Elizabeth Ahearn

I am in agreement with educators and advocates who believe that all students in New Hampshire should have access to a high quality education regardless of the town in which they live. However, I strongly believe that mandatory open enrollment is not the way to achieve this. Mandatory open enrollment will only exacerbate the already-existing inequality among school districts, creating winners and losers, and is likely to financially devastate the districts which are already struggling the most. Additionally, as is the case with other attempts to broaden school choice, open enrollment will effectively only be available to those students who are privileged to have someone who a.) takes the time to learn about and pursue this option and b.) has private transportation to attend an out-of-district school. It will also complicate the school district budget process and create significant uncertainty.