This bill establishes a commission to study the consolidation of school administrative units (SAUs) in New Hampshire, addressing the growing number of SAUs, which has increased from 53 to 107 since the 1980s. The commission will examine the financial implications of consolidation, as New Hampshire has the second highest spending per pupil for SAU administration in the U.S., while the K-12 student population is declining. The commission aims to explore potential cost savings through shared services and economies of scale, and will consist of various stakeholders, including members from the House and Senate, the Department of Education, and representatives from educational associations.
The commission's duties include reviewing existing research on school district consolidation, assessing financial feasibility, identifying challenges in merging SAUs, and proposing a consolidation plan that enhances administrative efficiency and supports student learning. The commission is required to submit its findings and recommendations for proposed legislation by November 1, 2026. The bill also specifies that legislative members will receive mileage compensation and that the commission will be administratively attached to the Department of Education for support. The act will take effect upon passage.