Committee Summary for Senate Education Finance (01/22/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB584 00:04:38.320 - 9:00:25 AM	Public Hearing	increasing the amount of funding provided for students receiving special education services.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025
SB513 00:37:37.040 - 9:33:24 AM	Public Hearing	requiring schools to engage an owner's project manager for construction of school building aid projects at the time of application.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[B-]2025
SB491 00:41:46.960 - 9:37:33 AM	Public Hearing	enabling students to utilize education freedom account funds to pay for certain career and technical education funding.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB582 01:03:44.720 - 9:59:31 AM	Public Hearing	modifying the base cost of an adequate education.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025
SB507 01:48:04.719 - 10:43:51 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the financial obligation of a school district concerning students expelled for committing assault against a school staff member.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB583 02:03:30.000 - 10:59:17 AM	Public Hearing	directing the department of education to create an education funding transparency data and reporting system.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB581 02:12:10.880 - 11:07:57 AM	Public Hearing	modifying education freedom account (EFA) eligibility and removing priority guidelines and the enrollment cap relative to EFA eligibility.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)[A-]2025

SB584: Pete Mulvy, Director of Policy and Communications, Senate Minority Office Support00:04:38.320 - 9:00:25 AM; Pete Mulvy introduced SB584 on behalf of Senator Prentice, who was absent. The bill increases the per pupil differentiated aid for special education from $2,100 to $16,000 to better reflect actual costs, which range from $20,000 to $100,000 per student. This aims to provide property tax relief, promote educational equity, ensure compliance with federal IDEA requirements, stabilize school budgets, and align with the state's constitutional obligation to fund an adequate education. He suggested a committee amendment to change the effective date to July 1, 2027.
SB584: Marjorie Porter, resident of Hillsboro, NH Support00:08:08.479 - 9:03:55 AM; Marjorie Porter, a former representative of Hillsborough, spoke in support as a taxpayer. In Hillsboro, 22% of the school budget is for special education, but state aid is only 0.3% of revenues, with 62% coming from local property taxes. Recent reassessments increased taxes despite a lower rate, causing tensions between taxpayers and the school. The school board reduced the operating budget by $900,000, but the burden is unsustainable. She urged support for the bill to relieve local taxpayers.
SB584: Lorna Carla, school board member and taxpayer, Hillsboro, NH Support00:10:40.320 - 9:06:27 AM; Lorna Carla, a school board member and budget committee member in Hillsboro, testified as a taxpayer. Taxes are rising, pitting taxpayers against the school budget, leading to cuts like $2 million last year. Special education is mandated, but funding is inadequate, causing issues like high transportation and out-of-district costs up to $100,000. This exacerbates disparities between poor and rich towns. She referenced the Claremont decision and called for action to control taxes and prevent a revolt, emphasizing that the bill is a necessary start.
SB584: Curtis Hamilton, Vice Chair, Conval School Board Support00:13:08.560 - 9:08:55 AM; Curtis Hamilton spoke on behalf of the Conval School Board. SB584 addresses flaws in special education funding, where districts bear upfront costs with modest adequacy add-ons and prorated reimbursements. In Conval, special education expenditures rose from $9.5 million in 2016 to $17.5 million in 2025, but state aid's share fell from 12.23% to 7.57%, shifting burden to local taxpayers in nine towns. The bill recognizes costs upfront, reduces local pressure, and aligns with legislative commission findings. The $16,000 amount is below average costs, making it a measured step.
SB584: Zach Shien, Executive Director, New Hampshire School Funding Fairness Project Support00:17:33.520 - 9:13:20 AM; Zach Shien supported SB584, noting it mirrors prior proposals. Over 31,000 students (20% of public school enrollment) receive special education, with average additional costs over $31,000 per student, but adequacy aid is only $2,100, covering 10% of costs; 83% is local. This leads to tensions and unequal tax burdens. He highlighted the 2025 Rand lawsuit ruling by Judge Ruof, finding the $2,100 unconstitutional under Claremont, as it violates equal treatment and fails to fund evaluations ($1,600 average). The bill advances equity and constitutionality.
SB584: Mark Manino, Bureau of School Finance, Department of Education Information Only00:24:36.400 - 9:20:23 AM; Mark Manino provided fiscal note details: enacting SB584 would require about $420 million from the education trust fund for districts, plus $15 million each for EFAs and charter schools, totaling $450 million.
