Yearly Archives: 2021

NEA-NH Mourns the Loss of Representative Douglas Ley

NEA-NH is deeply saddened by the passing of long-time champion for education, educators, and working families, Douglas Ley. “We grieve the loss of our colleague, Doug Ley,” said Megan Tuttle, NEA-NH President. “Doug’s dedication to public education and to all those who work in our schools enhanced student learning and improved educator working conditions.  His work benefited New Hampshire’s students, schools, and communities. His fighting spirit and steadfast commitment to working families will be missed.” “We extend our sincerest condolences to his wife, sons, and loved ones and hope they know that they are in our thoughts during this most […]

Exeter “Para-ennial” Garden For a Stress Free End to the Week

The Exeter Paraprofessional Association has planted a perennial garden at the Park Street Playground in Exeter. “We’re calling it a ‘para-ennial’ garden,” said Paula Gailing . “We put a bee house in it because our school focuses on the 4-B’s: Be kind. Be safe. Be your best. Be respectful.” Exeter Paraprofessional Association members, pictured (from left to right) include Denise Dionne, Karen Henebry (garden designer), Margie Matlack (secretary), Sue Eno (VP),  Deb McLarnon, Paula Gailing (Co-President), and Martha Brouillette-Martel (project organizer). Whether you’re a veteran educator or newbie, this school year has been a voyage into uncharted waters. The “para-ennial” […]

NEA-NH Congratulates Muriel Hall on Her Victory

CONCORD – NEA-NH congratulates Muriel Hall on her victory in her special election for State Representative.   Muriel ran a positive race about standing up for public education and supporting workers’ rights while her opponent and his allies tried to use the politics of fear and division to win an election. With tonight’s results, Bow and Dunbarton voters sent a clear message to Concord.  Representative-elect Muriel Hall is an accomplished educator and fierce advocate for strong, healthy, and safe communities. These are the priorities Bow and Dunbarton voters want their representative to fight for.

NEA-NH Online Ads Target Tax Impact of Massive Voucher Expansion

CONCORD, NH – In light of the Senate’s passage of a budget bill that included the most sweeping school voucher program in the country, NEA-NH has launched an statewide online ad campaign to allow the voices of the state’s property taxpayers to be heard. The voucher provision added to the budget has not received any analysis from the Legislative Budget Assistant and is essentially a blank check written by Senate Republicans to be paid by local property taxpayers of New Hampshire. The NEA-NH campaign aims to raise awareness that this voucher expansion provision has the potential to increase property taxes […]

Divisive Concepts Language Should be Deleted, Not Amended

Sen. Bradley’s divisive concepts amendment is yet another attempt to whitewash American history by intimidating schoolteachers into avoiding important conversations about race and mischaracterizing history lessons and current event discussions on racism and sexism as some plot to undermine America. The past and the present are interconnected. It’s impossible to teach America’s history without discussing injustice, especially when present-day events mirror historical lessons. The vagueness of this amendment makes it very unclear how it will impact history lessons in New Hampshire. What is very clear, however, are the sanctions for educators who violate it – disciplinary sanction by the state […]

Senate Committee Packs Vouchers Into State Budget Passing Costs on to Local Property Taxpayers

Today the Senate Finance committee included the most sweeping school voucher program in the country in the NH State Budget. In fact, the language approved was even more expansive than that passed by the Senate only a couple of months ago. This legislation has still received no analysis from the Legislative Budget Assistant. “It essentially a blank check written by Senate Republicans to be paid by local property taxpayers of New Hampshire,” said Megan Tuttle, NEA-NH President. “This legislation will raise property taxes by diverting taxpayer money for private, religious and home school vouchers with absolutely zero accountability for those […]