Community public schools are of the community, acting as the hub of student life and a source of local pride. Community public schools are by citizens of the community paying taxes to foster future generations of productive, civic-minded, citizens to the benefit of the entire community. And, community public schools are for the education of all students in each diverse community. Speak up for community public schools in New Hampshire. They are under attack by NH state legislators and administrators, top to bottom. Some people in positions of power in New Hampshire would relocate taxpayer dollars to a voucher system costly to towns. Taxpayer voucher dollars support “programs” which lack oversight and do not report student outcomes, in contrast to regular oversight and reporting required of community public schools.
Elements in the NH government question the dedication and skill of accredited teachers and seek to employ part-time, uncredentialed individuals, “guides,” to teach your children. The NH Department of Education is poised to gut minimum curriculum requirements in public schools. Legislation seeks to isolate and denigrate adolescents working out their identity. Bills offered claim to know what books should be available to the entire student population, despite processes in place for parents to oversee their own child’s book selection. Talk with public servants representing you in the state government. Applaud their support. Question them if they have retreated from backing this important ingredient of democracy. Praise teachers and staff in community public schools for their dedication. Support community public schools.
Priscilla Dube
Concord