Published: 3/6/2022 7:00:51 AM
Modified: 3/6/2022 7:00:16 AM
The NH House Education Committee will soon be voting on HB 1671. The bill, promoted by NH Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut, would significantly reduce the state-defined requirements for an adequate education to just English language arts, math, science and social studies. It would be left up to local school districts to decide whether to offer world languages, art, music, physical education, engineering, and computer science.
It defies logic that local school districts would be able to opt out of providing instruction in these critical areas. Seriously, in the 21st century computer literacy would be optional? The unrelenting attack on public education in this legislative session has been horrifying. HB 1671 is only one of dozens of bills designed to dismantle our public schools. The Granite State is special and there is indeed a New Hampshire Advantage. However, once our public schools have been gutted that advantage evaporates. We won’t be able to attract the kind of businesses we want in our state and many of our best and brightest young people will seek opportunities elsewhere.
Susan Covert
Contoocook