Tiffany Diamond

Today, public schools benefit from the most comprehensive access, the largest student enrollment, significant resources, and extensive grant opportunities, all funded primarily by federal and local taxpayers. According to the New Hampshire Department of Education, the average annual cost per pupil exceeds $21,000. This substantial financial burden is covered by local property taxes, which every taxpayer must pay regardless of where they choose to educate their child. A home-schooled student's family or a family opting for a non-public school has already contributed their full share through these taxes. When a non-public school family is then required to pay an additional tuition fee to enroll their student in one or more public school courses, they are effectively paying twice for education services already subsidized by their tax dollars. Public schools already possess the necessary resources, personnel, and operational funds derived from this tax revenue, and they do not charge a full-time, incoming student from a non-public setting a supplementary fee. Therefore, charging a non-public school family an additional fee for part-time enrollment contradicts the core principle of taxpayer fairness. This practice undermines the public school's stated commitment to “accessibility for all” and creating an equitable system. By making a financial barrier—often through high-priced fees for limited classes—the system sends a message of exclusivity, rather than one of genuine welcome and equality. HB 1817 seeks to address this inequity by ensuring that all school-age students in New Hampshire, including those utilizing Education Freedom Accounts, are allowed to attend courses and extracurricular activities offered by their local school district. Allowing this access without additional charge affirms that a student’s right to benefit from publicly funded education is secured by their family’s tax contributions, thereby upholding true equality for all students. We urge the New Hampshire Legislature to recognize the fundamental fairness embedded within HB 1817. This is not merely a policy adjustment; it is a vital step toward fulfilling the promise of a truly equitable education system for all New Hampshire children. By passing HB 1817, you affirm that a family’s tax contribution secures their student’s right to access publicly funded courses and activities, regardless of their chosen educational path, their beliefs, or their enrollment status. Let us honor the principle that all students are equally valued and equally deserving of the resources their families have already provided. We call upon you to support HB 1817 and secure true educational equality for all.