[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6342309,"mediaKeyId","2255345-286c0557b8c234474a0aa322aa17f275","parentId",2255345,"title","Controversial HB 283 would narrow statutory list of subjects comprising an \"adequate education\"; hearing drew hundreds of opponents","audioSeconds",10145,"startMs",14544000,"endMs",24689000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255345-286c0557b8c234474a0aa322aa17f275&start=14544&end=24689","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255345-286c0557b8c234474a0aa322aa17f275/thumbnail_14544000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6342309/New-Hampshire/Controversial-HB-283-would-narrow-statutory-list-of-subjects-comprising-an-adequate-education-hearing-drew-hundreds-of-opponents","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342309-c8a55eaca8e4342d6906e5d84a7ad7f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155254&Signature=mUaO2K34y4GLjA89P2wmueOnxT5fMT7jQJdcNCAk0~wn4CfBV8KjxVVP1I4rHsAkUWqDclKjDVbAm5Kv4248pYT74EpoQ6b7iOSXBki4aMpKjWOwkDrJtUWc0P7SdRyo-xZkYkUy~6J5ONZbWwCBbJ9pRhzWrFqFkdNafOtO1GYVlrwosSARxeAQZYDVEBBbO3f72sIV4QKeiRtsUmO93lohcrw4y1BmCUIqBEGNeHXXywKLGAw4qKsoSXhiMEvhjnsvIxVPUmeHFgBQ~DfyJFMrQ1RwrOgGU3SXwyGhT9ZoCd2vjZfrO4efzaCrKiIJ6ueUpTTlcKU~wi5i1L9QpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","NH House of Representatives Committee","date","2025-02-10T00:00:00Z","article","Representative Dan McGuire introduced HB 283 as a proposal to narrow the list of subjects statutorily defined as an “adequate education” under RSA 193‑E. McGuire told the committee the current statutory list, expanded over time, consumes limited instructional time and that trimming the list would let districts concentrate on core reading, math and science skills.

In nearly five hours of testimony the committee heard strong and widespread opposition. Teachers, superintendents, school board representatives, higher‑education faculty, clergy, parents and students told the committee removing subjects would damage students’ readiness for both higher education and civic life. Opponents pointed to the state constitution and to prior court rulings that shaped education duties and to recently‑adopted administrative rules (Ed 306) that set minimum public school requirements.

Speakers emphasized several consistent concerns: that narrowing statutory requirements would disproportionately harm underfunded districts and students from low‑income families; that some subject removals would make graduates ineligible for college admissions at some institutions; and that removing civics, history or Holocaust/genocide education would undercut shared civic knowledge. Teachers and administrators also warned about the practical effects on staffing and course offerings if districts faced pressure to drop programs while budgets remain constrained.

Representative McGuire and supporters argued the change would decentralize curricular choices to locally elected school boards and principals and allow districts to prioritize foundational skills. He said the superintendent’s statutory role would be limited and more accountable under his county model (which he presented in a separate bill) and suggested that local boards could hire specialists as needed.

Many witnesses recalled personal or community outcomes tied to arts, language and technical coursework; several described how single elective classes had shaped career paths. Jewish community members and survivors’ advocates urged retention of Holocaust and genocide education. The New Hampshire School Boards Association and school administrators warned that many operational details (budget apportionment, accreditation, staffing, county oversight) were unresolved.

More than 29,000 online comments had registered in opposition on the legislature’s portal by the time of the hearing; public testimony in the room was almost uniformly against the bill. Committee members asked sponsor and witnesses for detailed fiscal analyses, information on college admission standards and evidence comparing state models (county vs. local) and student outcomes. No committee action or vote was taken.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Education Policy and Administration (02/10/2025)","oneSentenceSummary","HB 283, introduced by Representative Dan McGuire, would narrow New Hampshire’s statutory list of subjects that constitute an “adequate education”; the bill drew extensive opposition from educators, parents, faith leaders and students who warned of widening inequities and of harming civic, cultural and workforce readiness.","taxTitle","Education, House of Representatives, Committees\t, Legislative, New Hampshire","taxId",17745,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6342317,"Heated hearing on proposal to consolidate SAUs and make county‑level elected superintendents",5442,4330000,9772000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255345-286c0557b8c234474a0aa322aa17f275&start=4330&end=9772","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255345-286c0557b8c234474a0aa322aa17f275/thumbnail_4330000.jpg","/articles/6342317/New-Hampshire/Heated-hearing-on-proposal-to-consolidate-SAUs-and-make-countylevel-elected-superintendents","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342317-1d8f0433dd11f1e8a2c8790f5e68d576/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155254&Signature=Ojyc7k6h5vpIIriJ16MCh8SKlGYgrC2kdvIt8euiVWYKqJoinPmkiZVImbDRiIheO8LPa4COSmsYMlMk4ZM3rk082JKUgmQI-NckSc7X-51LlvvqVRBwFSlVCvcIHR0eAfc2akDs82tia8GjfSRxPV0L2MPktXUxtbJc79bc3hEtfZKK~NDf5R0JJ711L8u2NLpMW8PDNyCkqwqHQbUZPsfMd6BEUcCOfRgtzlvz4mcPyNoj2TOSx6vKJ3kxHXuuk4qznR2GHIPPlL~xwEMVsu~CJr6KI~8eMzdqDfLuvVKodRF08CnU7CrmviFt9QoxBcTzswCLwaanvDB8rwnWeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Dan McGuire presented HB 765, a sweeping structural proposal to reduce the number of school administrative units (SAUs) in New Hampshire and to make school superintendents elected county officials. McGuire framed the measure as an attempt to increase local control, reduce duplicated administrative costs and improve accountability by making the superintendent answerable directly to voters.

