Robert Hemeon: Supporting Marcia Hayward this General Election Nov. 3

To The Daily Sun,

As our community considers the future of public education in New Hampshire, I hope we will reflect on the importance of strong leadership and a clear understanding of how school funding affects every family and taxpayer in Laconia. For years, educators and administrators have worked tirelessly to provide students with the opportunities they deserve, even as the financial pressures on local districts have grown.

One person who has seen these challenges firsthand is Marcia Hayward. As a longtime science teacher at Laconia High School and later the principal of Belmont High School, she has dedicated her career to helping students succeed. Under her leadership, Belmont High School earned recognition as the High School of Excellence in New Hampshire — a testament to her commitment to academic achievement and community engagement.

Her experience gives her a deep understanding of how funding decisions shape the daily realities of our schools. According to the New Hampshire Municipal Association, the state has downshifted more than $4 billion in costs to local taxpayers over the past decade. At the same time, funding disparities continue to widen: charter school students receive $9,086 per pupil, students using EFA accounts receive $4,493 per pupil, while public school students are allotted just $3,047. Local taxpayers are left to make up the difference.

These numbers are not abstract — they affect class sizes, staffing, programs, and the long term health of our community. Anyone who has had a career in our schools understands how vital it is to have a fair, stable, and equitable funding system.

As we look toward November, I hope residents will consider the importance of experience, knowledge, and a clear-eyed understanding of how education policy affects Laconia’s future.

Please vote for Marcia Hayward for NH House of Representatives.

Robert Hemeon

Laconia