Committee Summary for House Education Policy and Administration (01/15/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:01:58.840 - 7:59:34 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB93 04:33:09.879 - 12:30:45 PM	Public Hearing	enabling school districts to appoint a school district treasurer.	Alexander, Joe(R)[A]2024
HB116 05:15:20.320 - 1:12:56 PM	Public Hearing	relative to reporting requirements for public academies.	Edwards, Jess(R)[B+]2024
HB184 06:10:04.760 - 2:07:40 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a committee to study changing school start times.	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D+]2024

Unclear: Glenn Cordelli, Chair Information Only00:01:58.840 - 7:59:34 AM; Chair Glenn Cordelli opened the meeting by welcoming everyone, particularly the freshmen, and emphasized that it's a learning experience in the committee room and on the house floor. He mentioned the availability of assistance and proposed that members introduce themselves and provide a brief biography, explaining their reasons for running and their goals for being there.
Unclear: Laurence Selig, Representative from Durham Information Only00:03:53.280 - 8:01:29 AM; Representative Laurence Selig introduced himself as a representative from Durham. He shared his background as a former teacher across various educational levels, from kindergarten to graduate students preparing to become middle and high school teachers, and mentioned other careers he had explored.
Unclear: Megan Murray, Representative from Amherst and Milford Information Only00:04:30.759 - 8:02:06 AM; Representative Megan Murray introduced herself as the representative for Amherst and Milford. She mentioned her background in intermediate and elementary education and expressed her happiness to be part of the committee.
Unclear: Leah Kugler, Representative from Ward 3, Nashua Information Only00:04:30.759 - 8:02:06 AM; Representative Leah Kugler introduced herself as a representative from Ward 3 in Nashua. With 30 years of teaching experience across various grade levels and gifted and talented programs, she ran for office to help improve the state of New Hampshire and is passionate about supporting its students.
Unclear: Steve Woodcart, Representative from Concord Information Only00:05:19.600 - 8:02:55 AM; Representative Steve Woodcart from Concord introduced himself, mentioning that this is his fourth term on the committee. He shared his background, starting as a high school teacher and moving into educational administration roles, including assistant principal, dean, and principal in Maine and Massachusetts, with a total of 12 years in those positions.
Unclear: Muriel Hall, representing Bow and Hopkinton, lives in Bow Information Only00:05:32.600 - 8:03:08 AM; Muriel Hall introduced herself as a 40-year educator who has taught computers, math, and special education. She expressed her excitement about being at the session and her passion as a child advocate.
Unclear: Patty Cornell, representing Ward 10 in Manchester Information Only00:06:21.800 - 8:03:57 AM; Patty Cornell introduced herself as being in her sixth term, with the fifth on the education committee. She also mentioned her roles as a Manchester Library trustee and a Waterworks commissioner, but did not specify why she originally ran for office.
Unclear: Kristen Noble, representing Bedford Information Only00:07:07.879 - 8:04:43 AM; Kristen Noble, previously a software engineer and now a stay-at-home mom, spoke about her perspective as a parent whose two daughters went through public school for 17 years. She ran for office to improve education and fix issues within the system.
Unclear: Glenn Cordelli, representing unknown district Information Only00:08:10.520 - 8:05:46 AM; Glenn Cordelli, in his seventh term all on the education committee, shared his background in IT and his experience on a school board in Connecticut. He humorously mentioned his wife's fundraising letter as a secondary reason for running, emphasizing his commitment to his political goals.
Unclear: Lisa Freeman, representing Tilton, Sanbornton, and Belmont, formerly from Manchester and Boston Information Only00:08:41.640 - 8:06:17 AM; Lisa Freeman, a retired occupational therapist and parent of a child on the autism spectrum, spoke about her four years on the Manchester school board. Her primary reason for being at the session is to find ways to improve the education system.
Unclear: Jeff Tenca, representing Pelham Information Only00:09:18.240 - 8:06:54 AM; Jeff Tenca, in his second term after switching from the criminal justice committee, introduced himself as a retired New Hampshire state trooper who taught special education and now works as a driver's ed instructor and swim coach. He ran for office because the people in his town of 40 years wanted him to represent them.