SB584: David Trumbull, town of Ware Support00:25:39.919 - 9:21:26 AM; David Trumbull supports SB584 by emphasizing the legal rights of students with disabilities under federal law, which mandates free and appropriate education for 13 specified disabilities. He uses a pizza analogy to illustrate funding shares: state at 11%, federal at 6%, and local at 83%. He cites state constitutional obligations from Claremont decisions to educate all students, including those in special education, where costs average $50,000 per pupil versus $18,000 for non-special ed. Trumbull highlights the effectiveness of New Hampshire's special education programs, noting high graduation rates, low dropout rates, and 81% post-secondary enrollment or employment. He references a Texas case showing reduced high school completion and college attendance without adequate special ed funding. The bill provides stability for local school budgets.
SB584: Michaela Demiter, Dover School Board Support00:31:05.520 - 9:26:52 AM; Michaela Demiter, representing the Dover School Board, supports SB584, noting its significant implications for districts. Dover benefits from economies of scale but spends $3,000 more per special ed student than the state average. The state's $2,185 contribution is insufficient against $31,000 additional costs, covering only 9.6%. She describes budgeting challenges, including mid-year overruns like $2.4 million in a $102 million budget, and volatile transportation costs for out-of-district placements. Demiter stresses the federal right to education for students with disabilities and urges meaningful state funding increases. She points out bill language inaccuracies (e.g., outdated numbers like 2100 instead of 2185) and recommends updates for fiscal accuracy.
SB513: Grant Bossy, Deputy Chief of Staff, NH Senate Information Only00:37:37.040 - 9:33:24 AM; Grant Bossy introduces SB513 on behalf of Senator Daryl Abbas, requiring schools applying for state building aid to hire a project manager at filing. This common practice saves money and improves efficiency, safeguarding tax dollars. It's a reintroduction of last year's SB209, which didn't pass the House. Bossy defers questions to Senator Abbas.
SB513: Mark Manganello, Bureau of School Finance, Department of Education Information Only00:39:55.440 - 9:35:42 AM; Mark Manganello provides fiscal note details on SB513, stating project management costs 1-5% of the project, ranging from $1,500 to $250,000. The department lacks data on pre-award costs but anticipates local expenses if services start before approval.
SB491: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support00:41:46.960 - 9:37:33 AM; Senator David Waters introduces SB491 to address tuition and transportation funding for career and technical education (CTE) centers, separating formulas for better planning and increasing support beyond current $9 million to avoid proration. He credits collaborative efforts and notes thriving CTE enrollment. The bill shifts formula development to the Department of Education, establishes separate funds, and ensures EFA students know about CTE options via DOE resources. Waters proposes an amendment to remove section three on EFA access to avoid fiscal impacts and ongoing issues, focusing on core funding improvements. He emphasizes access for all students interested in trades, business, healthcare, etc.
SB491: Mark Manganello, Bureau of School Finance, Department of Education Information Only00:52:17.599 - 9:48:04 AM; Mark Manganello discusses policy principles for EFAs under SB491, including no double-dipping of public funds and district responsibility for accepted funds. Current practice for EFA students in CTE involves using EFA money, disenrolling to access district adequacy, or free services. The bill could allow EFA retention without adequacy to districts, avoiding double-dipping but shifting costs to districts without compensation, creating policy disharmony.
SB491: Steve Rothenberg, former CTE principal in Concord Information Only00:59:37.760 - 9:55:24 AM; Steve Rothenberg, retired CTE principal from Concord with 14 years experience, shares his expertise from managing the largest number of sending schools in the region. He discusses building relationships with principals, superintendents, parents, and students to understand the value of CTE, especially for students traveling long distances like an hour and 10 minutes round trip for 1.5 hours of class. He neither supports nor opposes SB491 but echoes Senator Waters' testimony on improving models for tuition and transportation. He explains sending schools (Hillsboro, John Stark, Pittsfield, Pembroke Academy, Bow, Merrimack Valley) have long borne downstream costs. He critiques the bill's proposal where sending schools pay even with vouchers, reinforcing the need to examine voucher impacts on sending obligations. Rothenberg believes demand for CTE will persist regardless of student type (public, private, homeschooled), emphasizing the state's role in facilitating access to help students explore futures, noting nearly 10,000 students statewide participate. He urges separating tuition and transportation expertise and not overburdening sending schools.
