Rep. John Sellers: Newfound administration is trying to rile up taxpayers

To The Daily Sun,

On Jan. 12, Newfound School District had its budget hearing and there were about 70 people there to hear the district has exceeded the tax cap by $2.3 million. Listening as a state representative, taxpayer and parent, it became clear SAU 4 office administration — again — put 100% of sports, drama and music on the chopping block to get the people worked up.

They blame the problem on the Education Freedom Accounts, some saying the state didn’t give enough money, others raising their concern the tax cap is the issue.

Here is some information for the taxpayers of Newfound School District which includes Bristol, Alexandria, Danbury and New Hampton (Hill tuitions their students in, as does Bridgewater, Hebron and Groton for the upper grades). The EFA or adequacy aid money of about $5,000 per student barely plays into the $29 million budget. The state only pays for students attending school, otherwise retains the money even if not given to the EFA student. The state has given the district a total increase of $162.8 million or a 29.5% from 2019 to 2026 (data from the Department of Education website, this doesn’t include SWEPT portion). At the same time grades have gone up minuscule and about 50% of students are failing, not proficient and will not be able to function in society.

Sales or income tax may solve the problem initially, but at what cost to tourism/businesses or those still working floating the boat via income tax? Local control means taxpayers have the say over the spending, it’s a democracy decision.

In the 17 years I’ve been here, I have not once seen Newfound go without. Newfound taxpayers will be paying about $29,000 per student. At this pace we soon will be able to send our kids to New Hampton School. 

State Rep. John Sellers

Bristol