Meramec School Board urges Governor Ayotte to reform New Hampshire education funding

The Merrimack Valley School District Board convened on April 7, 2025, to address critical issues regarding public education funding in New Hampshire. The meeting began with a discussion on a draft letter to Governor Ayotte, expressing the board's concerns about the state's funding model for public education, which heavily relies on local property taxes. This reliance has led to significant disparities among communities and increased financial burdens on local taxpayers.

The letter outlined three main requests: first, to increase state-level funding sources for education; second, to raise the state's share of funding for public education, which is currently the lowest in the nation; and third, to oppose any legislation that would impose budget caps on local school districts. The board emphasized that local control is essential for addressing the unique educational needs of each community.

Board members praised the draft letter, highlighting its clarity and the importance of advocating for equitable funding solutions. They discussed the need for the state legislature to explore alternative revenue sources that would not disproportionately affect working-class families, such as increasing taxes on casinos rather than raising car registration fees.

In addition to funding discussions, the board confirmed that Merrimack High School's graduation date is set for Saturday, June 14, 2025. This date remains unchanged despite potential weather-related school closures, as state statutes dictate that graduation dates are not affected by inclement weather.

The meeting concluded with a transition to new business, where Gage Perry from the building and planning committee was invited to present a facilities naming recommendation. Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to advocating for sustainable and equitable education funding while maintaining local control over school budgets.