
New Hampshire still ranks last in state-level share of K-12 education funding
Get N.H. Morning Report
A weekday newsletter delivering the N.H. news you need to know right to your inbox.
Enter Email
Sign Up
Megan Tuttle, president of NEA New Hampshire, said some state lawmakers 'keep failing to adequately fund public education,' and the state's overreliance on local property taxes means students receive differing opportunities based on their ZIP codes.
Advertisement
'For example, students in property poor and lower-income communities often don't get to take AP courses or join extra curricular activities,' she said. 'Differences in funding levels across the state also impact educator salaries, leading to serious recruitment and retention issues that directly harm student learning.'
Advertisement
Whether the current model should be replaced with a system that requires the state to contribute more funding and distribute SWEPT revenues more equally is the subject of a pair of disputes
While the state's share of K-12 public school spending is relatively slim, the overall amount that New Hampshire schools spend per student is higher than most other states. New Hampshire ranked seventh in the US last school year, spending $22,252 per pupil, according to the NEA data. That was slightly more than Maine schools spent per pupil and a few thousands dollars less than Massachusetts schools spent per pupil.
Republican state lawmakers have advocated for caps to limit the growth of school spending at the local level. They have also proposed universal eligibility for the Education Freedom Account program, which would allow all families to take the state's share of education funding and use it for private school or other education expenses. Democrats have advocated for their own legislative proposals to increase education funding at the state level and distribute SWEPT revenues more evenly.
A wide variety of factors, including
In terms of
Advertisement
This article first appeared in Globe NH | Morning Report, our free newsletter focused on the news you need to know about New Hampshire, including great coverage from the Boston Globe and links to interesting articles from other places. If you'd like to receive it via e-mail Monday through Friday,
Steven Porter can be reached at
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Fox News
22 minutes ago
- Fox News
Mamdani's ideas already backfired in another major US city
Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo. joins 'Fox & Friends' to explain the problems with Zohran Mamdani's campaign promises.


Politico
30 minutes ago
- Politico
Pritzker's gerrymander jab draws fire
☀️☀️☀️Happy hot Thursday, Illinois. The Cubs will host the 2027 MLB All-Star Game at Wrigley Field, via Crain's. TOP TALKER MAP MOVES: Gov. JB Pritzker scolded Texas Republicans and President Donald Trump this week for their brazen attempts to redraw congressional maps in the Lone Star State with the goal of giving GOP candidates an even cushier ride to Washington. No cheating: That the president is 'encouraging Texas — and Texas being willing to do this — should be an indicator to the rest of us that if they're going to cheat, that that's not a proper way to act,' Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference. 'I think we ought to play by the rules. Everybody.' Illinois Republicans did a spit take. 'It's rich that the governor now claims to support playing by the rules — after he enthusiastically signed into law the most gerrymandered maps in the nation,' said Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. 'Phony' and 'disingenuous' is how state Rep. Ryan Spain, the deputy minority leader, put it. The backstory: In 2021, when Democrats worried the House might slip from their grasp, Illinois Democrats approached redistricting with surgical precision — eliminating two Republican congressional seats and reinforcing their own fortress in D.C. How it changed: Illinois, which lost a seat due to population changes, went from having 13 Democrats and five Republicans in Congress to 14 Democrats and three Republicans. This week, Pritzker left open the possibility of more map tweaking. Asked if Illinois would try to 'counterbalance' what Texas might do, Pritzker said: 'We have to see what they decide to do about Texas.' We reached out to lawmakers on the redistricting committee to see if there's any appetite for another round of map-making. No one responded. And a spokesman for Senate President Don Harmon told Capitol News' Ben Szalinski, 'That's not something we're pursuing.' Redistricting 'overreach' can be a risk, says Ryan Tolley, executive director of CHANGE Illinois, which supports fair mapping. He pointed to how Illinois lawmakers also carved up state legislative districts in southern Illinois, with the goal of favoring Democratic incumbents LaToya Greenwood and Jay Hoffman. But the outcome backfired. Greenwood lost. 