Committee Summary for Senate Education (03/25/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB184 00:02:28.840 - 7:59:44 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a committee to study changing school start times.	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D+]2024
HB193 00:46:35.960 - 8:43:51 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the maximum number of credits per course eligible for the dual and concurrent enrollment program.	Ladd, Rick(R)[B+]2024
HB222 00:54:38.119 - 8:51:54 AM	Public Hearing	repealing the requirement for a memorandum of understanding between a chartered public school and school district regarding how students with disabilities will receive special education services.	Balboni, Peggy(D)[CT]2024
HB440 01:30:01.880 - 9:27:17 AM	Public Hearing	relative to educator licensing.	Cordelli, Glenn(R)[A-]2024
HB440 01:33:54.800 - 9:31:10 AM	Executive Session	relative to educator licensing.	Cordelli, Glenn(R)[A-]2024
HB184 01:39:36.639 - 9:36:52 AM	Executive Session	establishing a committee to study changing school start times.	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D+]2024

HB184: Committee Chair Information Only00:02:28.840 - 7:59:44 AM; The Committee Chair called the Senate Education Committee to order and announced a recess until 9:30 AM.
HB184: Committee Chair Information Only00:32:26.679 - 8:29:42 AM; The Committee Chair reconvened the Senate Education Committee at 9:30 AM after the recess and led the Pledge of Allegiance. They then introduced the first bill for discussion, HB184, with the prime sponsor, Representative Wilder, present.
HB184: Representative Jonah Wheeler, representing the towns of Peterborough and Sharon Support00:33:21.000 - 8:30:37 AM; Representative Wheeler introduced HB184, which he brought forward due to concerns from parents in his district about early school start times affecting their children's education and health. He proposed a Statewide chartered study committee to explore the implementation of later school start times at either a local or state level, rather than enforcing a mandate. He highlighted the varied busing plans across the state as a reason for not mandating changes and emphasized the importance of student health and readiness for learning. He also mentioned that some school districts have already changed their start times and could provide valuable insights to the committee.
HB184: Senator Sullivan Information Only00:36:00.000 - 8:33:16 AM; Senator Sullivan asked Representative Wheeler about the grade levels of the children whose parents approached him regarding school start times. Wheeler mentioned that students, including those from the concerned parents, testified at a House committee hearing, and he believed they were in early middle school or late elementary school.
HB184: Senator Apprentice Information Only00:37:10.160 - 8:34:26 AM; Senator Apprentice inquired if the study committee would set a range of start times or a single start time for school districts. Wheeler explained that the committee's role would be to explore the complexities of the issue, including input from students and other stakeholders, without prescribing a specific policy, allowing for recommendations that local school districts could consider.
HB184: Senator Abis Information Only00:39:32.079 - 8:36:48 AM; Senator Abis asked if the bill would consider both start and end times of school, as changes could affect parents' schedules. Wheeler responded that he would support amendments to ensure flexibility for parents, but the bill itself does not set specific policies.
HB184: Senator Iller Information Only00:40:29.440 - 8:37:45 AM; Senator Iller questioned whether the issue had been addressed at the local level and if the school board had been approached. Wheeler confirmed that the parents had approached the school board but felt dismissed, leading them to seek state-level intervention. He mentioned three school districts that had changed their start times and emphasized the need for a comprehensive state study.
HB184: Senator Ward Information Only00:43:34.920 - 8:40:50 AM; Senator Ward discussed the potential impact of later start times on end times and the logistical challenges, particularly in rural areas with long bus routes. Wheeler acknowledged these challenges but stressed the importance of prioritizing student health over logistical issues, suggesting collaboration with busing companies.
HB193: Senator Civan Information Only00:46:35.960 - 8:43:51 AM; Senator Civan introduced House Bill 193, which aims to set a maximum of four credits per course eligible for the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment program.
HB193: Shannon Reed, Director of Government Affairs for the Community College System of New Hampshire Support00:47:50.119 - 8:45:06 AM; Shannon Reed provided background on the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment program, which allows high school students to earn college credits. She explained that the program has been successful, benefiting over 10,000 students annually. Reed supported HB193, stating it would confirm that state-funded courses under this program are limited to no more than four credits, aligning with typical community college course structures.
HB193: Shannon Reed, Director of Government Affairs for the Community College System of New Hampshire Information Only00:47:50.119 - 8:45:06 AM; Shannon Reed provided information on the courses offered under the program, noting that some courses in highly technical fields like Aviation Technology, paramedic and fire programs, Advanced machine tool, and some nursing programs are more than four credits. The issue of course credit limits was raised to clarify eligibility for students and families. The program aims to be fiscally prudent and maximize the impact on the number of students it can support.
