New Hampshire Center for School Reform
www.nhschoolreform.org


 Telephone:  603.224.0366                    Fax:  603.224.8366
Concord, NH 03301 Email: info@nhschoolreform.org

 

JUNE 20, 2007

LEGISLATION & CHARTER SCHOOLS

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

 

 

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION WRITES IN
Even a one-year moratorium on state authorization could weaken New Hampshire’s ability to attract federal grants. And with a slight facilities grant program, we would open doors to new money for state charter schools. The National Alliance of Public Charter Schools has written to the legislature—urging no repeal. Read their comments.

COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE COMPLETES ITS PROPOSAL
Committees of Conference for the state budget and companion document must sign a compromise agreement by 4:30 p.m., Thursday, June 21, 2007. Democrats and Republicans have each made statements of commitment not to hurt charter school students. Both parties are fully aware of the dangers of the Senate-proposed amendment. Will current schools receive increased funding?

Read our Legislative Alert with proposed funding solutions for 2007.

TRANSITION GRANTS ARE CONSIDERED
A state budget line item is for “charter school seed grants” at $400,000. No increase is shown from last year’s allocation. The bill to adjust per pupil state aid was set aside until January. Current state aid distribution does not treat charter schools like other public schools, with the effect of unreasonably low state aid. Grants to augment state aid were removed 2 years ago and were refunded last year as “seed grants.” Transition grants or facility rent grants could be included in the state’s grant program to make funding equitable next year.

SPACE RENT—GRANTS
From the Governor’s office to the Board of Accountancy—every state budget page shows RENTS&LEASES OTHER THAN STATE for state programs needing private space. Only the state’s charter school program has to use funding for teachers to pay rent. Read More.

OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE SETS GOALS FOR NEXT YEAR
The Legislative Committee for Charter School Oversight met June 19th to discuss its role recommending legislative changes. Proposed goals included: charter schools addressing new drop-out legislation; local authorization provisions; and funding issues.

 

 

 


 

For more information about chartered public schools, click here. To view the complete listing of new schools in New Hampshire, click here. Visit our web site. Read up on the basics of charter schools in New Hampshire. We welcome questions and suggestions. So contact us. Know someone who might like our newsletter? Let us know.

 


 Telephone:  603.224.0366                   Fax:  603.224.8366
Concord, NH 03301 Email:  info@nhschoolreform.org