Patricia Kalik

Dear Members of the Committee, I am writing in support of HB 1831, which repeals the targeted aid cap enacted in last year’s state budget. That cap limits targeted state aid for districts with more than 5,000 students who qualify. Manchester is the only district in New Hampshire impacted. That aid is intended to support districts with higher needs and lower property wealth. Capping that aid based solely on district size has nothing to do with student need or fiscal capacity and directly undermines the state’s education funding formula. With this cap, Manchester will lose at least $10 million per year in state aid. That loss will either result in cuts to educational services or higher local property taxes. I urge you to support HB 1831 and prevent an unnecessary and damaging cut to Manchester’s public schools. Thank you Pat Kalik