HB193: Senator Abus Information Only00:49:56.240 - 8:47:12 AM; Senator Abus asked for examples of courses that are more than four credits. Shannon Reed responded by listing courses in Aviation Technology, paramedic and fire programs, Advanced machine tool, and some nursing programs, explaining that these are not common but the issue needed clarification for students and families.
HB193: Senator Cant Information Only00:50:55.440 - 8:48:11 AM; Senator Cant inquired about the exclusion of higher credit courses from the program. Shannon Reed explained that the decision was made to ensure fiscal responsibility and to maximize the number of students the program could support, given the limited funding.
HB193: Shannon Reed, Director of Government Affairs for the Community College System of New Hampshire Information Only00:51:53.559 - 8:49:09 AM; Shannon Reed clarified that students can take these courses starting from 11th grade, with 10th graders also eligible if the course is suitable. The courses are college-level and rigorous. Students can take as many courses as they want, but the program covers up to four courses per year due to funding limitations. A student taking four courses a year for three years could earn 36 credits, which is significant progress toward an associate degree, with some students even graduating high school with an associate degree.
HB193: Shannon Reed, Director of Government Affairs for the Community College System of New Hampshire Information Only00:53:02.760 - 8:50:18 AM; Shannon Reed further explained that the courses offered are mostly foundational, such as English and math, but also include a wide range of other subjects like human biology, natural sciences, business, history, and psychology, allowing students to complete core courses and focus on other areas of interest.
HB222: Peggy Bon, Representative for the towns of Greenland, Northampton, and Rye Support00:54:38.119 - 8:51:54 AM; Peggy Bon, the prime sponsor of HB222, argued for the repeal of the requirement for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between charter schools and school districts regarding special education services for students with disabilities. She highlighted that the MOU requirement, implemented in 2021, has increased administrative workload and legal costs without improving service delivery. She noted that federal and state laws already mandate the provision of special education services, and the absence of signed MOUs has not led to service denials. The bill was supported by the New Hampshire Association of special education administrators and the New Hampshire Alliance for public charter schools.
HB222: Senator Sullivan Oppose01:00:03.280 - 8:57:19 AM; Senator Sullivan expressed opposition to HB222, citing numerous emails from parents who found the MOU helpful, particularly in addressing special education issues in charter schools. He mentioned that special education and bullying are the most frequent concerns he receives, and he would not support the bill.
HB222: Beth McClure, Principal at Strong Foundations Charter School, member of the board of the Alliance for Public Charter Schools, and member of the New Hampshire Association of special Educators Support01:00:58.160 - 8:58:14 AM; Beth McClure supported HB222, stating that the MOU requirement has not improved service delivery and has instead increased administrative burdens. She mentioned spending significant time on MOUs during the first year of implementation and noted that the collaborative work group between the Alliance and the New Hampshire Association of special education administrators found the MOUs unhelpful. She emphasized that all students are receiving services despite unsigned MOUs, and the repeal would allow educators to focus on education rather than administrative tasks.
HB222: Beth McClure, Principal at Strong Foundations Charter School, member of the board of the Alliance for Public Charter Schools, and member of the New Hampshire Association of Special Educators Oppose01:00:58.160 - 8:58:14 AM; Beth McClure continued her testimony, expressing concerns about the additional workload and legal fees associated with the bill. She highlighted that the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) already has oversight over special education in charter schools, and the proposed bill does not add any beneficial oversight. She mentioned that the district handles special education referrals and meetings, and NHED audits these programs, indicating existing mechanisms for oversight.
HB222: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:04:29.279 - 9:01:45 AM; The speaker detailed the process of special education in charter schools, explaining that the district handles referrals and meetings, and NHED audits the district's special education programs. They emphasized that the proposed oversight by the bill does not facilitate the provision of services and that mechanisms for oversight are already in place.
HB222: Senator Miller Information Only01:06:54.119 - 9:04:10 AM; Senator Miller clarified the roles in an IEP meeting for a charter school student, confirming that it includes representatives from the district, the charter school, and the parents. They questioned the necessity of the bill, noting that existing laws and oversight mechanisms already ensure the provision and oversight of special education services.
HB222: Senator Abis Information Only01:09:05.960 - 9:06:21 AM; Senator Abis inquired about the length of the documents related to the bill, confirming that they can range from four to six pages with optional attachments detailing service provision.
