Jane Berry

I am a Bedford resident and taxpayer and a retired elementary school teacher. I oppose this bill for a number of reasons. Having school SAU districts determined by county erodes local control and does not reflect the diversity of needs and desires of individual school districts. Students in Bedford, one of the largest districts in the state, do not necessarily reflect the needs of students in other schools in Hillsborough County. I also believe that giving school boards, made up of elected members, control over all curriculum and hiring and firing of teachers and other staff can result in decisions that are politically motivated. The recent event in Croydon demonstrated that decisions made by the school board may not reflect the desires or best interest of the residents. It will be difficult to recruit new teachers and administrators if they feel their job is tenuous and that they might be fired if a parent who disagrees with one of their decisions can muster enough board members to fire them. While there may be good reason for smaller towns to form into an SAU for logistical and financial benefits, county wide SAUs make no sense. Please vote to oppose House Bill 1804 . Jane Berry' 9 Hammersmith Way Bedford, NH 03110