On Tuesday, November 8 at Hopkinton/Middle High School, Hopkinton voters get to choose the four representatives whom they will send to the NH Legislature in January. I am an undeclared voter who wants to be represented by legislators who understand that public schools serve as the foundation of our democracy by preparing students to take on their responsibilities as citizens and as productive members of our society. The curriculum and governance of our public schools is transparent. Citizens are encouraged to take part in overseeing their community’s public schools.
The school voucher bill, folded into a state budget, requires taxpayers to provide tax dollars to parents who can then spend these dollars on private or religious schools, or to home school their child. We taxpayers have virtually no oversight over the curriculum or the teachers in these educational settings, yet we are required to pay for them. The current commissioner of education, appointed and supported by Gov. Sununu, believes that our public tax dollars should be used to pay for private education. If you want a truly bright future for our community, vote for Mel Myler, David Luneau, Muriel Hall, and Angela Brennan. They understand that our public schools serve as the foundation of our democracy and will work for the fair funding of our public schools and for the property tax relief NH voters want and need.
Janet Ward
Contoocook