HB222: Senator Apprentice Information Only01:10:22.640 - 9:07:38 AM; Senator Apprentice discussed the bipartisan nature of the legislation and confirmed that services are being provided in charter schools. They questioned whether the bill addresses any existing problems, to which it was clarified that no such problems were identified by the Alliance members, and the administrative burden of the bill was seen as unhelpful.
HB222: Senator Eliv Information Only01:11:59.600 - 9:09:15 AM; Senator Eliv apologized for a previous statement and shared experiences of frustration from parents regarding special education in charter schools. They mentioned a significant decline in parental concerns reported by the Department of Education since the bill's implementation, questioning the effectiveness of the bill.
HB222: Senator Ward Information Only01:12:50.440 - 9:10:06 AM; Senator Ward confirmed the presence of a Department of Education representative and suggested involving parents to understand their concerns about the bill and its impact on their children's education.
HB222: Beth McClure Information Only01:12:50.440 - 9:10:06 AM; Beth McClure responded to questions about parental involvement and complaints, stating that parents can file complaints if services are not received, but the charter school cannot. She confirmed that services are provided even if the MOU is not signed, indicating no direct complaints from parents.
HB222: Jessica Bickford, representing the New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administrators (NH SEA), Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for SAU50 (Pembroke, Allenstown, Chichester) Oppose01:14:10.080 - 9:11:26 AM; Jessica Bickford testified on behalf of the NH SEA, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between New Hampshire school districts, charter public schools, and the Department of Education. She highlighted the role of the Individual Education Program (IEP) as the legal document for special education implementation, which holds school districts accountable. Bickford criticized the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between school districts and charter schools, stating it does not directly impact the implementation of special education services but rather outlines how the two entities will work together. She argued that the MOU has not shown a positive impact on student learning and has instead created unnecessary bureaucracy, unfunded mandates, and strained relationships between districts and charter schools. Bickford also pointed out the lack of an impasse resolution mechanism for disagreements over the MOU and the absence of oversight on charter schools' special education implementation by the state. She concluded by advocating for resources to be directed towards working with students and families rather than on paperwork and legal fees.
HB222: Rebecca Fet, State Director of Special Education at the Department of Education Information Only01:21:46.840 - 9:19:02 AM; Rebecca Fet provided technical information regarding the MOU between school districts and charter schools. She explained that the MOU was developed collaboratively and approved by the commissioner. Fet clarified that while the Department of Education does not oversee special education in charter schools, the MOU provides a framework for collaboration and can assist in resolving disputes. She noted that the MOU process has reduced the number of unreturned MOUs and that the Department plans to integrate MOU checks into their monitoring cycle every six years. Fet acknowledged that while the MOU has helped some districts, it has not been universally effective and could be improved. She also addressed concerns about complaints, stating they relate to IEP implementation rather than the MOU process itself.
HB440: Representative Glenn Cordelli, representing Tuftonboro, Wolfeboro, and Ossipee Support01:30:01.880 - 9:27:17 AM; Representative Cordelli introduced House Bill 440, which was passed in the House on the consent calendar. The bill aims to amend the duties of the State Board of Education by specifying that rules for the initial educator license require passing scores on educator assessments, as determined by the State Board. Additionally, the bill exempts Career and Technical Education teachers from other educator assessments if they pass a basic skills test or have an industry certification. He emphasized the simplicity of the bill and its origin from discussions with the Department of Education.
HB440: Committee Members Information Only01:33:54.800 - 9:31:10 AM; During the executive session, the committee discussed House Bill 440. A motion to pass the bill was made and seconded, but concerns were raised about whether the bill should also apply to charter schools. Senator Aler suggested amending the bill to include charter schools, noting that they are public schools and should adhere to the same standards. However, it was clarified that charter schools have different rules, with at least 50% of their teaching staff required to be New Hampshire certified or have three years of teaching experience. Due to the complexity and the need for further clarification, the motion to pass was withdrawn, and the committee decided to follow up with Representative Cordelli before making a decision.
HB184: Committee Members Information Only01:39:36.639 - 9:36:52 AM; The committee discussed House Bill 184, which proposes a study committee on school times. Concerns were raised about the feasibility of study committees due to limited resources and the complexity of the issue. It was noted that previous work had been done on this topic, and the committee suggested reviewing that report before proceeding. The discussion highlighted the potential impact on various age groups and the logistical challenges, such as busing and sports schedules. The committee decided to hold off on making a decision and planned to consult with Representative Wheeler to better understand the previous work and the potential implications of the bill.

Ward, Ruth(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Sullivan, Victoria(V Chairman)(R)	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2024
Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2024	Abbas, Daryl(R)[C+]2024