'Democrats run the risk of creating thin margin districts. The big question would be whether they could pick up a seat,' Tolley said. And if they don't, 'they could end up hurting more than helping.' That might not stop Democrats, however. One political strategist we talked to acknowledged, 'There's always more you can do,' a reminder that gerrymandering is a bipartisan blood sport that's never really over. RELATED Obama to headline fundraiser in response to GOP redistricting efforts, by POLITICO's Andrew Howard THE BUZZ REALITY BITES: Mayor Brandon Johnson's CFO says a property tax hike is 'likely' in the 2026 budget, via Bloomberg's Isabela Fleischmann and Romaine Bostick. 'It is likely that that will be part of the package,' Jill Jaworski said at Bloomberg's New Voices event in Chicago. 'We haven't rolled out the full package yet, but the package is going to include cuts [in expenditures], and it is going to include proposals for increasing our revenues.' Jaworski also talked at length about what the city is doing to attract new business, the city's tax burden — and areas of the city that work. Watch it here From the Tribune: Johnson's team emphasized the budget was not yet finalized and that the mayor 'is focused on identifying progressive revenue opportunities that ensure that the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share and that this budget is not balanced on the backs of working people,' report A.D. Quig and Jake Sheridan. RELATED Chicago Public Schools is grappling with a massive budget deficit: 'District officials say they expect to save about $165 million after laying off some central office staff and crossing guards this summer. But leaders are still searching for $569 million in either savings or revenue,' by WBEZ's Sarah Karp. If you are LaToya Greenwood, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB At the State of Illinois Building at 1:30 p.m. to celebrate the building being renamed the Jesse White State of Illinois Building At 2300 South State Street at 1:15 p.m. for a ribbon-cutting at 23rd Place at Southbridge Where's Toni At the Cook County Building at 9 a.m. to preside over a County Commission meeting — At the Cook County Building at 12:45 p.m. to spotlight a youth and the arts movement — At the State of Illinois Building at 1:30 p.m. for its renaming Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ MORNING MONEY: CAPITAL RISK — POLITICO's flagship financial newsletter has a new Friday edition built for the economic era we're living in: one shaped by political volatility, disruption and a wave of policy decisions with sector-wide consequences. Each week, Morning Money: Capital Risk brings sharp reporting and analysis on how political risk is moving markets and how investors are adapting. Want to know how health care regulation, tariffs, or court rulings could ripple through the economy? Start here. BUSINESS OF POLITICS — MAKING IT OFFICIAL: State Rep. Margaret Croke is officially launching her campaign for state comptroller today, promoting a 'Rule of 3' video, with a hat tip to juggling her three children. Croke has served nearly five years in the Illinois General Assembly and before that worked in the governor's office. 'Our state comptroller can't control what happens in Washington, but they can ensure Illinois' finances are managed with efficiency, transparency and oversight,' she said in a statement announcing her campaign. 'With the chaos coming out of the Trump administration, strong leadership at the state level is more important than ever before.' — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: In IL-07, Richard Boykin, the former county commissioner, will kick off his campaign for Congress with businessman Willie Wilson at his side. Details here — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: George Alpogianis is launching his campaign for 9th District Democratic State Central committeeman, and he's being endorsed by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, state Sen. Laura Murphy, state Rep. Kevin Olickal and Niles Township Supervisor Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti, according to his team. — Senate race: Robin Kelly pledges to confirm only pro-LGBTQ+ judges in U.S. Senate bid, by Jake Wittich in the Windy City Times — In IL-09: Daniel Biss has been endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 742, representing Evanston's fire and EMS personnel. It's the first labor endorsement in the race. Biss, the mayor of Evanston, is running for the open seat now held by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, who's retiring after 2026. — Robert Carroll is seeking the Democratic nomination for DuPage County sheriff, where he was a top aide. 