When schools suffer, communities suffer too
In New Hampshire, we like to believe we support every child’s chance to succeed. Yet in recent sessions, the Legislature has advanced bill after bill that undermines public schools — capping local budgets, diverting tax dollars to private programs and restricting a community’s ability to meet student needs. These proposals don’t “save” money. They shift costs to local taxpayers and force districts to do less for the students who need the most support.
And let’s state the truth plainly: many of the communities most harmed by these policies are Republican-leaning districts with high-need student populations.
In Berlin, more than half of students come from low-income households and roughly a quarter receive special education services. In Seabrook, about 40% of students are economically disadvantaged and as many as 15% are English-language learners. In Laconia, over half of the student body qualifies for economic assistance and nearly one in five students requires special education.
When state leaders push spending caps and divert public funds elsewhere, these aren’t abstract budget exercises — they are real cuts to reading support, special-ed services, counselors, classroom aides and programs that help multilingual learners succeed.
A child learning English in Seabrook, a student with autism in Berlin and a struggling reader in Laconia are not “cost drivers.” They are New Hampshire’s future.
Strong communities require strong public schools. Legislators should help districts meet rising needs — not pull away support and leave local taxpayers holding the bill.
Our kids deserve better. And New Hampshire does too.