Joanna Andros

I support this bill because state funds are being used for Education Freedom accounts. I am opposed to Education freedom accounts because they take away money from public education, although in some cases the community may have to send a student with special needs out of district when the community does not provide the needed educational environment. It is important that the dollars for education of NH students support local schools as much as possible to assure an educated population and work force. As long as these education freedom accounts exist, there should be oversight. Our NH dollars should not be issued for any kind of school, including home schooling, without accountability. If people are just being given money for home schooling, children could be missing out on a good education and the other benefits children get from the access to school based activities. Public schools also offer counseling and therapy for children who have emotional/psychological problems. As a retired child and family therapist I am aware of the needs many children have and often collaborated with educators, The Public schools have requirements of their teachers and allied professionals, which ensure quality education and support.