New Hampshire School Boards Association Legislative Bulletin
January 26, 2007
The Week in Quick Review
This week, NHSBA offered opposition to HCR 1, a Resolution declaring that the directives of the judicial branch in the Claremont cases are not binding on the legislative and executive branches. HCR 1 conflicts with the Court's constitutional responsibilities, particularly the Court's power as the ultimate interpreter of the New Hampshire Constitution and state law. NHSBA also opposed HB 95 as currently submitted: a bill that would count charter school pupils in the average daily membership in residence of the pupil's district of residence. NHSBA sought to clarify the intent of the bill and guarantee that no double payments for students are made as well as insure the integrity of changes to charter school law accomplished in last year's HB 76. Testimony was also given in opposition to HB 79, relative to the safety of school bus stops. The bill seeks to establish procedures of review and appeal based on any written request by a parent to review the safety of a school bus stop location. Procedures currently exist for the evaluation and review of school bus stop safety issues, with appeal to the state board: HB 79 is not necessary. NHSBA supported HB 46, appropriating funds to support certain kindergarten programs established within the last three years. Due to the three-year lag in data for state adequacy/equity aid, these pupils are not included in the student count. HB 46 would continue the state's commitment to providing funds for those districts until the students are included in the ADM count used for state aid. The House Education sub-committee working on HB 37, relative to notification requirements for criminal offenders, met and reviewed issues relative to the need for a classification system of offenders, as well as compliance issues associated with federal legislation. The sub-committee will be recommending to the House Education Committee that it retain HB 37 for further study and review. The House Labor sub-committee on HB 89, permitting strikes by public school teachers, continues to review the bill and has scheduled another work session for next Thursday, February 1, at 9:00.
Next Week
The House will meet in session next Wednesday and two education bills will be considered: HB 53, clarifying a school district's supervision of Licensed Practical Nurses or Certified Nurse Assistants, and HB 87, providing clarification to exceptions to the compulsory school attendance statute. Both bills were supported by NHSBA.
Next week, the House Education Committee will take up several bills, including: HB 126, a Dept. of Education request to revise the definitions of standard school, elementary school, high school, and the number of days of school, based on the state's new minimum standards. HB 131 removes the Commissioner of Education as a participating agent for home education programs under 193-A. The bill limits notification and other procedural requirements to the resident district superintendent or principal of a nonpublic school. HB 147 stipulates that for the purpose of calculating charter school funding, kindergarten pupils shall count as no more than 1/2 day attendance per calendar year. The Senate Education Committee has scheduled hearings on SB 57, requiring a one-half year course in civics for high school graduation, and SB 78, allowing a parent or guardian of twins or other multiples to specify the classroom placement for their children. The House Ways and Means Committee will consider HB 145, establishing an education funding study committee of three representatives and three senators, to study the revenues obtainable from a range of funding options now in use in New Hampshire and the potential impacts of such funding options on the state's economy and existing revenue base. The committee's report would be due November 1, 2007.
For the complete text of any bill, go to http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/ns/billstatus/quickbill.html and enter the bill number, e.g. HB89, or SB78 (no spaces!), and make sure the Session Year is 2007. This link is available on the NHSBA web site.
NHSBA to attend the NSBA Federal Relations Conference
Next week, NHSBA will be attending the National School Boards Association's annual Federal Relations Network Conference. Executive Director Ted Comstock was pleased to announce that President Susan Allen, First VP Clint Hanson and Second VP Nancy Warren will be in Washington, DC, participating in information sessions offered by NSBA. Your Association Officers will also hear Senator Edward Kennedy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, share his legislative priorities as well as his proposed changes to the No Child Left Behind law. In addition, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings will also discuss the reauthorization of NCLB. NHSBA's officers will also use this opportunity to personally meet with New Hampshire's two new Congressional Representatives: Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes. During these visits, they will share NHSBA resolutions and perspectives on federal legislative initiatives, especially funding of federal programs.
Make sure your local representatives know where their school board stands on important legislative proposals. Keep your legislators informed and aware. Remember that you, through NHSBA, are the only locally elected officials that "speak" exclusively for public education in NH. Need some help? Learn how you can be involved in NHSBA'S Legislative Advocacy Network and make your board's voice heard.
Call NHSBA (800-272-0653) or (603-228-2061) today and be part of the team. For more information or details, or for information on specific legislation, please call Dean Michener at 603-228-2061.
Dean Michener, Associate Director
N.H. School Boards Association
(603)228-2061 - deanm@nhsba.org
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