The sometimes rocky funding system for state charter schools could get a lot smoother. The New Hampshire House approved a bill yesterday that would have the state pay charter schools directly, instead of funneling money through local school districts.

If the bill also passes the Senate, supporters say it would eliminate situations such as those in Franklin and Concord, where school districts either refused or delayed payment.

District officials argued that paying charter schools $3,500 for each student, as mandated by the state, was taking money from their own tight budgets.

"It's time to do something about charter schools," said Rep. Claire Clarke, a Boscawen Democrat and chair of the education subcommittee on charter schools. "This fighting is ridiculous. They should be funded by the state."

The bill's passage is good news for Bill Grimm, head of the now-closed Franklin Career Academy, and Susan Brule, director of the Laurent Clerc Academy in Concord, which teaches American Sign Language to deaf and hearing children. Both schools had trouble collecting state aid money from some local districts. The Franklin Career Academy closed last summer because of financial uncertainty.

Grimm said this bill would "alleviate some of the struggle" by providing a reliable funding source, one of the key elements needed to re-open the Franklin charter school, which he hopes to do in September. But Grimm said the aid money still isn't enough; Grimm is counting on the Senate to target more funds toward charter schools.

However, the state Department of Education has spoken out against direct state payments to charter schools, saying the method will create more work for its employees. Officials figure the department will need two additional staff positions to track charter school students and make sure they receive the money they're owed.

With only 230 students enrolled in charter schools statewide, that may not be a daunting task now, said Deputy Education Commissioner Mary Heath, but more schools are on the horizon.

"At this point in time, it's doable, but we need to build it up," she said. "The department is not structured to do monitoring school to school."

House members also voted against creating a formal way for parents to opt their children out of sex education. Those in favor of the exemption said families have a right to shield their kids from teachings that clash with their religion.

But those against the bill said parents can already work with teachers to find another way for their children to earn the one health credit needed to graduate high school.

The House also said no to removing residency requirements so any child could attend any school in the state for the same reason: Districts can already swap children.

And members turned down a slight change to the school funding formula that would have taken a town's median household income into account when determining aid grants.

Those against the bill said lawmakers should not fuss with the system they approved only seven months ago.

"Education funding is not a Tinkertoy, and we shouldn't be tinkering with it today," said Rep. David Hess, a Hooksett Republican.

------ End of article

Single page