I am writing as a former public (and private) school educator, a former member of the Pembroke School Board, and current member of the Pembroke Municipal Budget Committee. This letter represents only my individual views.
I am strongly opposed to HB 20, a bill creating “educational freedom accounts” in New Hampshire. This bill would move state money designated to help fund already underfunded public schools to private and parochial schools.
I opposed SB 193 a few years ago, which was a similar bill, that was rejected in a bipartisan manner by the N.H. House. I do not believe that the majority of taxpayers in this state want their hard-earned tax dollars to support private and parochial education. Public schools are the bedrock of our society and give every child the chance to receive a good education. This bill, and similar legislation in this state and others, will help destroy public education as we know it.
I encourage all parties from the House Education Committee to the full House of Representatives to the N,H, Senate and the governor to reject this onerous bill. I call on citizens of the state to contact their public officials and encourage them to reject this bill. It is not good for the students in our public schools, and it is not good for the state as a whole. Thank you for your support in this effort.
DAVID DOHERTY
Pembroke