Nikki Donohue

To Whom It May Concern, My name is Nikki Donohue and I am a resident of Concord NH. I have owned a home here since 2015 with my husband and six children. My husband is an electrician who works 60 hours to make ends meet. I am a stay-at-home mom with two children at home and four who attend Saint John's Regional School here in Concord. My fifth child will be attending Saint John's Regional School in the fall. Our oldest son will be attending high school at Bishop Brady next year. We are a Catholic family who believes school should implement the same practices at home. Saint John's not only provides a faith-based curriculum, but they also provide a wonderful safe environment for our children. The teachers at Saint John's are so special to my kids, I can't imagine anyone else teaching them. The ETC and EFA credits have allowed us to freely choose a school that is not only traditional in values but supports our children's everyday needs. As a catholic conservative mother, it is difficult to find a supportive community where I know everyone thinks the same. The ETC and EFA credits not only provide a big chunk of their tuition, but it also provides their school supplies. Just last year, EFA provided a computer for my oldest son. This is not something I would have been able to purchase since my food bill alone is 400/ week. As taxes increase every year here in Concord, it is more difficult to afford basics like electricity, water and food. Since the pandemic, it seems like it is really difficult to afford anything extra. The left-over funds from EFA have been a huge benefit to roll over into the next school year. I can't imagine not having ETC because of the freedom it has allowed my children to have for so many years. It would be detrimental to them. Plato, a famous philosopher once said, "The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life." I believe education is the escape to be successful. Today, I plea with you to please maintain ETC and EFA as it has always been. My children need it. There are no other options for this middle-class family. They would lose their safety net, their education and most importantly their right to religious freedom. Thank you for your time and consideration, God Bless Nikki