Unlocking Education Freedom: What the Expansion of Education Freedom Accounts Means for You

By Garry Rayno, Distant Dome

Recently, there has been a significant push to expand New Hampshire’s school voucher program, known as Education Freedom Accounts (EFA). Advocates aim to make these vouchers accessible to all students, no matter their family’s income. This movement gained momentum leading up to a public hearing on House Bill 115, which suggests removing the income cap on the program.

The public hearing attracted many parents and children, filling three rooms at the Legislative Office Building. However, a clear majority of online testimonies opposed the bill, with about 3,414 against it compared to only 791 in support.

Groups like Americans for Prosperity, funded by the Koch Foundation, actively encouraged their followers to attend the hearing, sending out urgent emails to rally support.

Just a day before the hearing, Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut released data highlighting rising costs in New Hampshire’s education system. He reported that the average cost per pupil increased from $20,323 last year to $21,545 this year, while enrollments are declining.

Edelblut pointed out that New Hampshire’s per-pupil cost is among the highest in the nation, with some districts, like Manchester and Nashua, being less expensive compared to rural areas which see astonishing costs. For instance, in Pittsburg, the highest per-pupil cost is around $44,484.

He emphasized that New Hampshire residents have increased education funding by over $400 million since 2021, but the rising costs and declining enrollments have put pressure on taxpayers and communities.

However, Edelblut did not address that New Hampshire ranks at the bottom nationally in funding for K-12 public education. Local cities and towns end up covering over 70% of education costs, despite residents voting on budgets that lead to increased spending.

Many critics of the EFA program argue that it fails to guarantee accountability. During the hearing, several parents shared positive experiences with alternative education using state funds, often criticizing public schools for not meeting their children’s needs. Some expressed concerns that public schools do not align with their personal beliefs, highlighting a desire to shield their children from differing viewpoints.

David Trumble from Weare criticized this stance, highlighting that public schools serve every child, regardless of background or needs. He asserted that public schools provide the universal option for education and should be adequately funded before any new programs are launched.

The EFA program has a tendency to favor families who already have their children in private or religious schools. In fact, 75% of students in the EFA program did not previously attend public schools. This raises concerns that funds aimed at providing options for lower-income families might primarily benefit those who can already afford alternative education.

Despite the claims that these vouchers can help all students, studies show that in states with universal vouchers, the majority of new funding often goes to families already enrolled in private or homeschooling settings. This situation could cost New Hampshire more than $100 million annually.

The EFA program is funded through the Education Trust Fund, which also supports public schools. Unfortunately, this fund’s surplus has dwindled significantly, raising fears about future funding for public education if this bill passes.

Many opponents of the bill argue that New Hampshire must first uphold its constitutional responsibility to provide adequate public education before introducing any expansive voucher programs. Nationally, universal vouchers are a priority for many Republican lawmakers, continuing a long-standing movement to reshape education funding.

A core debate is whether education should remain a public good accessible to all or if it should be dependent on a family’s financial situation. There is a growing concern that expanding the EFA program could worsen inequities in education, making quality schooling a privilege only for those who can afford it.

If House Bill 115 is approved, public schools might end up with decreased state funding, contradicting court mandates for adequate education support. This could adversely impact the future workforce of New Hampshire and raise questions for businesses about the state’s educational standards.

Garry Rayno can be reached at garry.rayno@yahoo.com.

Distant Dome by Garry Rayno provides insights into New Hampshire’s state affairs. He has covered the NH State House for decades and offers a wealth of experience on various issues impacting the state, living in New London with his wife Carolyn.

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