Anne Marino

Testimony Opposing HB 709 Dear Members of the New Hampshire House Education Committee, I write today in strong opposition to HB 709, a bill that would allow parents or guardians to enroll their children in any school district where they pay property or school district taxes, regardless of domicile. While school choice is an important discussion, HB 709 undermines the very foundation of public education: equitable access and local community investment. School districts are carefully structured to balance resources, class sizes, and funding based on the number of students living within their boundaries. This bill would create an unfair system in which wealthier individuals who own property in multiple districts could send their children to better-funded schools, while families without such means remain bound by residency rules. Additionally, this policy risks creating overcrowding and resource strain in popular districts while destabilizing funding in others. Schools budget based on expected enrollment from their local communities—HB 709 would make financial planning unpredictable and could lead to funding shortages, staffing challenges, and a decline in the quality of education across the state. Public schools should serve the children of the communities that support them, ensuring fair and consistent access for all students. HB 709 disrupts this balance, favoring those with financial means while leaving others behind. I urge you to oppose this bill and instead focus on strengthening all school districts so that every New Hampshire child receives a high-quality education, regardless of their ZIP code. Thank you for your time and consideration.