Yearly Archives: 2024

Letter from the President: We Are United by Our Work to Educate Future Generations

Here we are at the end of 2024, looking ahead to 2025. This is the time of year when we reflect on the previous twelve months and anticipate what we will face starting in January.   The last time I remember positive reporting in the media about educators and public education was during the Covid crisis. We were held up and praised for our dedication to our students. Finally, through crisis, the public seemed to understand and appreciate just what it takes to educate a child. Those times held the promise of ongoing support and appreciation for educators.  But, when […]

A photo of the New Hampshire State House dome.

Legislative Update: A Look at the Year Ahead and Getting Ready to Defend Public Education 

Awaiting Language of Bills  As the year comes to a close, all the bills have been filed but we are awaiting the publishing of language and the bills the Senate is able to keep confidential for the time being. However, with more than 1,000 bills expected to be filed we do know what most of the issues will be just based on the title published. Around 150 of those bills fall into some category of education policy or finance. Here are some of the biggest volume areas:  Vouchers  Our biggest challenge this year is likely to be the drive to […]

12/14/2024: NEA-NH Legislative Update

New Legislature Sworn In – New Majority Priorities Clear So Let’s Get Ready!  New Leadership in Senate  The new state Legislature was sworn in on December 4th. Senator Sharon Carson is the new Senate President and Representative Sherm Packard is returning as Speaker of the House. We also know that Senator Regina Birdsell is the new Senate leader for Republicans and Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka will lead Senate Democrats. In the House, Representative Jason Osborne is returning as Majority Leader for the Republicans and Representative Alexis Simpson has been picked as Minority Leader for the Democrats.  Committee Assignments  While we […]

A white sign held in front of the Legislative Office Building reads: Support Our Public Schools"

11/16/24: NEA-NH Legislative Update

Contact the Legislative Rules Committee: These Rules Ignore Educator Concerns The Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) will take a second look at the entire overhaul proposal of the Minimum Standards for Public School Approval (also known as the 306 rules) on Thursday, November 21st, after having delayed a vote on the first half the State Board of Education’s proposal back in September. As a reminder, the 306 Rules are the rules and regulations that govern the minimum requirements to be a public school in New Hampshire. The entire set of rules govern everything including class sizes, facility requirements, […]

11/8/24: NEA-NH Legislative Update – Election Results Edition 

There is no sugar coating it. The election results present challenges for educators and the future of public education. But our values don’t change based on elections. As NEA President Becky Pringle recently said, unions exist for moments like this. Today and every day we are present for our students and ready for the work ahead. Remember, we are stronger together.  Control of Congress: US Senate Flips to Republican Control; House Still to be Determined  The Presidential election results are obviously well known by everyone at this point. In the US Senate the only remaining question is how much of […]

NEA-New Hampshire Recommends Chris Pappas for Congress

Granite State Educators Back Chris to Continue Representing First District CONCORD, NH – Today, NEA-New Hampshire (NEA-NH) formally recommended Congressman Chris Pappas for reelection to the United States Congress in New Hampshire Congressional District 1. “I’m proud to earn the recommendation of NEA-New Hampshire. As a product of New Hampshire public schools, I know firsthand the incredible impact our educators’ hard work has on our communities and the next generation of Granite Staters. I will continue working to ensure every teacher receives the support, resources, and respect they deserve, and every student has access to a quality education,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. […]