A proposed law introduced in the New Hampshire House of Representatives on July 5, 2025, seeks to grant the state Department of Education extensive new powers to intervene in public school districts facing financial difficulties and operational challenges. This legislation would enable the state to appoint an administrator who can override decisions made by local school boards, dismiss superintendents, and facilitate student transfers to other districts.
The bill also includes provisions for the Department of Education to withhold state funding from struggling districts. Additionally, it aims to strengthen existing requirements for financial audits, increasing penalties for non-compliance. According to Republican Representative Glenn Cordelli, who sponsored the legislation, the intent is to address failures in communication, transparency, and accountability, particularly in light of issues faced by the Claremont School District.
Concerns Raised Over State Control
While some House Democrats have expressed support for certain elements of the bill, they have raised concerns about the implications of transferring significant powers to a state-appointed administrator. Democratic Representative Timothy Horrigan of Durham remarked, “It’s not very respectful to our democratic or republican form of government to take over a political subdivision that is run by an elected school board.”
When queried about the legality of such a takeover, Department of Education lawyer Diana Fenton indicated that she would need to consult with the state Office of the Attorney General.
This legislation comes as a direct response to a financial crisis in Claremont, where the school board revealed severe financial mismanagement over the preceding years. In light of this crisis, lawmakers previously contemplated allowing the district early access to state aid to help address a multi-million dollar deficit.
Potential Financial Implications
Cordelli, who is also the chair of the House Education Policy and Administration Committee, described Claremont as a “case study in failure.” However, Democrats worry that the new bill could worsen financial situations rather than assist districts in overcoming challenges.
A particular concern is a provision that would empower the state-appointed administrator to terminate employee contracts. Democratic Representative Tracy Bricchi of Penacook, who also chairs the Merrimack Valley School Board, highlighted the potential financial burden of such actions, stating, “If I were to cancel my superintendent’s contract, depending on where they are in their contract, it could cost me three years’ salary.”
As the debate over this proposed legislation unfolds, the implications for local governance and the management of public education in New Hampshire remain at the forefront of discussions. The bill’s ability to effectively address the challenges facing struggling school districts while respecting local autonomy continues to be a point of contention among lawmakers.