McGuire told the committee that the state’s current system — more than 100 SAUs — has produced low academic results despite rising per‑pupil spending and that consolidating administration and electing superintendents could deliver efficiencies and clearer local control. “What we have now is not working and… more money isn't solving the problem,” he said, arguing that county‑level SAUs could leverage economies of scale for functions such as HR and payroll.

Opposition testimony came from a broad coalition of superintendents, school administrators, school board representatives and union leaders. Jerry Frew of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association said he opposed the bill and warned that creating county superintendents “would remove that person further from the local community that holds their contract and it helps hold them accountable.” Becky Wilson of the New Hampshire School Boards Association and other witnesses said the bill risked disconnecting superintendents from the day‑to‑day realities of local schools and that school boards and districts have different needs that would be harder to meet under a centralized county model.

Multiple witnesses noted practical, legal and fiscal questions the bill did not resolve, including: how county allocations and budgets would be established and controlled; how equity and the current duties and professional qualifications of superintendents would be preserved; and how curricula and local governance would interact with newly elected superintendent offices. School administrators repeatedly said elected superintendents running large geographic areas would have difficulty maintaining the daily presence required to understand local contexts and needs.

McGuire defended the measure as increasing voter accountability for the most influential executive in the school system and said that curriculum authority could be devolved to locally elected school boards and principals, with the superintendent focused on administrative operations. He proposed county departments to manage centralized functions and suggested that local school boards would retain control over curriculum decisions.

The hearing included testimony from retired and current superintendents who emphasized educational complexity and the value of stable, professionally qualified leadership. Several witnesses pointed to strong public opposition in online testimony: more than 700 pages of comments registered opposing the measure, while only a handful registered support. Legal, budgeting and operational follow‑ups were requested; committee members asked the sponsor for comparative data from other states that use county‑level school administration models.

No committee vote was taken. Committee staff and members signaled the need for extensive follow‑up information on funding, county governance mechanics, qualification requirements, and comparative evidence on outcomes where county models are used.","Representative Dan McGuire proposed HB 765 to consolidate New Hampshire’s SAUs into county or city units and to make superintendents elected county officials; proponents argued for efficiency and accountability, while superintendents, school boards and administrators warned of disconnection, operational risk and unanswered fiscal/legal questions.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6342321,"Lawmakers hear competing views on requiring school districts to adopt cell‑phone‑free policies",1457,2883000,4340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255345-286c0557b8c234474a0aa322aa17f275&start=2883&end=4340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255345-286c0557b8c234474a0aa322aa17f275/thumbnail_2883000.jpg","/articles/6342321/New-Hampshire/Lawmakers-hear-competing-views-on-requiring-school-districts-to-adopt-cellphonefree-policies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342321-9f3f5c583a815345f349ccc340f0b1b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155254&Signature=OHRqlqI9s6wDQArMwf8hLkM4CK3urep~dzvAVxG2Jh3PMSscL3pb5BhTtUTqE-JZCaVX6XUrLspNZwODJM40LF~-AkJrW2W319lfM7uNmOpMTdBZQRmzqN1ocaApnNksjlSJcAJiGOvhyQnuxeSynDR9kbOeRmwqWWIML7ow5YQ8oCz75LgU~tUlIiriMgS7o5yuXfXqcPC6RUTbETacXVA7Gz~ViIoxnLAD58AvxznSBkZXOMHuWbqvrNz0hTXzPBaR3bDZArnPktV0oD-ZHltBA2yjdZkATwOb-Lyn7hLLFhe~NOfunUtHx3QUqaQmneYGch7SC1OHQAdP2sW3WA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Melissa Litchfield opened the hearing on HB 781 by urging the committee to address classroom distraction and student wellbeing. She cited research findings — including Pew Research and other summaries — about the effect of phone interruptions on focus and claimed support for classroom bans during class time: “68% of US adults say that they support a ban on middle and high school students using cell phones during class,” she said.

