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Bill

HB 771

relative to funding for open enrollment schools.

Introduced by Katy Peternel and 3 co-sponsors

HB 771 modifies state funding distribution to open enrollment schools, reallocating per-pupil education dollars in ways that will shift resources between districts accepting and losing students.

Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-1881s, 05/15/2025, Vote 4-2; SC 21
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Bill Summary · HB 771

Legislative bill overview

HB 771 adjusts the funding mechanisms and payment structures for New Hampshire's open enrollment schools, which allow students to attend public schools outside their home districts. The bill modifies how state education funding is distributed to these schools, affecting both the schools receiving students and the districts losing students.

Why is this important

Open enrollment policies impact educational access and equity across communities—students can pursue specialized programs or better-fit learning environments, but this creates budget pressures on sending districts that lose per-pupil funding. The funding formula changes in this bill directly affect school budgets, teacher hiring, and program availability in both urban and rural districts.

Potential points of contention

  • Impact on small/rural districts: Districts losing students to open enrollment schools may face disproportionate budget cuts, potentially forcing them to reduce programs or services that cannot scale down easily
  • Equity concerns: Wealthier districts may be better positioned to attract and retain students through offerings, while less-resourced districts lose funding faster
  • Implementation complexity: The amendment (2025-1881s) suggests the original bill required modification, indicating stakeholders had concerns about the funding formula's practical application or fairness

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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