HB283

This is a disgusting first step in the attempt to undermine the funding for public education. This proposal to allow for the optional removal of these subjects from the curriculum would render our youth incompent and lead to a poorly educated and submissive adult population. I suppose that must be the goal of legislation this assinine. I benefitted from a wonderful, well-rounded, NH public education during my formative years and I will not see the opportunities I had stripped away from the children of today. As a society, it is our duty to provide quality education in order to develop a caring and productive population. I cannot believe anyone would support the optional exclusion of these subjects. Let the public record show, Rep D. McGuire is an idiot.

This bill will gut over 50% of the required subjects that children are required to graduate. School is often where children are only able to learn the skills needed to successfully navigate the realities of adulthood. Many of the proposed cut subjects, Engineering and technologies, Personal finance literacy, Computer science, World languages, are fundamental for adult life given how interconnected and technologically dependent our society has become. Students who are prevented access to adequate education in these subjects are being deprived of their abilities to improve their future economic outcomes! The remaining subjects at risk, Arts education, to include music and visual arts and Social Studies (and yes gutting the contents of a subject is the SAME as gutting the subject itself!) are a thinly veiled excuse to limit the ability for children to think critically and be exposed to a wide array of lived experiences and people. And it also robs the children of the ability to affect real change to the systems that affect them!

Testimony Opposing NH House Bill 283 Dear Members of the House Education and Policy Committee, My name is Alyssa Irving and as I am unable to testify in person, I am writing to strongly oppose House Bill 283. I am currently studying music education at the Osher School of Music at the University of Southern Maine, where I have dedicated my education to understanding the impact of music and arts education on students and schools. I have also volunteered in classrooms, witnessing firsthand how subjects like music, visual arts, world languages, STEM, and social studies provide students with opportunities to grow, succeed, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. I know this not only as a future educator, but as someone whose own life was shaped by these very subjects: The idea that these courses could be removed as graduation requirements is deeply concerning—because they were instrumental in my own academic and personal development. Music Education: Music is the reason I was able to attend college. It made me a well-rounded student, helped me earn scholarships, and provided a sense of purpose and discipline that extended into every other area of my education. It taught me leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-expression—skills that I use every day. Without required arts education, many students would never have the chance to discover their own potential in music, just as I did. Visual Arts: I never would have taken an art class if it hadn’t been a requirement, but because I did, I broadened my sense of creativity and found a deeper connection to my school community. The arts are proven to foster inclusivity, giving students a space to explore different perspectives and express themselves in ways that traditional academics may not allow. Civics, History, and Government Education: Without civic engagement and education in history and government, I would not have the understanding I do today about how our country works, why history matters, or how I can play an active role in my community. As an American citizen, I didn’t even fully understand the importance of my vote until I took civics and government. These classes gave me the knowledge and critical thinking skills to engage thoughtfully in discussions and make informed decisions as a citizen. Removing these subjects from the curriculum risks leaving students unprepared to participate in democracy or understand the historical context of the world around them. STEM: STEM education helped me make so many meaningful connections and made me feel like a strong individual. It gave me confidence in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and understanding the world in a deeper way. These subjects are essential for preparing students for a modern, technology-driven workforce, and eliminating them as requirements would severely disadvantage future generations. Financial Literacy: As a first-generation college student and a ward of the state, financial literacy was crucial in helping me understand money, savings, and how to be financially independent. It gave me the knowledge I needed to navigate college expenses, prepare for the workforce, and make responsible financial decisions. Without this education, many students—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—will enter adulthood unprepared to manage their financial well-being. World Languages: Learning another language is not only important in today’s globalized world, but also essential for college preparation. Language education helps students understand the roots of their own language and others, strengthens cognitive skills, and opens doors to future career and travel opportunities. Removing world languages from the curriculum would deny students a fundamental skill that enhances communication, cultural understanding, and critical thinking. Had these subjects not been required in my high school education, I likely wouldn’t have taken them. I would have missed out on life-changing opportunities. These courses didn’t just enrich my schooling, they shaped my future. If House Bill 283 passes, countless students will lose access to experiences that could define their academic journeys and career paths, just as they did for me. I urge you to reject this bill and instead invest in a well-rounded education that gives all students the opportunities they deserve. Although those classes may seem unnecessary, they’re life changing for some students. New Hampshire students deserve a curriculum that prepares them for success in all aspects of life, not one that limits their potential. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Alyssa Irving Music Education|TRiO Peer Leader Osher School of Music, University of Southern Maine 23alyssairving@gmail.com

I am opposing this bill because these educational topics are essential to learning. Holocaust education, genocide education, world language education, music, and arts are all essential topics for students to learn.

Keep all of these classes

This is the 3rd presentation of this same bill. I again oppose it. There is no funding mechanism for this, and no clear answer who is responsible. There is no clear path as to the ramifications of a parent failing a CBC. This bill, as written, unjustly includes ETC and Home Educating (RSA 193-A) families. Please vote ITL.

I oppose this bill. NH students deserve to be taught the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the world and cutting these critical subjects denies them a strong education.

HB283 is a shameful disservice to all of New Hampshire.

I would like to first say that I am disappointed that a bill like this would even be introduced. The subjects proposed for removal are essential for developing well-rounded, future-ready students, and eliminating them would have serious negative consequences for our education system. To even think of removing curriculum such as computer science and financial literacy in today's world seems like such a heinous suggestion. The removal of these subjects would be a disservice to our students and the future of our state.

I oppose this bill because it eliminates courses that I think are a necessary part of an adequate education. A student will need some of the course: such as history, civics, sciences to enter college.

As a former public school teacher, I am vehemently opposed to gutting our educational system.