Litchfield described a $250,000 appropriation in her draft to underwrite pilot programs and pouches that lock phones during the school day. She framed the bill as a measured, local‑option approach: districts could adopt policies and seek grants for equipment; she said she did not intend an unfunded state mandate.

School governance organizations urged local flexibility. Becky Wilson of the New Hampshire School Boards Association said the association “supports the intention” of reducing distraction but asked the committee to avoid prescriptive mandates and to leave detail setting to local school boards and district administrators. Jerry Frew of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association said his members were not taking a position on any single cell phone bill but welcomed a subcommittee to reconcile competing proposals and advised caution about implementation timing and operational impacts.

Committee members and witnesses discussed technical practicalities. Representatives and administrators asked how exceptions for IEPs, medical needs, and emergency contact would work, and whether lockable pouches or shoe‑rack solutions would interfere with emergency communication for students or first responders. Wilson and Frew advised that districts differ widely in staffing and facilities and asked the committee to avoid overly prescriptive statutory language.

Public testimony and national examples were cited by the sponsor: Litchfield referenced Florida and California laws on smartphone restrictions, as well as school‑level initiatives such as lockable pouches. Several representatives asked for outcome data from other states, and the sponsor offered to supply comparative evidence in written form to the subcommittee. No formal action or vote was recorded at the hearing.","Representative Melissa Litchfield sponsored HB 781 to require school districts to adopt cell‑phone policies and included a $250,000 grant pilot; district groups supported the goals but asked for local flexibility and technical guidance.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6342326,"Committee hears bill to create statewide kindergarten literacy readiness program; Waterford Upstart proponents testify",2133,261000,2394000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255345-286c0557b8c234474a0aa322aa17f275&start=261&end=2394","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255345-286c0557b8c234474a0aa322aa17f275/thumbnail_261000.jpg","/articles/6342326/New-Hampshire/Committee-hears-bill-to-create-statewide-kindergarten-literacy-readiness-program-Waterford-Upstart-proponents-testify","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342326-e5a5f36bc5e5c43eee20e3b484951a83/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155254&Signature=ighPg3tMbIl9sPsPMuU7TXk1x6DDq0GwGEqA0bQDhpb5GnPs8Se~rZHBVRcJVrWw7ujrhTm9wArcVp86CCtwA15op95ksp7wW~XRa~v8HcbTlOnfKk-CmpwcNbiDKalcWA5svG~T0OCjkMExh3HmcPXHvMqFBNiA49EjX66eYakccMxlBM8P9i6saghGLGjEbtJLSwKKTMrKeSiZRvFJHBTNA1MzBXwgM3OXdfxPgrc~4qXItUtC~z0hvEiPt8KMkqWpQLoIcHGT3xXcONbgovhP3hnlPMSWB5OX5MMD-wXkqlufGRYf5HhODPF9eKKVcNoNX0wNUq~xCDlFvMND4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Mark Pearson introduced HB 671 on the committee floor as a framework to establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program statewide and to mandate reporting on whether the program improves kindergarten readiness.

Pearson said the bill is “in some ways a placeholder because it appropriates a dollar,” adding that the appropriation signals intent while program details are worked out: “Should the details seem wise to the governor and executive council, they would then proceed to fund it with whatever monies are available as they choose.”

Waterford.org representatives and their local counsel described an existing home‑based model, Waterford UPSTART, that they said has shown measurable reading gains in New Hampshire pilots. Rob Riley, senior director of community engagement at Waterford.org, told the committee: “Our flagship initiative, Waterford Upstart, is a home based early education program that equips children with foundational literacy, numeracy, and socio‑emotional skills.” He said the program includes family coaching, multilingual supports, and, when needed, devices and internet access provided to families.

Theresa Rosenberger of Bernstein Shore Law Firm described Waterford’s Nashua pilot and a subsequent UNH‑administered $1.5 million grant that scaled the program statewide until the grant funding lapsed. Rosenberger said the program provided tablets, paid Internet access for families with connectivity gaps, and a coach model that monitors and adjusts a child’s curriculum.

