The bill HB 772-FN aims to reform the education funding system 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 access to essential knowledge and skills, while recognizing the role of local school districts in implementing diverse educational approaches. The bill also repeals and reenacts RSA 193-E:2-a, defining a constitutionally adequate education and setting specific criteria for educational programs starting in the 2024-2025 school year. Additionally, it introduces a multi-year transition plan to ensure local governments are not overburdened during the implementation of the new funding system.

Further amendments include the establishment of a weighted Average Daily Membership Rate for calculating annual foundation opportunity budgets, the introduction of new metrics for assessing school performance, and the requirement for school districts to create plans to address achievement disparities. The bill also modifies the education property tax rate and introduces a framework for funding chartered public schools and full-day kindergarten programs. It mandates municipalities to pay all revenue received to the education trust fund and outlines a study committee to improve the low and moderate income homeowners property tax relief program. Overall, HB 772-FN seeks to create a more equitable and structured education funding framework while enhancing accountability and support for schools in New Hampshire.

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