Unclear: Brian Morris, representing Franklin District 2 Information Only00:09:55.079 - 8:07:31 AM; Brian Morris, a lineman by trade looking for a new occupation, stated he ran for office because he saw the country heading in the wrong direction and felt the need to step up and try to make a difference.
Unclear: Valerie McDonald, representing Salem Information Only00:09:55.079 - 8:07:31 AM; Valerie McDonald, a recent graduate from Salem High School and currently attending Massachusetts School of Law, introduced herself as advocating for students, particularly in special education. She confirmed being one of the youngest representatives in the nation when elected last term.
Unclear: Melissa Litfield, representing Brentwood, Danville, and Fremont Information Only00:10:27.399 - 8:08:03 AM; Melissa Litfield introduced herself, highlighting her experience as a school board member for 15 years and a state representative from 2020 to 2022, where she served on the education committee. She also mentioned being a parent to four children, which she considers an education in itself. She emphasized her commitment to ensuring students receive a proper education and expressed a desire for New Hampshire to excel in the education sector.
Unclear: Brian NATO, representing Raymond Information Only00:11:31.279 - 8:09:07 AM; Brian NATO introduced himself as someone who has been paying close attention to educational and political aspects. He mentioned considering running for office upon his wife's suggestion and stressed his focus on ensuring that students receive a proper education and that the state excels in education.
Unclear: Paul Terry, representing Alton and Barnstead Information Only00:12:25.639 - 8:10:01 AM; Paul Terry introduced himself as an ordained Presbyterian Minister serving his third term, now in his first full term on the education committee after serving on the Commerce committee. He has a background in economics and political science and has enjoyed teaching throughout his career. He expressed his desire to contribute to making New Hampshire number one in education.
Unclear: Representative Peggy Balon, representing Rockingham 38 (Rye, Northampton, and Greenland) Information Only00:13:21.760 - 8:10:57 AM; Representative Peggy Balon apologized for her lateness and introduced herself, mentioning her second term on the house education committee. She has a master's in special education and has served on her town's school board for nine years. She expressed optimism about the committee's potential for the year and her commitment to continue contributing.
Unclear: Chair Information Only00:14:17.440 - 8:11:53 AM; The Chair discussed the division of the committee into two groups to handle the large number of bills more effectively. They mentioned that the committee has already vacated three bills to the other committee and anticipates dealing with 36 bills so far. The Chair emphasized the importance of civility, respect, and professionalism within the committee and towards the public. They outlined the committee's schedule, including meeting days and times, and addressed logistical details such as the use of cell phones, laptops, and the committee's office setup. They also discussed the procedure for questioning witnesses, the use of pink cards for testifying, and the possibility of the Governor visiting the committee. The Chair explained the process for executive sessions, including motions and reports, and highlighted the importance of the consent calendar and attendance at executive sessions. They encouraged members to familiarize themselves with the bills in advance and mentioned the availability of technical support from the Department of Education.
Unclear: Diana Fenton, Department of Education Information Only01:05:54.640 - 9:03:30 AM; Diana Fenton, an attorney with the Department of Education, introduced herself and explained her role in providing technical assistance rather than supporting or opposing bills. She discussed the use of law books, emphasizing their utility in understanding the context of proposed legislation. Fenton highlighted specific sections of the education laws, such as RSA 21-N regarding the setup of the department, and RSA 186:11 concerning the duties of the State Board of Education. She pointed out frequently discussed sections, including those related to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and non-academic surveys. Fenton also covered the Professional Standards Board (PSB) and its role in advising the certification bureau. She provided an overview of special education laws under RSA 186-C, including recent legislative changes, and discussed Career and Technical Education (CTE) under RSA 188-E. She emphasized the importance of understanding the definitions within the laws and the use of tools like the table of contents for navigating the law books effectively.
