I am asking the citizens of Manchester to be aware of House Bill 1831 that got tabled when it came to a vote on the floor.
Manchester’s per-pupil funding stands significantly lower than the state average. This gap hinders the district’s capacity to address the complex needs of its students.
54% of Manchester’s students live in poverty greatly exceeding the state average. One quarter of Manchester students require special education services. The rising costs of educational resources further complicate these efforts.
There are significant mental health issues and trauma affecting students’ learning capabilities. Increasing homelessness and the struggle for families to find affordable housing exacerbates the problem.
The reduction in state support is detrimental to the district’s financial health and sustainability. The district currently faces a $15 million shortfall for the upcoming budget year, constrained by a tax cap that limits the funds available to meet educational requirements.
The potential financial catastrophe looms over the district, risking the progress made in educational improvements.
It is crucial for the legislature to address these disparities and remove the cap affecting ONLY Manchester as it directly impacts the educational landscape for its students now and in the future.
I encourage Manchester legislators to recognize the complex interplay of funding inequalities, student needs, the future needs and economic challenges in the Manchester School District. Support for HB1831 is essential to ensure that all students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, receive the education they need.
NH State Rep. Suzanne Chretien is a retired teacher and represents Hillsborough County District 19.
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