AFT-NH President Deb Howes released the following statement on Governor Ayotte's Signing of HB 1817:
"Public school students will have fewer opportunities in their local neighborhood schools, while voucher students will have more access, and local school districts will be forced to absorb the cost because of Gov. Ayotte’s decision today. By signing HB 1817, which requires school districts to allow resident voucher students to join any class, program, or extracurricular activity, Ayotte created an unfunded mandate that forces public schools to do more with less. The result for students is clear: larger class sizes, greater competition to get into limited courses, and less access to the sports, arts, and programs that help students thrive.
New Hampshire families, educators, and community members must elect leaders in November who will prioritize state funding for public schools and protect the learning opportunities for our public school students."