'I'm running because every resident deserves to feel safe, respected and heard — no matter where they live, what they look like, or where they come from.' he said in launching his campaign. More from the Daily Herald's Susan Sarkauskas. ILLINOIS' POPE — Legislation aims to protect pope's U.S. citizenship: 'The measure would exempt popes with U.S. citizenship from federal tax obligations, and prevent their citizenship from being revoked during their tenure as supreme pontiff,' by The Pillar's Jack Figge. CHICAGO — Startup joins Chicago's growing quantum campus, plans to build its own computer: 'Infleqtion, a startup with roots in Boulder, Colo., and Chicago, says it will build a commercial quantum computer at the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park planned for the former U.S. Steel mill on the South Side,' by Crain's John Pletz. — City investing $40M to improve conditions at 7 homeless shelters, by Block Club's Michael Liptrot — Feds want 15 months for ex-City Club President Jay Doherty in ComEd Madigan plot, by the Sun-Times' Jon Seidel — SCOOP: Ex-Loretto leader and pal accused of stealing millions are living large in Dubai, by Block Club's Kelly Bauer — University of Chicago considers restructuring arts and humanities division to cut costs, by the Tribune's Kate Armanini COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Harvey, Ill., to lay off about 10 percent of its city workforce: 'After every effort to avoid cuts — including eliminating discretionary spending, enforcing tax compliance and making painful operational adjustments — we have no choice,' said Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark, via CBS 2's Adam Harrington and John Odenthal. — Crystal Lake Park District holds another contentious meeting as board cleared of violating Open Meeting Act: 'Yelling, booing mark session,' by the Northwest Herald's Michelle Meyer. — Ex-Worth Township supervisor gets probation in Oak Lawn red-light camera bribery case, by the Tribune's Jason Meisner SPOTTED — Happy anniversary! New Chicago Consulting, headed by managing partners Tom Bowen, Christina Nowinski Wurst and Tracy Mayfield celebrated their 11 years in business earlier this week with a gathering of friends and clients. In the room: Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Ald. Jason Ervin, city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, former Deputy Gov. Jesse Ruiz, County Commissioner Scott Britton and former Congresswoman and Mercury Public Affairs partner Cheri Bustos. Reader Digest We asked about crazy things you've seen on the El. Bob Kieckhefer: 'Ronnie Woo Woo on the Red Line headed to Wrigley.' Kevin Lampe: 'The excitement of arriving at Comiskey Park (Yes, that is still the name to me.) or Wrigley Field and the emotional discharge depending on the outcome of the game at departure.' Ed Mazur: 'Red Line: a man with a squawking chicken perched on his head. Honestly.' Tara Price: 'One time my law school roommate and I saw the bare behind of a gentleman through his ripped jeans as he stood up, leaned against the railing of the seats directly in front of us. Some things you wish you could unsee.' Josh Witkowski: 'I've seen guys openly selling weed while moving car to car.' NEXT QUESTION: What policy or law noticeably improved your community? KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION — Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, criticized Donald Trump's social media attacks on President Barack Obama, saying Trump's use of an AI-generated video of Obama was 'deeply unsettling,' according to a statement. Earlier this week, Trump accused Obama of 'treason' over an investigation into Russian influence in the 2016 election. THE NATIONAL TAKE — Appeals court finds Trump's effort to end birthright citizenship unconstitutional, by The Associated Press. The move drew praise from Illinois Atty. Gen. Kwame Raoul. 'The universal injunction was both necessary and appropriate. As a birthright citizen, I will not stop fighting to protect the constitutionally protected right to citizenship that is unquestionably guaranteed to all children born in this country to parents who are not yet naturalized citizens.' — 'POTUS is clearly furious': White House is frustrated by all-consuming Epstein coverage, by POLITICO's Rachael Bade — Trump's 'massive' deal with Japan is giving US automakers heartburn, by POLITICO's Daniel Desrochers and Chris Marquette — Supreme Court green-lights Trump's firing of consumer product safety regulators, by POLITICO's Josh Gerstein TRANSITIONS — Adrienne White-Faines has been named president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois. She starts in September. Most recently White-Faines was chief strategy officer for the American College of Physicians. The Tribune's Lisa Schencker has more. — Kara Spak is now media senior director at the 120/80 Group, a digital health marketing firm. She was a Northwestern hospital media relations manager and earlier a