Rep. Cordelli proposes HB 747 to fund up to 1,000 annual enrichment scholarships for gifted public-school students

Representative Glenn Cordelli (Tuftonborough) presented House Bill 747 to create a state-run enrichment scholarship program for public-school students identified as gifted or twice-exceptional. The bill would authorize up to $1,000 per eligible student annually, run by the Department of Education with a review panel and a designated program administrator. Eligible uses listed in the bill include private instruction, tuition for classes (including potential community-college classes if rules are expanded), tutoring, instructional materials, therapies (including speech, occupational, and related services), and other supports that parents propose in a scholarship application.

Cordelli said the Department of Education could use existing electronic systems used for other scholarship or scholarship-like programs to track expenditures and compliance; he included a proposed $1 million annual appropriation to fund approximately 1,000 scholarships and asked for a $75,000 contracted-services fund and an administrator position. Committee members questioned how the program would define "giftedness," how applicants would be assessed, whether there would be an equity or means-test component (the bill as written is not means-tested), and whether public schools are the appropriate first place to offer expanded opportunities. Cordelli said he intentionally left the definition flexible, relying on educator assessment and professional panels to determine eligibility and the amount awarded.

Supporters in the room urged the committee to treat gifted students' needs as part of the state's public-education mission; critics said the state should first ensure schools provide equitable access to curricular offerings (languages, arts, AP courses, CTE) before funding private-outside options and expressed concern over accountability and provider oversight. Several members asked about annual review and the program's auditability; Cordelli and committee staff noted the department would have discretion over rules and monitoring.

Next steps: The bill was heard; committee members asked for more detail on eligibility criteria, provider accountability, and fiscal impacts. Cordelli said he had consulted with the Department of Education and that the agency could support administration, but the committee asked for more specificity in rules and potential safeguards against discriminatory practices by private providers.