Sam Catterall

My name is Samantha Catterall. I am a parent, a homeowner, a Realtor, and an active PTA member at my daughter’s school. I don’t typically involve myself in politics. But when it comes to our children’s education and the future of our communities, I believe it’s important to speak up. As a parent, I want to know that my children and every child in New Hampshire have access to a strong and stable public education system. While HB 1815 states there is no fiscal impact at this time, it does change important legal language around the state’s responsibility and how the cost of an adequate education is calculated. That gives me pause. As a PTA member, I see firsthand how much our schools rely on community support just to provide enrichment, activities, and resources for students. Parents and volunteers already step up to fill gaps. Any shift in how education funding is interpreted in the future could place additional strain on local districts and families. As a Realtor, I also see how deeply connected strong schools are to strong communities. Families choose towns based on school systems. Property values, local investment, and long-term community growth are tied to educational stability. If funding uncertainty ever results in greater reliance on local property taxes, that impacts both homeowners and prospective buyers. I understand this bill does not create immediate financial changes. However, wording in statute matters. Changes in language can influence future funding decisions and how the state’s responsibility is interpreted over time. I encourage careful consideration of the long-term implications of these changes, not just for budgets, but for our children and our communities. Thank you for your time.