Senate supports some state funding for private schools

On Thursday, February 23 the Senate passed a bill that would allow school districts to use state funds for a student to attend private school, if there is no public school in town.

The bill, SB 8, is motivated by a dispute between the state and the town of Croydon. Croydon does not have a public school for all grades. The Croydon school board therefore used public funds for some students to attend a private Montessori School in nearby Newport. A court ordered Croydon to stop the payments because taxpayer dollars cannot legally go to private or parochial schools.

SB 8 would allow a school district to assign a student to a private school, and send education funding to that private school, if there is no public school in that district for a student's grade level.

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.

“I applaud the Senate’s actions today, passing legislation that further promotes and protects local control in public education through providing parents greater choice and flexibility and empowering local school boards to make the best decisions for their communities,” said Gov. Chris Sununu. 

Bill opponents argue that state school funding should only go to schools where the state can ensure curriculum meets certain standards. The state does not have such control over private schools.

SB 8 could also open the state to lawsuits, since there is nothing in the bill to prevent taxpayer dollars going to a religious school.

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