Jennifer Nelson: Time for NH Legislature to properly fund public education

To The Daily Sun,

The emergency meeting of the Claremont School Board to discuss a significant budget deficit with currently unknown solutions left many of us deeply unsettled.

More than 30 years ago, the 1993 Claremont Decision found that the State of New Hampshire is responsible for providing adequate education for all students and that relying solely on local property taxes is insufficient to fulfill this obligation. Despite subsequent court affirmations, the state Legislature has repeatedly neglected to address this issue. 

Claremont is once again the canary in the coal mine. This problem of downshifting state costs to local property taxes has been exacerbated by recent economic shifts. The soaring value of residential real estate since the pandemic has put immense pressure on working and middle-class families, forcing them to move to more affordable communities. Where a family can afford to live should not determine their educational outcomes. The courts have reinforced this repeatedly; now it is time for the Legislature, the Department of Education, and the governor to take action.

This is Claremont’s crisis but it is everyone’s warning. I urge readers to contact our state leaders and demand they finally fulfill their constitutional duty to our students.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte:

603-271-2121, GovernorAyotte@governor.nh.gov

Commissioner of Education Caitlin D. Davis:

603-271-3144, Commissioner.Davis@doe.nh.gov

Executive Councilors:

council.nh.gov

State senators and representatives:

gc.nh.gov

Jennifer Nelson

Claremont