Sharon Eaton

Our state elected officials need to be reminded that providing education isn't as simple as a providing a teacher, a desk, and textbooks. A fully functional school provides meals, education supports, physical and mental care, while engaging young people in a variety of subject areas. A public school is not just a building, it is so much more and provides more than just reading, writing and math skills. An adequate education would prepare our young people to be thoughtful, engaged and prepared adults able to function and contribute to our community. First, I'd like to point out that all public schools are required to have a Wellness Committee per NH ED 306.04(a)(20) and Health Education programing per NH ED 306.40, and physical education per NH 306.04(a)(20). Multiple state and federal laws also require nutritional programs and food services. How can it be that the food and wellness programs required to be provided by state law are NOT considered part of an adequate education? These are only two aspects of education that are currently being "debated" as part of an adequate education. The state of NH needs to stop shirking its responsibility to fund an equitable and adequate education to all NH children!