School choice bill moves forward

Last week a New Hampshire House committee voted in favor of a bill that would let some students use tax dollars to attend private school.

The bill, SB 8, would allow a school district to pay to send a child to a private school if the district does not have a public school at the child's grade level. 

The bill was prompted by officials in the town of Croydon. The Croydon school board used public funds for some students to attend a private Montessori School in nearby Newport. Croydon is now in a legal battle with the state over this decision.

Bill supporters argue that local school boards should have the power to pick the best schools for their students, whether public or private, if their school district lacks a public school.

In some cases, sending a child to a private school is actually cheaper than sending the child to a public school in another district, so SB 8 could also save taxpayer dollars.

Bill opponents argue that private schools do not have to follow the same standards as public schools, so they should not be eligible for taxpayer dollars.  In particular, private schools do not have to provide the same special education services.

Other bill opponents express concern that SB 8 will open the door to a full voucher system, in which public tax dollars are funneled away from public schools to private schools.

The House Education committee is recommending a bill amendment that would exclude religious private schools.  The amendment also requires any private schools receiving students under the bill to administer annual assessment tests. 

The full House will vote on SB 8 and the amendment within the month.

Do you support SB 8?  Share your opinion in the comments below.