Releases

JOINT RELEASE: NH Senate Passes Bill to Expand School Vouchers, Increasing Household Income Eligibility Cap from 350% to 400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines Despite Strong Public Opposition

Educators, Parents, Public School Advocates React; Warn Lawmakers of Devastating Financial and Educational Consequences CONCORD, NH – Today, the New Hampshire Senate voted 14-10 on party lines to pass HB 1665-FN, as amended, which would expand the state’s unaccountable school voucher program yet again.  As passed by the House of Representatives, HB 1665 sought to expand school voucher eligibility from 350% to 500% of the federal poverty level; as amended by the Senate, this bill would expand eligibility to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines, or $124,800 for a family of four. This bill’s language now mirrors SB 442, which […]

New Hampshire Senate Votes to Support Dramatic and Vague Expansion of Curriculum Notice Requirement

CONCORD, NH – Today, the New Hampshire Senate voted 13-10 in support of ‘Ought to Pass’ on HB 1312, which would dramatically extend the state’s current 2-week notice requirement for objectionable materials to include any curriculum related to sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. This bill would create an unworkable standard that would leave educators wondering what course material could apply to the notice requirements that traditionally had been focused on sex education and health classes.   HB 1312 next goes to Governor Sununu.   Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, provided the following statement after the vote:  “It […]

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.  […]

PRESS RELEASE: NH Department of Education “306 Rules” Revision Draft Fails to Protect Strong Standards for Public Schools in New Hampshire

CONCORD, NH – On Wednesday, April 3, the State Board of Education held the first of two public hearings on the proposed revision of the state’s “Minimum Standards for Public School Approval” – also known as the “306 Rules” – that has the potential to impact every facet of education for educators and students.   Following the hearing, NEA-New Hampshire President Megan Tuttle released this statement:  “From the beginning of the 306 Rules revision process, educators have had to fight their way to the table when they should have been invited from the start. While NEA-New Hampshire has taken every opportunity […]

New Hampshire House of Representatives Stands Up for Educators, Rejects Subpoena Power for Education Commissioner

CONCORD, NH – Yesterday, HB 1353 remained on the table at the conclusion of the House Session. Having not passed by the deadline for acting on House bills not in a second committee, the bill would now require 2/3 vote to pass – which means it has effectively been defeated. This bill sought to give the New Hampshire Education Commissioner subpoena power in certain educator code of conduct cases and open more avenues for educator intimidation and abuse of power.   Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, provided the following statement after the vote:  “HB 1353 sought to concentrate too much power […]

A sign reads "Support our Students" with a rainbow heart that says "LGBTQ" in the center.

PRESS RELEASE: NH House Passes Yet Another Bill to Disrupt Educator/Parent Relationship 

CONCORD, NH – Today, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted 186-185 in support of HB 1312, which would expand the notification requirement for objectionable material beyond sex education to also include sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This bill also unnecessarily puts educators between students and their families and creates a liability for educators as to how certain personal information should be handled. HB 1312 next goes to the New Hampshire Senate for further consideration.   Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, provided the following statement after the vote:  “Every student deserves a safe space to learn and grow, […]