The bill HB 772-FN seeks to reform the funding and determination of a constitutionally adequate education in New Hampshire by establishing foundation opportunity budgets and state foundation opportunity grants. It repeals and reenacts RSA 193-E:1, emphasizing the state's responsibility to provide all students with the opportunity to acquire essential knowledge and skills, while recognizing the diverse fiscal capacities and educational needs of communities. The new language shifts the focus from funding inputs to student outcomes, and it also repeals and reenacts RSA 193-E:2-a, which defines a constitutionally adequate education based on the opportunity to meet statewide educational goals. Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, the bill mandates specific criteria for educational programs across various subjects, ensuring that teachers incorporate both academic and applied instruction.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new framework for calculating the annual foundation opportunity budget for each school district, based on a weighted Average Daily Membership Rate and a universal base foundation opportunity cost. It modifies the process for determining state foundation opportunity grants and establishes a local share contribution requirement for municipalities. The bill also includes provisions for transition grants for municipalities facing decreases in state funding, updates reporting requirements for school districts, and introduces new metrics for assessing school performance. Overall, HB 772-FN aims to create a more equitable and systematic approach to school funding, enhance accountability for underperforming schools, and address disparities in student achievement across various subgroups.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 195:14, 198:39, 76:3, 194-F:1, 194-F:2, 194-B:11, 198:48-b, 76:8, 76:11-a, 198:57
HB772 text: 195:14, 198:39, 76:3, 194-F:1, 194-F:2, 194-B:11, 198:48-b, 76:8, 76:11-a, 198:57