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Bill to permit districts to contract with "approved" nonpublic schools prompts constitutional and equity concerns
Summary
Representative Kristen Noble introduced a bill to clarify a statutory cross‑reference allowing school districts to contract with approved nonpublic schools; opponents argued the change risks public funds flowing to sectarian institutions that may not accept all students or provide equivalent services.
Representative Kristen Noble introduced a narrowly framed bill to correct a cross‑reference in New Hampshire statute that would allow public school districts to contract with "approved nonpublic schools." The sponsor described the measure as a simple housekeeping change to clarify statutory language.
Several witnesses urged the committee to reject or amend the bill, raising constitutional and equity concerns. Mary Wilkie of Concord warned that some nonpublic religious schools decline to enroll students based on disability, gender identity or sexual orientation and that contracting with such schools could allow districts to sidestep obligations to accept and educate all…
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