New Hampshire House Bill HB272

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Report Pass: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/22/23

Caption

Increasing chartered public school per pupil funding.

Impact

The fiscal implication of HB 272 is substantial, with an estimated annual increase in expenditures from the education trust fund of about $7.5 million starting in Fiscal Year 2024. This funding will be allocated directly to chartered public schools based on their student populations, excluding the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School. The funding increase is aimed at ensuring that charter public schools receive adequate financial resources to provide quality education while keeping pace with the state's funding for traditional public schools.

Summary

House Bill 272 aims to increase funding for chartered public schools in New Hampshire by amending existing statutes governing per pupil tuition grants. The bill proposes to raise the additional state grant funding for each chartered public school student from the previously allocated $3,626.88 to $5,141.00, which translates to an increase of approximately $1,514.12 per student. This adjustment is designed to support the growing number of students enrolled in chartered public schools, which have seen a significant increase in attendance over recent years.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding HB 272, particularly concerning the distribution of educational funding. Critics may argue that the significant financial boost for chartered public schools could divert resources from traditional public schools, particularly in a time where equitable funding is a hot topic in educational policy discussions. Proponents of the bill, however, emphasize the need for equitable access to funding for all public educational institutions to maintain and enhance educational standards across the board.