CONCORD, NH – Today, the House of Representatives tabled SB 101, mandatory open enrollment, 320-32, following a failed motion to adopt the statewide open enrollment mandate (168-184). This bill sought to mandate open enrollment and require all school districts to allow non-resident students from other New Hampshire school districts to enroll in their schools. The vote follows annual school district meetings that overwhelmingly rejected open enrollment statewide.
Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, released this statement after the vote:
“By tabling SB 101, the House of Representatives has taken an important step toward protecting equity in New Hampshire’s public education system. Rather than deepening disparities through a statewide open enrollment mandate, lawmakers have recognized the need to strengthen opportunity for every student.
This decision affirms a critical principal: access to a high-quality public education should not depend on a student’s ZIP code. While open enrollment may benefit a limited number of students, true progress will come from ensuring that every public school in every community is well-resourced and equipped to support every student.
The path forward is clear. New Hampshire must meet its constitutional obligation to adequately fund public education so that all Granite State students have the support and opportunities they deserve and need to build bright futures.
New Hampshire educators remain ready to work with state leaders across the political spectrum to build a stronger, more equitable public education system that serves every student and every community.”
Background:
- While New Hampshire ranks in the Top 10 for public education funding, nationwide New Hampshire is 50th when it comes to the state portion.
- NH School District Data: Your Town - NH School Funding Fairness Project
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About NEA-New Hampshire
NEA-New Hampshire is the largest union of public employees in the state. Founded in 1854, the New Hampshire State Teachers Association became one of the "founding ten" state education associations that formed the National Education Association in 1857. Known today as NEA-NH, the state’s largest educator union’s mission to advocate for the children of New Hampshire and public-school employees, and to promote lifelong learning, remains true after more than 165 years. Our members are public school employees in all stages of their careers, including classroom teachers and other certified professionals, staff and instructors at public higher education institutions, students preparing for a teaching career, education support personnel and those retired from the profession.
