Kerri Choate

Please support 1799 and have a thorough study completed on what the real cost is to fund an adequate education for NH children in public schools, and how NH can fund this at a state level to ensure equity in education and funding. We must stop the unsustainable practice of pushing costs onto property taxes, as this causes inequity. The state has many more opportunities for revenue than towns, especially small ones, and has an obligation to fund an adequate education for students, per our constitution and court rulings. It also has an obligation to pay into the retirement system, which it has not been doing. The majority of parents in NH choose public schools to educate their children, and children with special needs only have the option of public schools. Our schools must be adequately funded for all to have equitable opportunities to learn alongside their peers and become engaged members of our NH community. Our students also deserve to learn in schools that have been maintained and are safe. Instead of pointing random fingers at different districts, administrators, and school boards, let's do the intelligent thing and study the real costs of equitable education in NH, how rising costs are affecting districts, and what the state needs to raise in order to fulfill its bligation to its residents. Thank you.