Duncan Confirmed for Board of Education

The New Hampshire Executive Council has confirmed Gov. Maggie Hassan's nomination of Bill Duncan to serve on the state Board of Education, amid some Republican criticism that the retired businessman was an "anti-school choice activist."

Duncan, of New Castle, has promoted public education through the Advancing New Hampshire Public Education, and he previously ran for the Executive Council.

Hassan touted Duncan's background in business and education.

"Bill Duncan is a veteran and an accomplished businessman who understands the importance of a strong public education system for New Hampshire's people and economy," Hassan said of the confirmation. "He knows that the people of our state value our strong public schools, and he has consistently fought to improve our education system in order to better prepare our students for good jobs and successful careers."

Critics of the Duncan cited his lawsuit against the state's education tax credit program. Republican State Committee Chairwoman Jennifer Horn, citing that litigation, called Duncan an "anti-school choice" activist.