The bill HB 765-FN-LOCAL proposes significant reforms to the governance structure of school administrative units in New Hampshire, primarily by transitioning the role of school superintendents to elected positions and removing the term "school administrative unit" from various legal definitions. This change aims to streamline educational governance by replacing it with "school districts" or "school administrators" in multiple contexts. The bill empowers school boards with new responsibilities, including the development and evaluation of curricula, oversight of educational services, and management of fiscal affairs. Additionally, it introduces provisions for the compensation of superintendents, allowing county conventions to set their salaries biennially, ensuring they are not lower than the amounts in effect as of December 31, 1972.

Furthermore, the bill outlines a new process for electing school superintendents and establishes procedures for filling vacancies in their offices. It mandates public hearings for the approval of new school buildings and emphasizes individual rights regarding immunizations, specifically stating that no one can be compelled to receive a COVID-19 vaccination to access public services. The bill also includes provisions for a Parents as Teachers Program in Sullivan County, addressing the unique needs of rural communities. Overall, HB 765-FN-LOCAL aims to enhance the operational efficiency of school districts while ensuring public involvement in significant decisions and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5-B:2, 23:7, 28:8, 30:1, 31:105, 31:106, 32:24, 53-A:2, 91-A:1-a, 98-E:1-a, 100-A:20, 101:2, 141-C:1-a, 188-E:16, 189:1-a, 189:39, 189:76, 193:35, 195:30, 199:1, 354-A:30, 362-A:1-, 507:17, 507-B:1, 507-B:7-a, 653:1, 655:10, 661:9, 194-C:2
HB765 text: 5-B:2, 23:7, 28:8, 30:1, 31:105, 31:106, 32:24, 53-A:2, 91-A:1-a, 98-E:1-a, 100-A:20, 101:2, 141-C:1-a, 188-E:16, 189:1-a, 189:39, 189:76, 193:35, 195:30, 199:1, 354-A:30, 362-A:1-a, 507:17, 507-B:1, 507-B:7-a, 653:1, 655:10, 661:9