Marya Ketchell

My name is Marya Ketchell, and I am a resident of Hampton Falls and the parent of a son with a disability who is thriving in our local public school. I am writing in strong opposition to HB 1221. This bill would move New Hampshire backward on inclusion by proposing to study the removal of students with higher support needs from their neighborhood schools and into centralized settings. While framed as a cost-saving measure, it does so at the expense of children’s belonging, dignity, and opportunity. HB 1221 also raises serious concerns under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires that students with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their needs. IDEA makes clear that removal from general education settings should occur only when education in regular classes cannot be achieved satisfactorily with the use of supplementary aids and services. Studying centralized placements as a default approach runs counter to both the spirit and intent of this law. My son is succeeding because he is known, supported, and included in our community school. He learns alongside peers, builds friendships, and is part of the everyday life of our town. This is not incidental — it is foundational to his growth and well-being. Inclusion is not just about academics; it is about belonging. When students with disabilities are sent away from their home schools, disability becomes something separate — something to be handled elsewhere rather than embraced as a natural part of school life. That weakens inclusion and makes it easier for schools to avoid building accessible, supportive classrooms for all students. Centralizing students with higher support needs may appear efficient on paper, but it carries real human costs. It isolates children, disrupts families, and signals that some students are too complex or too expensive to educate alongside their peers. That is not the message New Hampshire should be sending. Our public schools should be strengthened, not segmented. Instead of studying how to remove students from their communities, we should be investing in the supports, training, and resources that allow schools to meet their obligations under IDEA and ensure students with disabilities can thrive where they live. For these reasons, I urge lawmakers to oppose HB 1221 and reaffirm New Hampshire’s commitment to inclusive, community-based public education. Thank you for the opportunity to share my perspective.