Dear Mr. Chair & Committee Members, When you walked in today, didn’t the architecture itself elevate your sense of purpose? Pause for a moment and take in this spectacularly designed room—its ornate ceiling, the nearly life-sized portraits. Look at your clothes, your watch, your bag. Think of the last song you listened to or the last series you streamed. Do you really want to live in a state that does not teach our children to create or appreciate the arts? I am here today because HB 283 is the first step in dismantling a strong, comprehensive public education—the foundation of our democracy. This bill eliminates core competencies essential to our state's future—civics, computer science, world languages, and the arts—putting our students at a disadvantage in a global economy evolving at an unprecedented pace. How can New Hampshire have effective future politicians without civics? How can our state produce AI experts without computer science? How can we prepare leaders if we strip away the very subjects that build adaptable, globally competent thinkers? I know firsthand the power of modern languages and the arts. As a marketer and communications strategist, I have built a 20-year career helping South American brands connect with U.S. audiences through meaningful storytelling—work made possible by my Spanish degree and a Master’s in Theater. I was lucky enough to participate in an exchange program in high school - and it changed my life. Fluency in Spanish was just the start—it opened my eyes to a world of opportunity beyond New Hampshire. These subjects matter, especially for students who aren’t straight-A math and English learners. Experiential classes unlock possibilities for them—I know, because they did for me. Beyond individual success, these subjects are critical to New Hampshire’s economy. The arts alone contribute over $1 trillion to the U.S. economy and support millions of jobs. STEM fields are growing rapidly, but creativity, global awareness, and problem-solving—fostered through the arts and world languages—are what drive true innovation. Companies aren’t just looking for technical expertise; they want adaptable, well-rounded leaders who can navigate an increasingly complex world. New Hampshire already struggles to attract and retain young families. Weakening our education system will only push them elsewhere. Families seeking a strong, competitive education for their children will leave, and businesses looking for a skilled workforce will follow. HB 283 doesn’t strengthen New Hampshire—it weakens it. A well-rounded education isn’t a luxury; it’s an investment in our state’s future. Please reject this bill and ensure that New Hampshire remains a place where students don’t just get by—they thrive

The bill not only takes away necessary education for our children in schools, but also is huge overreach to keep our kids uneducated or undereducated. This bill will harm our kids learning environments!!! Don’t you dare take away a child’s love for learning by taking away subjects they care about.

As a former (retired) public high school teacher, I can state with certainty that the subjects included in the state's current educational standards -- including arts education (music and visual arts), world languages, engineering and technologies, computer science, and personal finance literacy -- are all essential for New Hampshire students. These subjects are not only essential for graduating competent, informed citizens capable of functioning as members of a viable workforce. They are also critical components of students' cognitive development. How will New Hampshire ever attract families to move to our state if our public schools offer only the most dismal excuse for an "adequate" education, as proposed in HB283? New Hampshire has a long history of politicians/leaders seeking ways in which to short change public school students, both before and since the Claremont Decision. Yes, the current tax system in place to fund our state's public education is a mess. Have the courage and creativity to fix that. Leave education to the educators.

I am writing to express my opposition to this proposal to gut educational opportunities for our NH Children attending public schools. 1. I feel this proposed bill is a reckless exertion of political will. If enacted, it will topple public education, produce an undereducated generation of youth, have professional educators fleeing for other states that prioritize learning, demotivate and disengage students, and result in students being both closed minded and inadequately prepared to assume modern careers or assimilate to college. It feels more like a tanking of NH Education to the bottom than an aspiration to the top. 2. The state is consistently ranked among the top school systems in the country. It is a primary reason families choose to live here, particularly families that bring skilled workers to NH, which helps grow the state economy. Why the move to gut educational offerings and pathways now, just as the state is poised for meaningful industrial and jobs growth?? 3. As evidenced by the outcry against this bill, clearly this is not the will of the NH People.

The wording in this bill will absolutely NOT provide NH students with anywhere near an "adequate education. Please vote no on this terrible piece of legislation.

I strongly oppose this bill which is diluting public education instead of providing a strong framework. This bill represents a powerful example of undercutting public education. For what purpose: so the legislators can get away with stating they are not defying the court orders to properly fund education in this state?

No.

As a New Hampshire resident and registered voter who supports our Public Education System as paid for through our property taxes I oppose this legislative bill. I believe this bill is another attempt to degrade our present educational system.

OPPOSE HB283 Do not gut our public schools by cutting programs so you can fund private and religious schools. Robin Helrich Hopkinton, NH

Educating or kids less is not what this country needs, nor is it indoctrinating them into the MAGA cult.

This bill is a blatant attack on education. New Hampshire is a well-educated state, and ensuring that our children receive a robust, well-rounded education is critical to our future success.

I think goes to far in cuts to education. It will put students and our state behind. For example why would we cut computers and engineering. We also should not cut social studies which teaches our children the true past including things like the Holocaust and other genocides. We learn for our past so we hopefully do not repeat our mistakes.

Our children deserve education in multiple areas in order to be well rounded & able to function, thrive and add to our NH economy as intelligent & skilled people. Our families, children & communities will be more successful if our schools continue to provide the educational topics & experiences that have produced so many talented & productive NH individuals. The competition for innovative, creative & STEM trained youth who are better equipped for the workforce is significant. Depleting NH educational opportunities for OUR kids threatens their. success which impacts NH’s future. Why would we break something that is working well? Why would we take away basic courses from our kids? Why would we hurt NH’s future workforce & potential for new business ventures from smart NH young adults wanting to stay in NH? Strong & varied Educational programs are vital to prepare our youth to compete in this world, support themselves and bring continued success for NH. I strongly oppose this bill.

I oppose this bill.