New Hampshire Education Freedom Accounts: A Debate Over Access and Equity

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Written By Blue & Gold NLR Team

 

 

The public debate surrounding New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) and House Bill 115, which aims to remove the income cap for eligibility, has become a focal point in the state’s education policy.

Proponents argue that opening the program to all students, regardless of income, will give parents more freedom in choosing educational options, particularly those dissatisfied with public schools. Meanwhile, critics raise concerns about the program’s financial sustainability and its impact on public education.

One major concern is the significant cost of expanding the program. The state’s Education Trust Fund, which finances public school education, is projected to see a decline, with the fund’s surplus shrinking from $200 million to $125 million by the end of the fiscal year.

Critics argue that if the bill passes, it could drain resources from public education, which already faces financial strain due to rising per-pupil costs.

Department of Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut’s statement underscores the tension between rising costs and declining enrollment, yet he does not acknowledge the state’s historical underfunding of public education, particularly its reduced contributions to special education and employee retirement programs.

Supporters of the EFA expansion, including groups funded by the Koch Foundation, argue that the program offers taxpayers a more efficient alternative by shifting funding from public schools to private or alternative educational settings.

However, some of the program’s proponents are parents whose children already attend private schools, raising questions about whether the expansion will primarily benefit wealthier families already in a position to afford private education, rather than those with fewer resources. Critics, like David Trumble of Weare, argue that vouchers exacerbate educational inequality, as lower-income families may struggle to afford private school tuition even with the voucher.

The debate also touches on broader political and philosophical issues regarding individual rights versus the common good. The EFA program is framed by some as a solution for parents who feel their children’s needs are not met in public schools, yet it risks further stratifying access to quality education based on financial resources. This mirrors larger trends in other sectors, such as healthcare and the judicial system, where wealth often determines the quality of services received.

As the state faces a tightening budget and educational funding challenges, the outcome of House Bill 115 could set a significant precedent for how New Hampshire approaches education reform. If passed, the state may confront a more strained public education system, further deepening the divide between wealthier and lower-income families in terms of educational opportunities.

 

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