Stop the constitutional amendment on school funding

NEA-New Hampshire believes every child deserves a great public school. New Hampshire’s constitution embodies that goal, promising every child the fundamental right to an adequate education.

Some now want to amend the constitution to diminish that right. NEA-NH opposes any amendment that would break the constitution’s promise to New Hampshire’s children by altering this fundamental right.

Last year the House refused to pass such an amendment, but this year the pressure continues from those who want to avoid the state’s responsibility to fund an adequate education for every child.

The 2008 version of the amendment is CACR 34. This week we are seeing efforts in the House to amend the amendment. This is the wrong approach.

  • CACR 34 means state funding could be changed from year to year at the whim of the Legislature, leaving school districts unable to plan their budgets effectively.
  • CACR 34 means local property taxes will continue to rise in most communities as school districts struggle to fund school budgets.
  • School districts would have less ability to turn to the courts if they think state funding is unfair. CACR 34 would let the Legislature decide what is a “reasonable” amount to spend on public schools, and a “reasonable” amount is not subject to meaningful court review.
  • The argument that targeting aid to districts in need can’t be done without an amendment is a false argument. Targeting can be done as long as the “adequacy cost” is funded first. SB 539 contains this kind of targeting.
  • The House should pass SB 539, which makes significant strides toward the funding New Hampshire schools need. This legislation is not perfect, but it should be given time to work because it is a good start.

If you want to help us ensure that all New Hampshire’s children have great public schools, contact your legislators now. Tell them not to break the constitution’s promise to our children. Tell them to vote “no” on the constitutional amendment on school funding.

You can find your state legislators on the NEA-NH Web site, www.neanh.org, through the Legislative Action Center. Click the “Elected Officials” tab.

Please contact me if you need further information.

Rick Trombly
Director of Public Affairs