Local Control of Education

New Hampshire has built it's public school system on the concept of Local Control.

Local control in education is a governance model in which local elected school boards and their communities, rather than state or federal authorities, make primary decisions regarding school operations, curriculum, budget, and hiring. This model has historically enabled communities to tailor education to local values and needs, fostering accountability and direct involvement from parents and community members. 

FACT SHEET: LOCAL CONTROL

Key Components of Local Control

The Latest: Local Control

In an effort to keep Granite Staters well informed about the state of our public education system and the policy that impacts it, Reaching Higher NH is proud to provide in-depth research and analysis. Explore our recent content below.

Apr 16, 2026
What Crossed Over: Local Control
Apr 1, 2026
Webinar - Crossover: Where We Are and Where We Are Going
Feb 19, 2026
Studying Open Enrollment
Feb 4, 2026
Open Enrollment: What it Costs and Who Pays
Jan 30, 2026
What happens to property values when a school closes?
Jan 29, 2026
How using cost per pupil to determine open enrollment tuition could harm districts and their students
Jan 28, 2026
Understanding SB 101 - Open Enrollment
Jan 26, 2026
Here is Why Public School Families Should Care About Vouchers

The 2026 Legislative Session

Here are the bills currently being considered by the NH State Legislature that impact Local Control: