New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB426

Introduced
12/30/21  
Refer
12/30/21  
Report DNP
2/15/22  
Report DNP
3/9/22  

Caption

Relative to the adequate education grants for fiscal year 2023.

Impact

If enacted, SB426 aims to stabilize funding for public schools by mitigating the negative consequences of declining enrollment due to the pandemic. The bill proposes to ensure that schools are funded based on their highest enrollment figures during a time when many districts are struggling with reduced numbers of students. This financial support is particularly crucial as it directly influences the ability of local districts to provide adequate educational resources and services.

Summary

Senate Bill 426 (SB426), introduced in the 2022 legislative session, is designed to amend the method for calculating adequate education grants for the fiscal year 2023. The legislation mandates that the Commissioner of Education uses the highest enrollment figures from three specific school years (2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022) when determining the average daily membership in residence (ADMR). This adjustment seeks to address the fluctuations in student enrollment exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent impacts on public school funding.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB426 appears mixed. Supporters argue that the bill is essential for maintaining a consistent level of funding amidst fluctuating enrollment patterns, which have been influenced by the pandemic. However, there are concerns from some legislators and educators who feel that this approach may not adequately reflect the current needs of schools, particularly those that have experienced significant enrollment drops and changes in student demographics during the past few years.

Contention

Key points of contention regarding SB426 revolve around the implications for future funding calculations and equitable distribution of resources. Critics express that while the bill provides temporary relief, it may not address the root causes of declining enrollment or the long-term financial stability of education funding across the state. Additionally, there are concerns that using past enrollment figures could set a precedent that doesn’t account for shifting population dynamics and varying local needs in the education landscape.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB135

Relative to the calculation of the cost of an opportunity for an adequate education

NH HB334

Relative to determination and cost of state adequate education.

NH SB386

Relative to the determination of state adequate education grants and chartered public school tuition amounts.

NH HB563

Relative to the cost of an opportunity for an adequate education, extraordinary need grants, fiscal capacity disparity aid, and determination of education grants.

NH HB1656

Relative to adequate education grant amounts for pupils receiving special education services.

NH HB603

Relative to increasing the adequacy grant for pupils receiving special education services.

NH HB1583

Relative to the per pupil cost of an opportunity for an adequate education.

NH HB282

Increasing the maximum benefits for first responders critically injured in the line of duty, relative to the determination of education adequacy grants and calculation of certain group II benefits within the retirement system.

NH SB420

Establishing an extraordinary need grant for schools.

NH HB1665

Relative to student eligibility for education freedom accounts and the scholarship organization's costs of administering the program, extending phase-out grants for education freedom accounts, and revising the definitions of average daily membership in attendance and average daily membership in residence.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.