Committee members pressed proponents for specifics. Representative Regrethen Selleck, a former kindergarten teacher, asked how the program would operate alongside play‑based preschool and in‑class formative assessment; Pearson and Waterford witnesses said the program was intended to “compliment” existing classroom practice and to be targeted where gaps exist. Representative Murray asked whether “tier 1 benchmarks” referenced in the draft meant Response to Intervention benchmarks; the sponsor said he did not have that level of detail yet.

Waterford representatives said the program offers multilingual coaching and uses an adaptive curriculum of 15–30 minutes a day; Riley said New Hampshire participants in 2023–24 numbered just over 300 and that “many participants finish the program with skills at or above the kindergarten readiness benchmark.” Rosenberger and Riley described translation services that cover more than 100 languages when needed.

No formal action was taken. The committee heard proponent testimony, raised questions about vendor selection, nonprofit language in the draft, how homeschooled children would participate, and how children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) would be handled. Waterford representatives said they would work with districts and families on IEP coordination if necessary.

The hearing record includes requests from committee members for more detail on identified programs, on whether a nonprofit restriction in the draft is necessary, and for documentation of outcomes and cost estimates. Sponsors and proponents said they view HB 671 as a step to create legal authority for a program that can then be funded when monies are available.","Lawmakers heard testimony on HB 671, a placeholder bill to establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program statewide; proponents including Waterford.org urged adoption and described an existing home-based model used in New Hampshire pilots and grants, while legislators pressed for program details and implementation safeguards.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6342313,"Students from Team Phoenix press lawmakers to expand high‑school STEM courses in New Hampshire",4623,12795000,17418000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255345-286c0557b8c234474a0aa322aa17f275&start=12795&end=17418","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255345-286c0557b8c234474a0aa322aa17f275/thumbnail_12795000.jpg","/articles/6342313/New-Hampshire/Students-from-Team-Phoenix-press-lawmakers-to-expand-highschool-STEM-courses-in-New-Hampshire","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342313-bf4ead93665ab15f8f5f9a402975568f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155254&Signature=UI-kpFvf7IfpjEedCMT4QwkWWQsEKXeYS6zeI6ifbPJ0UDddfNZKEA-VcDgKbg7XmV6mIEGYzLvghlLO4kWzPgy1fiQ-2GB30DrglRJ7dJC8HSvefJ7jV5c7X9i4sjgUGus7ZN4wZJ~ecTcExlmm1~9SAopiL0Gr0nrA3sCBqt06opsQW87d2baqh44pT~La91eULHnP8cjifTYsgvCsnL7AsgxMQnDYQKheaamAj7123kOSwEtlNrPfeBAlLLOI8Uv509S5UQyLTUaTmA6M5x42rAWUiqxTPj1IiTxT4cigpIfl9uZQk91LofC0Vxwybl9U~SGyrRqgV~z-JQl5sA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Wendy Thomas introduced House Resolution 9 urging the Department of Education to emphasize STEM education in public high schools, including courses in robotics, advanced programming, engineering and higher‑level mathematics.

Multiple student speakers from Team Phoenix and the Academy for Science and Design testified in favor. Brunette Grover told the committee that the state will need to “fill nearly 54,000 STEM jobs by 2028” and called expanded access critical to New Hampshire’s workforce pipeline. Several other students described hands‑on robotics experience and the effect of early exposure to engineering and programming. One student said, “STEM gave these students an opportunity… that sparked their curiosity and their drive to learn.”

Supporters argued that increased offerings in robotics, coding and engineering would reduce the outflow of young workers to other states by providing local career pathways and by aligning K‑12 preparation with NSF and other grant investments. Students and sponsors described existing grant programs and state‑funded pilots — including an NSF award and robotics grant funding in prior budgets — and asked the Department of Education to develop a coordinated strategy to expand course options statewide.

No objections were raised during the hearing on principle, although Representative Thomas asked committee members to distinguish online testimony related to other bills that had been filed. The committee did not take immediate action on the resolution.","House Resolution 9, urging stronger emphasis on STEM curricula statewide, drew testimony from Team Phoenix and Academy for Science and Design students who described robotics, programming and engineering opportunities and linked expanded STEM access to workforce and retention goals.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Controversial HB 283 would narrow statutory list of subjects comprising an "adequate education"; hearing drew hundreds of opponents

Heated hearing on proposal to consolidate SAUs and make county‑level elected superintendents

Lawmakers hear competing views on requiring school districts to adopt cell‑phone‑free policies

Committee hears bill to create statewide kindergarten literacy readiness program; Waterford Upstart proponents testify

Students from Team Phoenix press lawmakers to expand high‑school STEM courses in New Hampshire