The bill, HB 772-FN, establishes a foundation opportunity budget program in New Hampshire to ensure a constitutionally adequate education for all students. It repeals and reenacts RSA 193-E:1, emphasizing the state's responsibility to provide equitable educational opportunities regardless of a student's location, while introducing a shared funding model between state and local governments. Local school taxes are capped at a certain inflation-adjusted amount, and state grants are mandated to fully fund local education costs. Additionally, the bill redefines what constitutes a constitutionally adequate education, setting specific statewide public education opportunity goals across various subjects starting in the 2024-2025 school year, and outlines a multi-year transition plan for implementing the new funding system.

The bill also introduces significant amendments to the education funding framework, including the calculation of the annual foundation opportunity budget based on a weighted Average Daily Membership Rate and a universal base foundation opportunity cost. It establishes a minimum local share contribution for municipalities and outlines a phased approach for transition grants to support those experiencing a decrease in state funding. Furthermore, the bill mandates the collection of new performance metrics, revises the designation process for underperforming schools, and addresses disparities in student achievement by requiring districts to create evidence-based plans. Overall, HB 772-FN aims to enhance educational equity and accountability while streamlining funding mechanisms for public education 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