The bill HB 772-FN aims to reform education funding and the 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 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 to the new funding system to ensure local governments are not overburdened.

The bill further modifies the calculation of the annual foundation opportunity budget and state foundation opportunity grants, establishing a weighted Average Daily Membership Rate and a universal base foundation opportunity cost. It mandates that municipalities appropriate a minimum amount for public school support and introduces transition grants for municipalities facing decreases in state funding. The bill also includes new metrics for assessing school performance, establishes a framework for addressing disparities in student achievement, and modifies provisions related to property tax relief for low and moderate-income homeowners. Overall, HB 772-FN seeks to create a more equitable and effective education funding system in New Hampshire while ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.

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