Unclear: Diana Fenton, Department of Education Information Only01:27:23.199 - 9:24:59 AM; Diana Fenton discussed the legislative framework and rule-making process, emphasizing the importance of clear directives from the legislature to the Department of Education and the State Board. She used the analogy of a house's framework and its interior finishing to differentiate between statutes and rules. Fenton highlighted specific statutes like RSA 18-A:E3 for rule-making language examples and stressed the need for detailed legislative guidance for effective rule-making. She also discussed the effective dates of laws, using an example of a law with a delayed effective date to allow sufficient preparation time. Fenton covered various educational statutes, such as those related to background checks for educators and volunteers, and the implications of different sections like 189:13-A, 189:13-B, and 189:13-C. She also pointed out the significance of understanding historical context, especially with cooperative school districts under RSA 195. Additionally, she mentioned the Department's collaboration with other state agencies like the Department of Safety for criminal background checks and the Department of Health and Human Services for child abuse registries. Fenton provided insights into the code of conduct for educators, noting its legislative origins and its role in licensing. She concluded by discussing the importance of effective dates and offered resources like the Department's website and technical advisories for further information.
Unclear: Representative Cordelli Information Only02:36:37.800 - 10:34:13 AM; Representative Cordelli discussed the availability of legislative research services, emphasizing that individual research requests can be made through the Office of Legislative Services. He also mentioned the ongoing efforts to recodify educational statutes due to inconsistencies and outdated language, using the example of changing special education age references. He pointed out the need for thorough review of proposed bills, noting the significance of understanding whether a bill is creating, repealing, or amending a section through the use of strikeouts and bold italics in the text.
Unclear: J. Con Information Only02:41:30.240 - 10:39:06 AM; J. Con introduced themselves as a new member of the committee, mentioning their retirement from a 48-year career as the executive director of Second Start, a nonprofit educational corporation in Concord. They described the various educational programs they managed, including an alternative high school, adult education, English as a Second Language for refugees, and drug and alcohol counseling in schools. Con noted their decision to run for the House after retirement.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:31:40.840 - 12:29:16 PM; The unnamed speaker welcomed the committee back after lunch and mentioned that the Alliance for Charter Schools had left information on each member's desk. They also noted that the first bill to be discussed was related to a statute found on page 762 of the educational statute book.
HB93: Representative Joe Alexander, Goffstown Support04:33:09.879 - 12:30:45 PM; Representative Joe Alexander introduced the bill as enabling legislation that allows school districts the option to have voters decide whether to appoint a school district Treasurer rather than elect one. He mentioned that this follows what towns can already do, emphasizing the choice it provides to communities. He noted that his SAU, SAU 19, which represents Goffstown and New Boston, supports this bill.
HB93: Unnamed Speaker, Goffstown Information Only04:33:36.599 - 12:31:12 PM; The speaker clarified that the bill would enable towns to align their processes, allowing both town and school district treasurers to be appointed rather than elected. This would give towns like Goffstown, which currently have separate town and school treasurers, the option to streamline their treasurer selection process.
HB93: Unnamed Speaker, Goffstown Information Only04:34:42.520 - 12:32:18 PM; The speaker further clarified that the bill would allow the issue of appointing versus electing a treasurer to be put before the voters of a town. This could be initiated by a petition, a warrant article, or a decision by the school board, with the voters having the final say on town meeting day.
HB93: Mr. Gross, Business Administrator, SAU 19, Goffstown Support04:36:02.599 - 12:33:38 PM; Mr. Gross, representing SAU 19, supported the bill, describing it as bipartisan and common-sense enabling legislation. He emphasized the importance of the bill, citing the difference between town and school district treasurer duties, and the volume of transactions handled by schools. He noted that the bill would allow communities to decide if they want to appoint treasurers with the necessary finance and accounting skills, potentially enhancing the efficiency and accountability of school finances. He also mentioned that this would provide an opportunity for communities to ensure the treasurer has the required skill set, referencing RSA 197:23-a which outlines the extensive duties of a school treasurer.
HB93: Representative Freeman Information Only04:46:15.360 - 12:43:51 PM; Representative Freeman asked Mr. Gross, the Business Administrator from SAU 19 in Goffstown, about potential changes in constituent services if the treasurer position were to transition from elected to appointed. Mr. Gross explained that in his experience, treasurers do not typically provide constituent services, and thus there would be no loss in services if the position were appointed rather than elected.
HB116: Representative Jess Edwards, Rockingham District 31 (Auburn, Chester, Candia, Deerfield) Support05:15:20.320 - 1:12:56 PM; Representative Edwards introduced HB116, explaining that the bill aims to require Pinkerton Academy to provide the same financial transparency reports as public schools. He mentioned that the bill's concept was requested by Auburn Village School during a public meeting. Edwards noted that recent discussions between Auburn Village School and Pinkerton Academy have been productive, and they are close to resolving their information exchange issues. He expressed a preference for voluntary compliance over expanding legal obligations, but he supports transparency and is open to the bill's passage if necessary.
