Monthly Archives: April 2024

Megan Tuttle: From Class Size to Curriculum, Public School Standards Overhaul Will Impact Every Facet of Public Education in NH

The below op-ed authored by NEA-NH President Megan Tuttle was published in The Union Leader, The Concord Monitor, and The Keene Sentinel. As a mom, I want strong schools for my three boys. As an educator, I want all Granite State students to have access to high-quality educational opportunities, regardless of their zip code. As the head of New Hampshire’s largest educator union, I want clear and comprehensive guidelines for public schools. That’s why I’ve been fighting for a seat at the table when it comes to overhauling the “306 Rules” – New Hampshire’s Minimum Standards for Public School Approval.  […]

April 26, 2024: NEA-NH Legislative Update

Two Major Hearings in Senate This Week and Major House Floor Vote  This week we have 2 major public hearings in the Senate: a positive bill that would make a modest increase in state aid to school districts, and one of the last of two remaining culture war bills that squeaked through the House.   We also have a major House floor vote taking place on Thursday for SB 341, the bill that would force educators to out LGBTQ+ students under the threat of licensure removal.  Please read all the items this week and take action on each!  HB 1583 – […]

April 19: NEA-NH Legislative Update

Re-Cap: One Voucher Expansion Bill Left – Act Now to Stop Efforts to Divert More Money to Unaccountable Private School Voucher Scheme  SB 442 – NEA New Hampshire testified against this bill that would expand the eligibility for students to receive a voucher from 350% of the Federal Poverty Level to 400% (or $125k for a family of four). SB 442 could bring the amount of public dollars diverted to private schools to $53 million dollars per year. After the hearing the House Education Committee unanimously voted to recommend the bill be killed. However, House Republicans only made this move […]

Larry Ballard and Pollyann Tatarczuk Earn NEA-NH Recognition

At the 2024 Delegate Assembly, NEA-New Hampshire members enjoyed keynote remarks from New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Liz Duclos.  The event was also an opportunity to highlight members who go above and beyond for their students and their communities.  The Christa McAuliffe Award was presented to Larry Ballard in recognition of his contributions towards the improvement of the educational environment. Larry has been a dedicated member of the Amherst Education Association for more than 25 years. He has served as Communications Chair, a member of the bargaining team, and local president for ten years. At the state level, Larry […]

April 13: NEA-NH Legislative Update

REGISTER BEFORE DEADLINE for NEA-NH STATE HOUSE DAY: Tuesday, April 23rd!  For the second year in a row, NEA-NH will be hosting a State House Visit Day during the April break week for most schools in New Hampshire. This year, the day will feature an opportunity to interact with legislators and an extra special tour for educators of our historic New Hampshire State House. We anticipate the day going from 9:30am until about 2pm that day.   Please RSVP soon so that we can better plan for how many members to expect.  Next Week: Final Two Voucher Bills Have their Public […]

April 8: NEA-NH Legislative Update

Last Week: Republicans Push Culture War and Voucher Expansion Bills Through Senate  Last week’s Senate Session was loaded up with a barrage of bills that target LGBTQ+ students in various ways and expands the private school voucher scheme.  Here is the rundown:  House Education Committee Scheduled to Vote on Important NEA-NH Legislation: Classroom Temperature Control and Loan Repayment Bill  SB 526 – It’s Getting Hot (or cold) in Here! – Tell House Ed Committee to Pass Temperature Control Bill!  This week, the House Education Committee is scheduled to vote on SB 526, which would require school districts to develop and implement […]