Kerri Choate

Once again I find myself writing to this committee to state that I do support the expansion of educational vouchers in any form, a stance that the majority of New Hampshire residents share. Voucher programs cost more to administrate than public schools, with portions of the vouchers going to private and out-of-state companies, rather than benefiting students. There is no public oversight to the voucher programs or how the funds are used for homeschooling or at private schools. Additionally private schools do not have to have certified teachers, do not have educational requirements, and do not have to meet the same requirements and oversight that public schools do on all levels. Most flagrantly, these schools get to pick and choose which students they accep, unlike public schools which welcome and support all students, regardless of background, location, money, privilege, and special needs. Furthermore, in many areas of our state, there are no private school options within a reasonable distance for students, and for many students, providing their own transportation is also a barrier to attending private schools. All this to say that private schools and homeschooling is not an option for many students in our state, meaning vouchers do not provide an equal footing for students of all backgrounds. Additionally, the majority of parents in NH choose public schools for their students, preferring schools where their students can be a part of their community, engage with a diverse population, and be taught by certified staff with state oversight. NH residents have made it clear over and over again. We do not want school vouchers. We want funding for our public schools that the majority of NH students attend.