This week: NH Budget Updates, Dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education & Community Response

March 31st, 2025

TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO DISMANTLE THE US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION --  

Last Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the United States Department of Education (ED), stating that its goal is “to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to the states." This act will have a direct impact on New Hampshire students and families. 

In a statement from Reaching Higher NH, “The role of the Department is a supportive one. It exists: to ensure equal access to a free and appropriate public education for all students, to ensure that a public education is of the highest possible quality, and to coordinate, manage, and monitor the expenditure of federal tax dollars. With the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education, we are losing a vital safeguard of student protections and state accountability."

The Department of Education offers student protections and funding for targeted programs. The ED manages the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a law that guarantees free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities nationwide. The ED allocates nearly $62 million annually for staff, curriculum, and equipment, as well as training and support for best practices in New Hampshire schools. 

Read more about how the closure of the department will impact NH students: Without the US Department of Education New Hampshire families will struggle 

HUNDREDS OF EDUCATORS AND PUBLIC EDUCATION SUPPORTERS JOIN TOGETHER FOR VISIBILITY EVENT -- 

Last Saturday morning, following the executive order, there was a press conference and visibility event to stop the destruction of the U.S. Department of Education. This event drew nearly a hundred educators and supporters of public education from New Hampshire outside Manchester Central High School. See some photos from the event here. Learn more about this event: Community members voice concerns following executive order to dismantle Department of Education 



 

BUDGET CAPS AND UNIVERSAL SCHOOL VOUCHERS IN THE STATE BUDGET?  -- 

In recent weeks, the House Finance Subcommittees have made recommendations for the House version of the state budget. On Friday, the House Finance Division II Subcommittee, responsible for the education sections of the state budget, concluded most of its work and voted on key amendments to the budget. Some quick things you should know:

  1. There’s disagreement and lack of understanding about the implications of some of the proposals. 

  2. It includes the state-mandated budget caps and universal school vouchers, despite record opposition from Granite Staters. 

  3. It slightly increases special education funding but doesn’t close the funding gap. 

  4. It reduces funding for Adult Education. 

  5. Not included: Increasing access to school meals for students. 

Important note: The Senate advanced its universal school voucher bill (SB 295) as the House is working to include its version (HB 115) in the budget. In 2021, Republicans rolled the creation of the school voucher bill into that state budget because “it probably [wouldn’t] pass if it stood alone.” The proposed inclusion of state-mandated budget caps and universal school vouchers in the House version of the budget appears to be following the same trend. 

Read more about the House version of the budget process here: “Whether we understand it or not, we’re going to vote on it”: 5 Things to know about the House subcommittee’s budget plan 


WHAT TO EXPECT FOR THIS WEEK – 

  • The Senate Education Committee begins hearings on House education bills. On Tuesday at 9 am and Wednesday at 1 pm, the Senate Education Committee will hold hearings for all education bills in Legislative Office Building 101. 

  • The Full House Finance Committee will hold executive sessions on the state budget Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at the Legislative Office Building 110-111. 

  • The House version of the Parental Bill of Rights, HB 10, has advanced to the Senate. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, at 9:15 a.m. in Senate Education Legislative Office Building 101. 

WHAT WE’RE READING -- 

Have a question? Contact us.  Stay in the know and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and join the New Hampshire Education Network (NHEN), our network of New Hampshire parents, educators, business leaders, and community members to stay up to date on the latest developments in education policy.