Lara Crane

I oppose this bill because it will have a significant impact on taxpayers. Given that the State of New Hampshire does not pay the true cost of education—and that burden instead falls on municipalities—I find it ironic that this bill directs local communities on how to spend their local dollars. This bill will negatively impact schools at a time when public schools are already struggling to be cost-effective. “Drop-in” students are not easily accommodated within existing building schedules, class sizes, or staffing levels. Important questions remain unanswered: Is there an established deadline for families to request courses? Do full-time students receive priority? New Hampshire high schools are currently building schedules for the 2026–2027 school year, and budgets and staffing decisions have already been set. This bill ignores the operational realities schools are facing right now. Home-educated students already have access to public school courses and extracurricular programs. While they must be members of the school district in which they reside, a clear and established pathway already exists. Likewise, families who accept a private school voucher do so with the understanding that the private school is responsible for providing coursework and extracurricular opportunities. Families may also choose to remain enrolled in their public school if its academic or extracurricular offerings better meet their child’s needs. Given the financial and logistical implications, this bill requires further study before moving forward.