This bill proposes significant changes to the funding structure for adequate education in the state by increasing the base cost per pupil from $4,100 to $7,356.01, effective July 1, 2025. It amends RSA 198:40-a to reflect this new cost and extends the biennium for the calculation of education costs to begin in 2025 instead of 2023. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of an adequate education under RSA 193-E:2-b to include specific resource elements such as costs for teachers, administrative staff, technology, and transportation, and mandates that the general court update the cost of an adequate education at least every two years based on actual costs from approved schools.

The fiscal impact of this bill is substantial, with an estimated increase in district adequacy grants of approximately $454.5 million in FY 2026, along with increases in charter school grants and education freedom accounts. The bill anticipates similar funding levels in subsequent years, although exact figures for FY 2027 and beyond remain indeterminable. The funding for these changes will be sourced from the Education Trust Fund, and the Department of Education is authorized to draw necessary funds regardless of available resources, with any deficits covered by the general fund.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 198:40-a, 193-E:2-b