HB116: Alan Villeneuve, Auburn School Board Support05:21:43.200 - 1:19:19 PM; Alan Villeneuve from the Auburn School Board testified in support of HB116, emphasizing the need for transparency in how tax dollars are spent at Pinkerton Academy. He detailed the historical relationship between Auburn and Pinkerton, including a contract that has not been renegotiated successfully in their favor. Villeneuve argued that Pinkerton should report finances similarly to other public and charter schools, highlighting the lack of accountability and the difficulty in explaining budget allocations to the Auburn community. He stressed the importance of fairness, equity, and accountability, and refuted any suggestion that issues with Pinkerton had been resolved.
HB116: Tim Powers, Head of School, Pinkerton Academy Oppose05:34:50.200 - 1:32:26 PM; Tim Powers from Pinkerton Academy testified against the need for HB116, stating that the academy already provides extensive financial information to its sending towns. He explained the financial reports issued annually, including tuition rates and expenses, and how Pinkerton communicates budget details and changes with the sending towns throughout the year. Powers also mentioned the academy's nonprofit status and the public availability of their IRS Form 990. He argued that the information requested by the bill is already provided, and expressed pride in the education and cost efficiency Pinkerton provides, suggesting that further legislation is unnecessary.
HB116: Representative M Information Only05:43:35.000 - 1:41:11 PM; Representative M inquired about the number of towns serviced by Pinkerton Academy for their CTE program. The response clarified that Pinkerton Academy serves as a regional CTE center for six towns, with a seventh town, Fremont, set to join in 2026. Students from the broader Region 17, including Windham, Pelham, and Timberlane, can access the CTE centers, though primarily students from Timberlane attend Pinkerton for specific classes.
HB116: Representative Morris Information Only05:44:20.760 - 1:41:56 PM; Representative Morris asked about the average cost per pupil for the current year at Pinkerton Academy. The response indicated that the regular education rate is $16,380 per pupil.
HB116: Representative Hall Information Only05:44:53.760 - 1:42:29 PM; Representative Hall questioned the disconnect between what Pinkerton Academy provides and what the sending districts are requesting. The response detailed that the tuition increase was discussed with the districts, highlighting that the operating budget for regular and special education saw minimal increases. The main drivers of budget increases were identified as salaries, benefits, utilities, and capital projects, with efforts to maintain competitive wages to attract and retain top educators.
HB116: Representative Woodcock Information Only05:46:38.040 - 1:44:14 PM; Representative Woodcock asked about the possibility of students from Auburn or other sending towns opting out of attending Pinkerton Academy. The response explained that contracts allow for a small percentage of students to attend other public high schools, with specifics varying by contract. Private school attendance does not affect these percentages.
HB116: Representative Paul Information Only05:47:22.200 - 1:44:58 PM; Representative Paul inquired about Pinkerton Academy's reluctance to use a standardized format for sharing information with sending districts. The response was that the contract specifies a particular format, and changing it would require additional resources. One district specifically requested adherence to the contract's format.
HB116: Representative Terry Information Only05:48:09.080 - 1:45:45 PM; Representative Terry asked about the number of communities with contracts with Pinkerton Academy and any dissatisfaction with the current contract format. The response confirmed contracts with six towns, soon to be seven with Fremont in 2026. Only Auburn has expressed a desire for a different format, and other towns ask different types of questions which are addressed through budget and treasurer narratives.
HB116: Representative Cordell Information Only05:50:00.200 - 1:47:36 PM; Representative Cordell sought information on total enrollment and the number of students from sending towns at Pinkerton Academy. The response stated a total of 2,980 students, with 2,923 from sending towns and the rest being private pay students. Additionally, different rates for regular and special education were confirmed.
HB116: Representative Information Only05:51:46.360 - 1:49:22 PM; A representative asked about Pinkerton Academy's approach to students with disabilities and the differentiation of rates. The response affirmed that the academy serves a range of disabilities with different rates based on program intensity and needs. The NECC and ACT programs were mentioned as examples of tailored services for specific needs.
