New Hampshire Senate Bill SB93

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23
• Refer: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/22/23
• Report DNP: 12/18/23

Caption

Relative to the individualized education programs of chartered public school students.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of SB93 is that it clearly delineates the obligations of chartered public schools in working with local education agencies to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). It introduces provisions for charter schools to collaborate with local districts during IEP meetings to ensure that educational strategies are tailored to meet the needs of students with disabilities, thus enhancing the educational support available to these children Furthermore, the chartered public schools are allowed greater flexibility in how they provide special education services, including options to contract with either the resident district or private service providers. This flexibility can enhance the ability of chartered schools to meet diverse needs effectively while ensuring compliance with federal and state laws regarding special education.

Summary

Senate Bill 93, known as the act relative to the individualized education programs of chartered public school students, focuses on the responsibilities of chartered public schools regarding the education of students with disabilities. The bill mandates that both the chartered public school and the parents of the child share the responsibility for funding and making educational decisions for these children. This change emphasizes the importance of individual educational planning in these school settings and aims to align the chartered schools' processes more closely with those of local public schools.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB93 include concerns from various stakeholders about the adequacy of funding and resources available to chartered public schools to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Critics may argue that without sufficient support and oversight, chartered schools could struggle to provide the necessary services to these vulnerable students. Moreover, the financial implications of these new responsibilities could potentially create disparities in service quality between chartered and traditional public schools, prompting debate regarding the overall equity and effectiveness of this legislative approach.