Tonja Neve | Support HB772

Dear Representatives, I write in support of HB 772, which takes a necessary step toward ensuring equitable funding for public education in New Hampshire. This bill acknowledges the disparities in educational resources across school districts and seeks to address them by establishing a foundation opportunity budget program and state foundation opportunity grants. These measures are critical for meeting the constitutional requirement to provide all students with an adequate education, regardless of their zip code. As both a parent and an educator, I have witnessed firsthand how inconsistent funding levels can create significant gaps in student opportunities. A well-structured foundation opportunity budget has the potential to reduce these inequities, ensuring that every child has access to high-quality instruction, support services, and learning materials. This is particularly important for students in underfunded districts who often face larger class sizes, fewer extracurricular opportunities, and outdated instructional resources. However, while I support the intent of HB 772, I am concerned about the potential unanticipated fiscal repercussions of this bill. Without a clear fiscal note outlining its impact, it is difficult to assess how the funding structure will affect taxpayers and district budgets in both the short and long term. If not carefully implemented, the redistribution of state funds could place unforeseen financial burdens on certain communities, particularly those that rely heavily on local property taxes to fund education. Additionally, we must ensure that the program does not inadvertently divert funds away from public schools toward voucher and charter programs that lack the same accountability measures. I urge lawmakers to provide more transparency regarding the fiscal impact of HB 772 and to consider safeguards that protect both taxpayers and public school funding. If implemented thoughtfully, this bill can be a transformative step toward educational equity in New Hampshire. I encourage you to support HB 772 while ensuring that any financial shifts are sustainable, equitable, and do not come at the expense of the communities it seeks to serve. Thank you for your time and consideration.