By Rep. Wayne Burton, D-Durham

The most shocking testimony during the four-hour testimony last week on HB-115-FN a bill that “removes the household income from eligibility requirements for the educational freedom accounts” (Analysis printed on HB 115-FN) came from an administrator of a smaller, non-public religious school who admitted federal law was being ignored with regard to the right of students with disabilities to a “free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.” (PL 94-142). 

She admitted her school lacked the resources to provide such programming for the students arriving at her door having been placed on IEPs (Individual Education Plan) in their public school. 

Contrast this with a mother whose son attended Portsmouth schools and was identified early and given an IEP with her full participation. In her testimony, she praised the team’s efforts resulting in excellent results bringing success to her son and gratitude from her towards the faculty and staff at her Portsmouth public school.

She strongly opposed so-called “freedom” accounts and schools which  escape the scrutiny accorded our public schools. Rather they are “free” to spend the $25 million after the Children’s Scholarship Fund out of New York City takes a 10% fee off the top – about $2.5 million – drained from NH’s Educational Trust Fund who free themselves from accountability by resisting state audits. 

Best estimates have this bill if passed ballooning the state’s tab for the program from around $25 million to $100 million per year. 

At a time when many Granite Staters struggle to pay their taxes, is it right to send tax dollars to subsidize affluent families with no accountability for their use? 

I don’t think so. 

Representative Wayne M. Burton

Member, Education Finance Committee

NH House of Representatives

Durham