Todd Allen | Oppose SB101

I have been a educator in New Hampshire for over 40 years and am deeply committed to public schools as the "great equalizer" of society. My experience has taught me that choice in education is a powerful tool to improve outcome for New Hampshire's students. When children and families feel a strong and supportive connection with their school they are far more likely to achieve. It is clear that advocates of Open Enrollment believe that the power to choose the school they want to attend will improve student outcomes. I believe that there is logic in that concept that is worth exploring but the rush to put Open Enrollment in place is dangerous to the stability of the system. Without first resolving the dozens of potential issues like special education funding, interscholastic athletics, adequate state funding and many more Open Enrollment won't succeed. I implore you to move forward with HB 1280 or something like it to establish a study committee to examine all issues and make thoughtful recommendations before proceeding.