SB582: Senator Deborah Altschiller, Senate District 24 Support01:03:44.720 - 9:59:31 AM; Senator Deborah Altschiller, representing Senate District 24 (towns of Exeter, Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, North Hampton, Rye, and Stratham), introduces SB582 to comply with the November 2023 court decision in Conval School District v. State of New Hampshire. The case, filed in 2019 by school districts and taxpayers, challenged the constitutionality of NH's school funding law. After Supreme Court reversal in 2021 requiring fact-finding, a trial ensued with testimony from superintendents, school personnel, and finance experts. Judge David Ruoff ruled the state's $4,100 per pupil base adequacy inadequate, determining it must exceed $7,356.41 to cover components like teachers, materials, curricula, libraries, technology, transportation, facilities, and nurses. This requires an immediate increase, representing a $537,550,970.95 boost in aid. She provides a QR code linking to the decision and NH Education Law Center article, urging passage to Senate Finance for compliance with constitutional obligations under RSA 193-E:2-B.
SB582: Marjorie Porter, Hillsborough resident Support01:09:45.279 - 10:05:32 AM; Marjorie Porter from Hillsborough shares personal history: her late husband left East Washington in 1956 due to poor education quality; his mother's 1955 letter lamented NH's education funding. As a 1980s NH teacher, Porter recalls the Augenblick formula promising 80% state funding for needy communities, which failed, leading to Claremont I (1990s) and II (2006) lawsuits yielding insufficient funds. She notes her 2019 bill for Conval District to include transportation costs was deemed inexpedient to legislate (ITL). Current Conval and Rand cases highlight legislative inaction amid rising property taxes burdening owners, especially in property-poor towns (e.g., $1.5M sale in Tuftonboro vs. her $279K home with $6K tax). NH cherishes public schools but state failures pit taxpayers against them. After 75 years, SB582 remedies this by increasing base adequacy.
SB582: Lorna Carile Support01:14:24.800 - 10:10:11 AM; Lorna Carile emphasizes education costs at least $20,000 per student for an educated workforce crucial to attracting manufacturing and businesses to NH; underfunding drives them away. High property taxes strain retirees on fixed incomes and first-time buyers, linking to affordability. She critiques ESAs (Education Freedom Accounts) for indirectly raising per-pupil costs via fixed expenses (buildings, transportation, teachers) when enrollment drops without full classroom reductions. Prioritizing public schools, as in her upbringing, is key; SB582's $7,300+ base adequacy is a policy start to support NH's public education system.
SB582: David Trumbull, town of Ware Support01:16:44.800 - 10:12:31 AM; David Trumbull supports SB582, emphasizing the state's constitutional duty to adequately fund public schools as per the Claremont case, which limits funding to public schools and deems current funding unconstitutional. He argues for updating the adequacy figure from $7,356 to at least $8,000 with a cost-of-living adjustment, citing expert testimony for even higher amounts. He views education as an investment yielding higher earnings and reduced poverty, especially for low-income students, and highlights benefits for towns with low property tax bases to retain teachers and offer robust programs like AP courses.
SB582: Mark McNeill, Bureau of School Finance, Department of Education Information Only01:21:37.120 - 10:17:24 AM; Mark McNeill provides fiscal information on SB582, estimating an ongoing cost of around $500 million to the education trust fund starting in fiscal year 28, affecting adequacy aid for districts, charter schools, and EFAs. He notes the fiscal note is in process but offers to email estimates, acknowledging uncertainties in student data, poverty, and property values. He clarifies the bill increases base adequacy without reducing other aid components like free and reduced meals, special ed, or English language learners, and no district would be harmed.
SB582: Megan Tuttle, President of NEA New Hampshire Support01:25:33.760 - 10:21:20 AM; Megan Tuttle supports SB582, noting New Hampshire ranks last in state share of public education funding at 25%, burdening property taxpayers in low-value communities and forcing cuts to services or tax hikes. She stresses evolving student needs require resources for supportive environments, citing recent teacher reductions in Farmington and risks from bills like SB101 exacerbating inequities. Educators face shortages and outdated resources; the bill allows the state to fulfill its role, preventing larger classes and unmet needs while aligning with voter investments in future generations.
SB582: Zach Shien, Executive Director, New Hampshire School Funding Fairness Project Support01:28:52.239 - 10:24:39 AM; Zach Shien supports SB582, rooted in the Conval Supreme Court ruling mandating at least $7,356 base adequacy (likely higher), creating a $500 million annual gap to shift burden from property taxpayers (70% local share) to the state (20%). The ruling rejected the state's motion to reconsider; no evidence defended current funding levels during the six-year case. He highlights support from 438 local officials across 145 towns and a petition from 1,900 constituents urging increased state funding to reduce local tax reliance.
