Blossom Dodge

My name is Blossom Dodge, and I am writing in support of HB675, which seeks to ensure a more equitable distribution of education funding across New Hampshire. As a lifelong New Hampshire resident and an educator, I strongly believe that every student—regardless of where they live—deserves access to well-funded schools and high-quality education. Redirecting excess revenue from the statewide education property tax (SWEPT) into the state’s Education Trust Fund is a necessary step to create a fairer funding system. Wealthier towns should not be the only ones benefiting from surplus funds while other communities struggle with underfunded schools. By pooling resources at the state level, we can ensure that all districts receive the support they need to provide quality education for every student. Additionally, adjusting school funding annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a practical and necessary measure. Education costs naturally increase with inflation, and without proper adjustments, schools may fall behind in meeting the needs of their students. This provision ensures that funding remains adequate and responsive to economic realities. However, while I support the intent of this bill, I have concerns regarding the proposed budget cap for local school districts. Growing communities must have the flexibility to increase their budgets to accommodate expanding student populations, hire additional staff, and maintain high educational standards. Placing strict limits on budget increases—especially with a requirement for a two-thirds supermajority to exceed the cap—could create unnecessary challenges for rapidly growing districts. I urge legislators to consider adjustments that allow for necessary budget flexibility while still promoting responsible spending. Additionally, it is crucial that the state properly manages and allocates the redistributed funds in a transparent and accountable manner. If towns are required to contribute their excess revenue to the Education Trust Fund, they must have confidence that those funds are being used efficiently and effectively. Clear oversight, regular audits, and transparent reporting should be built into this process to ensure that schools receive the funding they are promised without unnecessary bureaucracy or delays. In conclusion, HB675 represents a strong step toward fair and equitable school funding in New Hampshire. By ensuring fair revenue distribution and funding adjustments tied to inflation, this bill helps protect the educational opportunities of all students. I urge the committee to support this bill with necessary modifications to allow flexibility for growing communities and to guarantee proper fund management at the state level.