The New Hampshire Supreme Court has ruled that the state has not fulfilled its constitutional obligation to adequately fund public education. The decision highlights the inadequacy of current base adequacy aid and urges legislative action, following recent approval of a two-year state budget.
Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, commented on the ruling: “This ruling is a long-overdue validation of what New Hampshire’s educators, parents, and students have known for decades: our public education system has been chronically underfunded, and the legislature has repeatedly failed to uphold its constitutional duty to remedy that.”
Tuttle emphasized the need for lawmakers to see this ruling as a moral call to action. She stated that every child in New Hampshire deserves access to fully funded, high-quality public education as guaranteed by the state Constitution.
Educators in New Hampshire have expressed frustration with limited resources and outdated materials. Tuttle added: “The Court is right: the status quo is unacceptable, and change is long overdue.”
The Supreme Court’s majority opinion noted that “the state has not fulfilled its constitutional obligation” and described current funding as “woefully inadequate.” The court reversed a trial court directive for immediate funding increases but acknowledged the necessity of spending at least the minimum required amount.
The opinion further warned against legislative inaction: “We believe that the proper remedy cannot be to allow the legislature to continue to idle… The legislature will not be deterred from maintaining the status quo when it perceives that the prospect of meaningful judicial relief is unlikely.”
NEA-New Hampshire continues its mission as a prominent union advocating for children and public-school employees in New Hampshire. Established in 1854, it remains committed to promoting lifelong learning through its extensive membership base.