SB582: Deborah H., President of American Federation of Teachers New Hampshire Support01:33:23.760 - 10:29:10 AM; Deborah H. supports SB582 to fulfill the state's obligation for adequate public education funding, expanding adequacy to include teacher salaries, counselors, librarians, nurses, technology, materials, professional development, custodians, transportation, and maintenance—omitted in the original formula. Underfunding shifts costs to taxpayers unable to pay more, leading to larger classes, fewer electives/AP/CTE programs, reduced interventions, aging buildings, and deferred maintenance causing catastrophic failures. The bill improves outcomes, eases taxpayer pressure, stabilizes planning, complies with courts, and addresses 30 years of delay since Claremont without reducing other formula parts.
SB582: Senator Tim Lang, District 2 Oppose01:37:46.159 - 10:33:33 AM; Senator Tim Lang opposes SB582 due to its $536 million cost without specified revenue, potentially raising the statewide education property tax by $1.80 per thousand, increasing burdens amid property tax complaints. He notes no guarantee of local reductions and questions shifting from other sources like business taxes, which could slow growth, or cutting agencies like Health and Human Services. He critiques the court order for ignoring broader state education efforts (e.g., building aid, special ed) beyond base adequacy, viewing it as flawed for focusing on one line item in a $3 billion budget. Alternatives like sales/income taxes or non-tax revenues (e.g., gambling, marijuana) are discussed but not resolved in the bill.
SB507: Senator Keith Murphy, Goffstown, Hooksett, Raymond, Candia, North Manchester Support01:48:04.719 - 10:43:51 AM; Senator Murphy introduced SB507, explaining it addresses the issue of school staff safety amid assaults by students. He noted that expelling such students is reasonable but costly, often reaching six figures, which districts cannot afford, leading them to keep threats in schools. The bill caps district financial liability at the average per-pupil cost, shifting excess costs to parents, emphasizing accountability for raising children who do not assault staff.
SB507: Senator Rosenwald Information Only01:51:15.520 - 10:47:02 AM; Senator Rosenwald expressed sympathy for the bill's intent but raised concerns about its impact on students with intellectual disabilities, autism, or cognitive issues, noting high graduation rates for special needs students in New Hampshire and the risk of leaving them behind.
SB507: Senator Keith Murphy Support01:51:15.520 - 10:47:02 AM; In response to Senator Rosenwald, Murphy clarified the bill does not intend to affect students with disabilities and offered to work on an amendment to exempt them. He focused on students with a history of assaulting staff, arguing districts should not bear full costs for expensive alternative facilities, while ensuring protections for those with health or medical issues like autism.
SB507: Joe Sonia, Raymond School Board Information Only01:53:21.360 - 10:49:08 AM; Joe Sonia from the Raymond School Board discussed the bill without endorsing or opposing it formally, as no vote was taken. He highlighted compliance with federal laws like IEPs and 504 plans, cautioning against a per-pupil cost cap in small districts, which could burden taxpayers without reducing staff. He agreed on addressing assaults but noted expulsion processes are complex and costly alternatives exist, emphasizing no discrimination against students with disabilities.
SB507: Karen Rosenberg, Policy Director, Disability Rights Center Oppose01:56:07.280 - 10:51:54 AM; Karen Rosenberg opposed SB507, citing federal law (IDEA) requiring free appropriate public education even for expelled students with disabilities. She warned the cap could disincentivize identifying disabilities and contradict federal requirements. While acknowledging assaults are unacceptable, she stressed protections for students whose behavior relates to disabilities. Federal data showed low expulsion numbers, with disabled students expelled at higher rates, urging the committee to find it inexpedient to legislate.
SB507: Senator Murphy Support01:59:13.040 - 10:55:00 AM; In response to Rosenberg, Murphy described a real scenario of a pregnant teacher assaulted by a student, questioning how to separate them. He sought clarification on expulsion possibilities under disability scenarios.
SB507: Karen Rosenberg Oppose02:00:18.000 - 10:56:05 AM; Responding to Senator Murphy, Rosenberg explained that under IDEA, students with disabilities can be expelled if behavior is not a manifestation of their disability, or removed to alternative settings even if it is, ensuring separation while providing appropriate education. She reiterated the bill's cap could conflict with federal costs for such placements.
SB507: Mark McNello, Bureau of School Finance, Department of Education Information Only02:02:23.360 - 10:58:10 AM; Mark McNello noted special education costs are typically 50% higher than regular education, so limiting to average per-pupil cost could conflict with IDEA, similar to prior testimony. He suggested amendments for harmony with federal law if proceeding.
