Berry: Don't Let State Downshift SPED Costs to Local Property Owners

If you own property in New Hampshire, you were probably dismayed to see another increase in your local property taxes. Well, hold on to your hats. While he has agreed to find funds to meet requests to cover shortfalls in funding in the current budget, Education Commissioner Edelblut has informed school districts that they will see significantly less state aid for special education costs in the next state budget.

As a retired special education teacher, I know that the services that local, state and federal funds provide for students with special learning needs means the difference between success or failure. The negligence of the state of NH to fund these services means these costs are downshifted to local property taxpayers and often results in inequitable funding models and outcomes for students.

As this reduction in state aid is announced, and our new Governor Kelly Ayotte warns of the need for other budget cutbacks, the Republication members of the legislature celebrate the repeal of the interest and dividends tax, which was mostly paid by high-income individuals. The legislature has balanced the most recent budget on the money sent to NH from Washington through the American Rescue Plan Act, but that money is spent. And yet the Governor and the Republican-led legislature now want to make school vouchers universal, at a cost that could be $100 million dollars.

The saying goes, “Pay now or pay later.” Looks like it’s “later” and it’s the local property taxpayers and special education students and families who will pay. Contact your legislators and ask them how they plan to have the state meet its obligation to educate ALL students.