HB116: Representative Murray Information Only05:53:57.120 - 1:51:33 PM; Representative Murray questioned how Pinkerton Academy differentiates rates for special education based on learners' specific needs. The response detailed four main programs: resource, emotional support, and programs for more intense needs, explaining that rates vary according to the level of intervention and support required.
HB116: Unidentified Speaker Information Only05:56:08.040 - 1:53:44 PM; The speaker discusses the financial aspects of tuition at a private school, explaining how the tuition charged to sending towns is calculated based on expenses and revenues. They clarify that the school's revenues include tuition payments, while other fundraising efforts are not charged to the sending towns. The speaker addresses questions about the transparency of financial reporting and the public nature of meetings at private schools compared to public schools.
HB116: RO Richardson from Chester, NH Support06:01:07.638 - 1:58:43 PM; RO Richardson, a former member and chair of the Chester School Board, supports HB116, emphasizing the need for financial transparency from public academies like Pinkerton Academy. He highlights the lack of detailed financial information provided to sending school districts and argues that the bill would align the reporting requirements of public academies with those of local school districts. Richardson stresses the importance of transparency for taxpayer dollars and commends the efforts of local school board members in addressing this issue.
HB184: Representative Wheeler Support06:10:04.760 - 2:07:40 PM; Representative Wheeler introduces HB184, which proposes a legislative study committee to examine the complexities of changing school start times. The bill was prompted by parents concerned about early start times affecting their children's health and learning. Wheeler argues that a state-wide study is necessary due to the issue's complexity, involving student and teacher schedules, busing, and varying district needs. He emphasizes that the committee's goal is to gather data and propose potential legislative solutions, without mandating changes.
HB184: Representative Ceg Information Only06:13:22.520 - 2:10:58 PM; Representative Ceg shares their experience with the Oyster River School District, where a local study committee was formed to address school start times. The district successfully changed start times despite the complexities involved. Ceg questions why school boards might not allow local committees to study this issue, suggesting local control could be effective.
HB184: Representative McDonald Information Only06:15:13.320 - 2:12:49 PM; Representative McDonald discusses the Salem School District's attempt to change start times, which failed due to busing issues, particularly with the CTE Center. They question the bill's intention to change start times and whether the study committee would consider local experiences like Salem's. Wheeler responds that the committee aims to gather data from various districts to find potential solutions.
HB184: Representative Wuk Information Only06:18:38.280 - 2:16:14 PM; Representative Wuk inquires about the potential outcomes of the study committee, specifically whether it would provide data points for schools or lead to state mandates. Wheeler clarifies that the committee's purpose is to compile data and suggest potential legislative approaches, without mandating changes.
HB184: Representative Terry Information Only06:20:05.478 - 2:17:41 PM; Representative Terry questions the bill's focus on legislative changes rather than studying the issue itself. Wheeler agrees to be open to amendments that would clarify the committee's objectives to include broader studies on the issue of school start times.
HB184: Representative Morris Information Only06:23:53.958 - 2:21:29 PM; Representative Morris raises the potential benefit of later start times in reducing after-school care costs for parents. Wheeler confirms this as a potential positive outcome and emphasizes that school schedules should prioritize student health over busing company needs.
HB184: Representative Kelly Penza from Rochester, NH Support06:25:16.760 - 2:22:52 PM; Representative Penza supports the study on later school start times, citing extensive research showing adolescents need 8-10 hours of sleep. She mentions over 500 school districts have implemented later start times with positive outcomes and suggests exploring trimesters to reduce summer learning loss. Penza offers to contribute research and emphasizes the importance of student health over external scheduling pressures.
HB184: Kiara, 6th grader Support06:29:38.360 - 2:27:14 PM; Kiara, a sixth grader, shares her experience of waking up early for school and its negative effects on her health and focus. She argues that early start times are not conducive to the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep for developing kids, causing stress and forgetfulness. She also mentions safety concerns due to dark mornings and encountering wildlife.
HB184: L, public school student Support06:31:25.360 - 2:29:01 PM; L, a public school student, discusses the challenges of waking up early, including tiredness, unfocused behavior, and health issues. They highlight safety concerns due to early, dark mornings and the impact on both students and teachers, suggesting later start times could alleviate these issues.