SB583: Senator Tim Lang, District 2, Lakes Region (Eaton, Thornton, Sanbornton, Guilford) Support02:03:30.000 - 10:59:17 AM; Senator Lang introduced SB583 as a bipartisan bicameral bill to modernize education funding data access via a 21st-century platform. It enables real-time modeling, scenario testing, and multi-year public access, improving transparency over current spreadsheet-based methods and cumbersome PDF reports. The bill includes a $900,000 first-year appropriation and $500,000 annually, acknowledging fiscal notes but emphasizing democracy's cost for better decision-making.
SB583: Senator Rosmorse Information Only02:06:21.280 - 11:02:08 AM; Senator Rosmorse asked about staffing for the new system and potential fiscal notes for new positions.
SB583: Senator Tim Lang Support02:06:21.280 - 11:02:08 AM; Lang responded that existing staff would manage the platform with a shift, initial costs explaining the higher first-year funding, but no long-term new positions expected as it leverages current datasets.
SB583: Senator Rosmorse Information Only02:06:21.280 - 11:02:08 AM; Follow-up on whether transparency applies to the EFA program.
SB583: Senator Tim Lang Support02:06:21.280 - 11:02:08 AM; Lang confirmed it covers DOE-managed funds, including EFA reporting.
SB583: Senator Rosmorse Information Only02:07:27.040 - 11:03:14 AM; Further questions on overriding DOE assertions about third-party EFA contracts.
SB583: Senator Tim Lang Support02:07:27.040 - 11:03:14 AM; Lang explained legal limits on accessing third-party vendor data under current contracts, focusing on state-controlled data for easier public and legislative access without overriding contract law.
SB583: Unidentified Senator Information Only02:08:23.119 - 11:04:10 AM; Recalled prior discussions on DOE and AG positions regarding compelling data requests from vendors.
SB583: Senator Tim Lang Support02:09:44.719 - 11:05:31 AM; Lang clarified the contract specifies data ownership by the vendor, preventing state access.
SB583: Unidentified Senator Information Only02:09:44.719 - 11:05:31 AM; Asked what taxes Lang proposes to raise for the bill's costs.
SB583: Senator Tim Lang Support02:10:45.760 - 11:06:32 AM; Lang argued no tax increase needed, citing improving revenues, business tax growth, and expected surpluses by year-end, as projected in finance committees.
SB581: Senator Victoria Sullivan, District 18, Manchester Wards 5-9, Litchfield Support02:12:10.880 - 11:07:57 AM; Senator Sullivan introduced SB581 to remove the 10,000-student cap on Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs), noting last session's cap left 800 children waiting. She advocated for universal access to ensure no child is denied school choice opportunities, seeking an ought to pass recommendation for education freedom for all New Hampshire children.
SB581: Senator Andis Information Only02:13:04.480 - 11:08:51 AM; Senator Andis confirmed the waiting list number of 800 students.
SB581: David Trumbull, town of Ware Oppose02:13:47.040 - 11:09:34 AM; David Trumbull opposed SB581 on constitutional grounds, arguing the state must fund public schools per the constitution and Claremont, but private school funding is optional and cannot discriminate against religious schools per US Supreme Court (Carson case). He criticized EFAs as not true choice for all, especially special education (21% of public students vs. 9% in EFAs, with inadequate $2,000 aid vs. $30,000 needs) and ELL students (dropping to near zero in EFAs vs. 5% in public). He highlighted cost overruns from $3M to $60M after removing income caps, minimal switchers (under 1,000 total, no public school savings), and diversion from the Education Trust Fund meant for public schools. He urged focusing surplus on constitutional obligations like special ed, dismissing one-time revenue boosts.
SB581: Andrea Clair, resident of Manchester Support02:19:41.679 - 11:15:28 AM; Andrea Clair commented to correct Trumbull, stating her daughter receives an EFA, has a 504 plan honored via a student action plan at her school, and is transitioning to middle school, countering claims that EFAs do not support special needs students.
