at NHDOE, offers technical assistance and answers questions on whether business administrator roles fall under OPLC (no current existence there). He confirms no statutory requirement for districts to have a business administrator.
HB1823: Representative Hope Damon, Sullivan District 8 Support05:32:28.400 - 2:27:54 PM; Representative Damon introduces HB1823FN to prevent school funding crises like Claremont's by requiring annual independent audits for SAUs, districts, and schools receiving state funds, submitted to DOE and DRA within 180 days of fiscal year-end, following RSA 21-J:19. Audits must be reviewed by governing bodies; material deficiencies trigger quarterly DOE reporting, consultation, and remedial plans until resolved, mirroring charter school processes. Reports go to key officials and are posted online. It ensures timely data provision and allows DOE to withhold funding for non-compliance. Background: Claremont's crisis from missed grants, miscalculated fund balances, ledger mismanagement, and lack of oversight. Contrasts with HB121's vague probation; urges support as replacement.
HB1823: Mark Manganello, Bureau of School Finance, NHDOE Information Only05:47:52.878 - 2:43:18 PM; Mark Manganello provides technical input: Districts already audit annually, submit to DRA within 12 months (no DOE role except for charters). Costs ~$30,000; fiscal note may need 2 positions and contract for tracking. Only 7% meet 180 days; 70-80% meet 1 year. Suggests reevaluating timeline, clarifying 'schools' (likely charters), and audit jargon (e.g., material weakness triggers more reporting on bad controls; better to focus on deficits). Recommends consulting auditors and DRA for compliance.
HB1823: Dwayne Ford, Business Administrator Support05:55:25.360 - 2:50:51 PM; Dwayne Ford supports the bill's requirements as best practices for validation and fraud prevention but opposes 180-day timeline as unfeasible, especially with single audits (threshold $750K federal funds) starting February post-November updates. Districts should have annual CPA audits; suggests 270 days with waivers. Audits take nearly a year for finalization due to workflows; good practices allow early insights but full reports lag.
HB1823: Chuck Bates, NH Association of School Business Officials Oppose06:02:03.520 - 2:57:29 PM; Chuck Bates opposes mainly due to 180-day timeline amid auditor shortages (one firm dropping out). Supports other best practices and enforcement on non-compliers rather than punishing all. Notes DRA portal reminders; past delays (e.g., SAU13 caught up in a year). School boards are responsible; bonds require current audits, preventing multi-year lags.
HB1823: Christina Barrett, NH School Boards Association Information Only06:04:54.400 - 3:00:20 PM; Christina Barrett offers no position but notes best practices in the bill are likely followed. Suggests language: School boards submit audits to DRA/DOE 'forthwith' upon receipt, avoiding timelines dependent on auditors/waivers. Opposes funding withholding as violating Part 2, Article 83 (Claremont decision mandates adequacy aid regardless of compliance).
HB1823: Bruce Canor, Supervisor of Municipal Bureau, NH Department of Revenue Information Only06:06:50.558 - 3:02:16 PM; Bruce Canor addressed questions regarding compliance with audit requirements under HB1823FN. He confirmed the existence of a waiver provision in RSA 21-J:20-l, small A. He explained that a monetary fine was added as an enforcement mechanism in the 2022 session, but the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) has been examining non-compliance starting with the end of the June 30, 2023 fiscal year without retroactively penalizing prior delays. He emphasized that forcing audits is a last resort, and DRA makes significant efforts to communicate with districts, understand their progress in engaging auditors, and account for variables affecting audit completion.

Noble, Kristin(Chairman)(R)[A+]2025	Drye, Margaret(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Peternel, Katy(V Chairman)(R)[A]2025
Cornell, Patricia(D)[F]2025	Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2025	Belcher, Mike(R)[B+]2025
Hall, Muriel(D)[CT]2025	Terry, Paul(R)[B+]2025	McDonnell, Valerie(R)[B+]2025
Selig, Loren(D)[D-]2025	Balboni, Peggy(D)[CT]2025	Murray, Megan(D)[CT]2025
Tenczar, Jeffrey(R)[B+]2025	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025	Woodcock, Stephen(D)[F]2025
Kluger, Lee Ann(D)[F]2025	Snodgrass, Jim(D)[F]2025	Nadeau, Brian(R)[B+]2025