A recent ruling was issued by the New Hampshire Superior Court on state funding of public schools in New Hampshire. Legislators pride themselves on local control when it comes to decisions that should be made by local communities. But if more funding is required by the state, will that mean that they expect to have more of a say in what happens in your school?
Right now, there are state and federal laws that govern local public schools. But when considering legislation at the state level, elected representatives try hard to weigh the importance of local residents, board members, and school officials engaging in these important decisions and policies. A judge who shifts more of the funding to the state is essentially removing local control from those communities. What the state funds, they will want to control.
For instance, many schools have a policy that non-residents cannot speak at local school board meetings. They open up public comments for local residents only. Why not pass a law on the state level that allows for non-residents to speak? After all, their state and federal tax dollars are going to all public schools in the state.
State legislators hear from anyone who attends a public hearing. People can come from out of state to weigh in on proposed laws. Why should a resident paying taxes to all of the schools in New Hampshire be restricted from speaking at a school board meeting in a neighboring town?
There is already a call for accountability from state and federal officials. I would assume that will go further if the state must provide additional funding to local schools.
What will your property tax bill look like? Some will expect some relief, but will that happen? Or will school budgets increase due to the additional revenue from the state? My guess is local taxpayers will not see any significant relief in their local taxes. When COVID funds were distributed to local schools, did you see your property taxes decrease?
One thing is for sure: when you shift the funding to the state or federal level, expect to have less of a voice at school board meetings. Some may think they won something with this ruling, but time will tell who really benefits.
