Release Federal funding for NH Charter Schools

Release Federal funding for NH Charter Schools

Started
November 4, 2020
Petition to
NH Finance Committee
Signatures: 170Next Goal: 200
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Why this petition matters

Started by Gathering Waters Charter School

This petition is to request the release of Federal funding given to the State of NH for the startup costs of public charter schools. The decision to table this discussion was made at the last FInance Committee on Oct.14th, 2020, but will potentially be brought again during the November meeting.

The opposition of some Democratic representatives and senators to this funding is baffling, especially if it is based on a wish to support and protect New Hampshire’s (non-charter) public schools. Charter schools are public schools. They are important for providing educational choice to the students of our State. Many public charter schools offer an alternative learning approach that enables students to thrive, such as smaller classes, an emphasis on the arts or on STEM subjects, or on experiential-hands-on learning, or an environmental-outdoor focus, or multidimensional assessment methods like portfolios or projects. Our regular public schools, excellent though many may be, simply cannot and do not meet the needs of all our students.

Charter schools are not in competition with non-charter public schools for funding and resources. They receive only a minimal per-student reimbursement from the State. They are supported by their local communities and donors who are committed to ensuring this option is free and available to any family that chooses it for their children. And as you must know, public charter schools are well regulated. New Hampshire’s charter school legislation ensures that they comply with rigorous State academic, safety, administrative and financial standards and procedures.

Public charter schools are enriching the education landscape and providing new opportunities to students all across the country, including here in New Hampshire. But we need to enable our parents and families—who know what is best for their children—to go forward with new charter initiatives, ultimately for a better future for all.  

We urge you, please, to bring this issue to the top of the agenda of the next committee meeting and to vote for immediate release of these funds.

Support now
Signatures: 170Next Goal: 200
Support now
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Decision Makers

  • NH Finance Committee