Ware Town Council faces heated debate on school budget cap proposal

Concerns over school funding and budget caps dominated the Weare School District's deliberative session on February 12, 2025, as community members voiced their frustrations about the state of education in the district.

David Trumbull, a long-time resident and parent, highlighted the critical issue of underfunding, stating that Weare has one of the lowest property tax values per student in New Hampshire. He emphasized that the state contributes only 27% to public school funding, the lowest in the nation, compared to the national average of 45%. Trumbull argued that imposing a budget cap would further hinder the district's ability to provide quality education, potentially leading to overcrowded classrooms and a lack of experienced teachers.

Trumbull's remarks were echoed by other residents who stressed that the real issue lies not in spending but in inadequate state support. Joshua Hilliard pointed out that Weare spends significantly less per student than the state average, indicating that the school board is managing its budget effectively despite rising costs.

The discussion also touched on the impact of recent cuts from the state, which could result in a loss of $3 million over the next few years. Residents expressed concern that these cuts, combined with a proposed budget cap, would jeopardize educational programs and resources essential for student success.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the community is calling for a reevaluation of state funding priorities rather than imposing restrictions on local school budgets. The overarching sentiment was that the future of Weare's education system hinges on addressing these funding disparities to ensure that all students receive the quality education they deserve.