HB184: Siara, 6th grader at Souhegan Middle School Support06:33:06.120 - 2:30:42 PM; Siara, a sixth grader at Souhegan Middle School, supports later school start times, noting that students at her school get only 5-6 hours of sleep, far less than the recommended amount. She discusses the negative effects on health, focus, and behavior, as well as safety concerns due to dark and cold mornings. Siara suggests that later start times would benefit both students and teachers.
HB184: Representative Hul Information Only06:36:10.440 - 2:33:46 PM; Representative Hul asks about the end time of school, specifically questioning if school ends at 3:30 and if students get back home by 4:00.
HB184: Representative of Litchfield Information Only06:36:49.840 - 2:34:25 PM; The representative from Litchfield asks about the feasibility of having students from kindergarten through 12th grade share a school bus. The response from the students suggests that with clear separations and civilized behavior, it could work, with younger kids sitting in the front and older ones in the back.
HB184: Representative McDonald Information Only06:38:17.040 - 2:35:53 PM; Representative McDonald inquires about the impact of later school end times on students' ability to complete homework. The students indicate that they currently manage their homework well within the existing time frame.
HB184: Naomi Tucker, parent of a sixth grader from Keene, psychotherapist, and community member Support06:39:20.160 - 2:36:56 PM; Naomi Tucker supports HB184, emphasizing the benefits of later school start times based on research. She discusses the impact of sleep on mental and physical health, academic outcomes, and safety. She shares personal experiences of her child and others struggling with early start times, advocating for a change that could improve the well-being of students across the state.
HB184: Jodi N, representing Chesterfield, Hinsdale, and Keene Support06:44:51.160 - 2:42:27 PM; Jodi N supports the bill and shares her experience with her son's late-night activities and the subsequent difficulty of early school starts. She discusses a survey in Keene that led to later start times and supports a statewide conversation on the issue to address potential barriers like busing.
HB184: Angela, parent of three school-age children from Peterborough Support06:47:23.120 - 2:44:59 PM; Angela supports HB184, discussing the challenges of early school start times for her children, including health and academic issues. She shares her involvement in local efforts to change start times and the impact on athletics, emphasizing the benefits of more sleep for students' overall well-being and performance.
HB184: Christina Barrett, Executive Director of the New Hampshire School Boards Association Information Only06:56:25.200 - 2:54:01 PM; Christina Barrett, the Executive Director of the New Hampshire School Boards Association, introduced herself and provided an overview of the organization's role and services. She explained that the association is a private nonprofit that primarily offers training and legal support to school boards across New Hampshire, covering a wide range of topics from roles and responsibilities to collective bargaining. Barrett also discussed the association's policy manual, which includes about 70 to 75 policies required by law, and additional recommended and optional policies. She highlighted the work of their director of governmental relations, Becky Wilson, who brings operational expertise to the association. Barrett shared her own background, having served as the staff attorney before becoming the executive director, and outlined her current responsibilities. She emphasized the association's role as a resource for the committee and local school boards, offering assistance on various educational issues beyond legislative matters. Regarding House Bill 1884, Barrett stated that the association does not take a position on the bill but is willing to participate in any study committee to discuss school start times, advocating for local control over such decisions. She mentioned examples of local districts like Oyster River, Salem, and Keene that have addressed start times locally and expressed concerns about state-wide mandates, preferring local solutions to local challenges.

Cordelli, Glenn(Chairman)(R)[A-]2024	Drye, Margaret(Clerk)(R)[A-]2024	Noble, Kristin(V Chairman)(R)[A+]2024
Cornell, Patricia(D)[CT]2024	Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2018	Hall, Muriel(D)[CT]2024
Terry, Paul(R)[A]2024	McDonnell, Valerie(R)[B+]2024	Selig, Loren(D)[CT]2024
Balboni, Peggy(D)[CT]2024	Murray, Megan(D)[CT]2024	Tenczar, Jeffrey(R)[B+]2024
Litchfield, Melissa(R)[A-]2022	Woodcock, Stephen(D)[CT]2024	Kluger, Lee Ann(D)
Snodgrass, Jim(D)	Morse, Bryan(R)	Nadeau, Brian(R)