Sun-Times reporter. EVENTS — Saturday: State Rep. Adam Niemerg's free fishing derby for kids ages 4 to 15 will be held at Sam Parr. Details here TRIVIA WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Mary Kay Minaghan for correctly answering that a traditional 'Chicago handshake' is a shot-and-a-beer combo of Heileman's Old Style and Malört. TODAY's QUESTION: What Chicago location was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006? Email your answer to: skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, former Chicago City Treasurer Kurt Summers, Lockport Township Supervisor Alex Zapién, entrepreneur Michael Ferro, Holtz Industries President James Straus, WGN Radio's Anna Davlantes and Global Strategy Group's Nicole Jaconetty -30-


Politico
41 minutes ago
- Politico
Capitol agenda: Thune dishes on his 2026 midterms strategy
John Thune's approach to the midterms is a shaping up to be a mix of Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell. In an interview previewing his 2026 strategy, the South Dakota Republican told POLITICO that he's already 'coordinating closely' with Trump, including giving recommendations on potential candidates. The majority leader's goal is to make sure that the Senate GOP campaign wing is 'rolling in the same direction' as Trump and Trump's political arm. But Thune said he's willing to intervene in contested GOP primaries where he thinks a candidate would be doomed in the general election — an old McConnell tactic that sometimes annoyed others in the party. 'We're all about preserving and protecting and expanding our majority,' Thune said. 'So we want the best candidates on the field.' Thune has three states so far where GOP senators are retiring: Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina. Each is likely to have a competitive primary that pits factions of the party against each other. In North Carolina, Thune said in Wednesday's interview that he had spoken with Lara Trump about the seat being vacated by GOP Sen. Thom Tillis. Thune said the president's daughter-in-law 'would be great' before dropping the caveat, 'if she were to decide to do it.' Thune hinted we could hear more soon. Four GOP senators granted anonymity to speak candidly said Wednesday evening they didn't expect her to jump in. On Thursday, POLITICO broke the news that Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley was entering the race and that Lara Trump had opted out. Thune's potential primary problems aren't limited to seats where Republicans are retiring. They're facing a likely jam-packed primary field in Georgia, where Gov. Brian Kemp passed on challenging Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, whose own party is bullish about keeping his seat. Thune said he believes the state is a 'real pick-up opportunity' but that Republicans 'need a good candidate.' Thune also has work to do in Iowa, with some of his members concerned that GOP Sen. Joni Ernst might retire. Thune believes she'll run, and in the meantime has 'encouraged her to, and told her we'll do everything we can to help her' if she does. Then there's Texas. Thune said it 'remains to be seen' if Trump will get behind Sen. John Cornyn, who is facing off against MAGA favorite Ken Paxton. Thune said Trump 'wants to see how the race plays out.' The majority leader said he believes Cornyn would be 'by far the best general election candidate.' Asked about Paxton's recently-announced divorce — with his wife citing 'biblical' reasons for the breakup — Thune said voters will realize 'there's a real contrast between these candidates, both in terms of experience and accomplishment, but also I think that those character issues are always a factor.' That's not all Thune told us. He made news on Mike Johnson and Jeffrey Epstein, his CR strategy and more that POLITICO Pro readers got in an exclusive Q&A. What else we're watching: — About that shutdown deadline: Thune said Congress will need to pass a short-term funding bill to prevent a shutdown in October. His plan is to get signed into law as many of the 12 appropriations bills as possible, then use the patch to fund the rest of the government. — Epstein issue poised to resurface: Speaker Mike Johnson has been putting out fires in his conference related to the Jeffrey Epstein files and sent the House home early for recess. Some of his members have warned that they'll try to force votes upon their return if the administration doesn't deliver more documents. — Cooper watch: Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to announce a campaign for Senate as soon as Monday, according to two people familiar with his decision. The announcement would be enthusiastically welcomed by state and national Democrats as North Carolina represents one of the few offensive opportunities for the party. Meredith Lee Hill and Elena Schneider contributed to this report.