SB581: Andrea Oclair, resident of Manchester Support02:20:10.160 - 11:15:57 AM; Andrea Oclair shares her personal story of leaving an abusive marriage in 2015 and raising her daughter Stella alone while pursuing her career as an X-ray technician. In 2022, after moving to Manchester, Stella started third grade at a local public school where she experienced severe bullying, including being choked twice and threatened with a gun by a peer. The school's response was dismissive, downplaying the threats and incidents, which left Andrea feeling her daughter's safety was not prioritized. This led her to enroll Stella mid-year in St. Katherine of Siena Catholic School, which provided a safe, nurturing, faith-based environment. Despite the financial challenges, Andrea and her husband committed to keeping Stella in Catholic school. She highlights Manchester public schools' poor performance rankings, high safety incidents, and lack of alignment with family values. Andrea supports SB581 to remove the EFA cap, arguing it would expand access for families like hers to choose safe, value-aligned education without financial ruin, emphasizing that programs like EFA should not be limited.
SB581: Patty Long Oppose02:30:42.640 - 11:26:29 AM; Patty Long, a former third-grade teacher from Jaffrey, first expresses sympathy for Andrea Oclair's story, noting it breaks her heart and that such treatment would not occur in her classroom, but acknowledges EFAs help in such cases. She opposes removing the income cap on EFAs due to fiscal concerns. She argues the state has failed to fully fund adequate education, shifting burdens to local property taxpayers, leading to increased taxes. Expanding EFAs diverts public dollars from the system educating 160,000 students. She notes that from 2025-2026, only 343 students (3.3%) left public schools for EFAs, meaning most participants were already in private, religious, or homeschool settings, creating new state liabilities rather than reallocating existing costs. Participation rose most in wealthy communities like Bedford, Bow, and Windham, turning the program—originally for low-income families—into a subsidy for those who could already afford private education. Success should be measured by educational outcomes, not enrollment, but no such data exists. Removing the cap is fiscally irresponsible without stated fiscal impact, especially after the education trust fund lost $150 million from interest and dividends tax elimination, which should not underfund public schools and universities.
SB581: Rose Emerick, Dover, NH Support02:39:04.319 - 11:34:51 AM; Rose Emerick shared her experience with her 5-year-old daughter Hila, who has sensitivities to sound, is being evaluated for dyslexia and ADHD, and has high anxiety. Traditional pre-K was overwhelming, causing distress, but a Waldorf school suited her needs, allowing her to thrive. Financial hardship from her husband's layoff due to tariffs and housing issues made the Education Freedom Account crucial for continuity in education. She supports expanding access to all children for confidence, kindness, and human outcomes, willing to pay higher taxes.
SB581: Angela Clark, Stratford, NH Support02:44:55.040 - 11:40:42 AM; Angela Clark, mother of five, testified about her eldest daughter Melanie's negative experiences in public school, including suppression of faith discussions and exposure to inappropriate topics. As practicing Catholics, they sought a faith-aligned environment. The Children's Scholarship Fund enabled four children to attend St. Thomas Aquinas Academy (corrected from Satan Academy), offering Montessori-based classical Catholic education that supports faith, advances gifted children, and addresses speech delays—impossible in public school. She advocates removing the cap for all families to align education with values and meet unique needs.
SB581: Brian Hawkins, NEA New Hampshire Oppose02:49:08.080 - 11:44:55 AM; Brian Hawkins from NEA New Hampshire emphasized challenges in public schools and urged investing in them instead of expanding the EFA program. He noted decreases in public education funding in other states with similar expansions, citing examples like Manchester's near $12 million aid shortfall, reduced school building aid from $50 million to tail payments only, and EFA exceeding its $49.9 million budget. Amid rising costs and federal uncertainties, expanding now is premature.
SB581: Holly Lee, Hooksett, NH Support02:51:40.160 - 11:47:27 AM; Holly Lee, a Hooksett resident, homeschools her kindergarten-aged daughter through VLACS (state-funded virtual learning), which is free but lacks extracurriculars, requiring out-of-pocket costs for activities like dance. Taxes have risen $350 monthly, straining finances. On the EFA waitlist, she noted homeschooling saves state money compared to private school costs ($12,000-$18,000), and a $3,500 scholarship could fund activities without harming others, as all pay taxes and choices like VLACS still benefit the state long-term.
SB581: Rebecca Bettincourt, Hopkinton, NH Support02:54:56.560 - 11:50:43 AM; Rebecca Bettincourt described her son's struggles in Hopkinton public kindergarten with bullying, poor communication, and behavioral issues due to his introverted nature. Post-COVID homeschooling revealed better learning styles, leading to private school via EFA, where he and siblings now thrive. EFAs meet unique needs, save taxpayer money, and removing the cap helps middle-class families like hers (not income-qualified previously, husband works two jobs, no vacations) retain in NH, considering unaccounted expenses and challenges.