NH House Testimony

HB515

House · 2025 sessionDemocraticKilled in House

End charter school building aid

AI

Removes chartered public schools from eligibility for state school building aid grants.

repealing the chartered public school eligibility for state school building aid.

Education - GeneralAgency Appropriations

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 6, 2025
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Division of testimony

92 submissions
Support 17Oppose 75(15 form letter)Neutral 0

Hatched = form letter · 15 of 92 written submissions (16%) came from organized campaigns

Form-letter campaigns

15 of 35 written submissions (43%)

15 submissions match a shared template; 20 are individually written.

  • Oppose HB 515: Protect Charter School AidOppose15 submissions on this bill

    The template argues that HB 515 should be opposed because it removes potential state funding for charter public school facilities, which are necessary for these public educational institutions.

    The letter · submitted 15 times

    Urgent: Oppose HB 515 – Protect Charter Public School Building Aid I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515), which would eliminate access to potential funding to charter PUBLIC schools for facility needs. Charter public schools already face immense challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources recently made available to charter public schools to apply on equal footing along with traditional public schools. It is crucial to remember that charter public schools are public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as traditional district schools. I strongly urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to New Hampshire. Sincerely, Mimi Thomas

Detected by text-similarity clustering; campaign names are AI-generated.

Kim O'NeillOpposeJaffrey, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

Charter schools are a beneficial and effective option for NH families. This bill would put charter schools at a high risk of failure due to high building costs.

Ashley Brudnick-DestrompOpposeAntrim, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

Charter schools allowed me the ability to get my children a real education. The public school systems in the area are over funded, under populated, and do not have an education system that teaches my children to read and write properly, learn full American History, or explore classical education. If you pull funding from charter schools then we will be forced to home school as a result but would prefer our children to maintain a healthy school relationship. Our charter school is amazing and deserves funding, if not more then the public schools who have a 16 million dollar budget for 1800 students and most kids can’t tell time, write or read correctly, and have no sense of this nations history.

Kyle FoxOpposeForm letterAmherst, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515, which would eliminate access to potential funding to charter public schools for facility needs. Charter public schools already face immense challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources recently made available to charter public schools to apply on equal footing along with traditional public schools. It is crucial to remember that charter public schools are public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as traditional district schools. I strongly urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to New Hampshire. Sincerely, Kyle Fox 5 Cricket Hill Drive Amherst, NH 03031

James MillerOpposeForm letterAlton Bay, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515), which would eliminate access to potential funding to charter PUBLIC schools for facility needs. Charter public schools already face immense challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources recently made available to charter public schools to apply on equal footing along with traditional public schools. It is crucial to remember that charter public schools are public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as traditional district schools. I strongly urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to New Hampshire. Sincerely, Jim Miller

Caitlin BlundellOpposeForm letterWindham, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515, which would eliminate access to potential funding for charter PUBLIC schools for facility needs. Charter public schools already face immense financial challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources recently made available to charter public schools to apply on equal footing along with traditional public schools. It is crucial to remember that charter public schools are public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as traditional district schools. I strongly urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to New Hampshire. Sincerely, Caitlin Blundell

Scott DolliverOpposeForm letterPelham, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515), which would eliminate access to potential funding to charter PUBLIC schools for facility needs. Charter public schools already face immense challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources recently made available to charter public schools to apply on equal footing along with traditional public schools. It is crucial to remember that charter public schools are public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as traditional district schools. I strongly urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to New Hampshire. Sincerely, Scott A. Dolliver

Cassie HayesOpposeForm letterManchester, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515), which would eliminate access to potential funding to charter PUBLIC schools for facility needs. Charter public schools already face immense challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources recently made available to charter public schools to apply on equal footing along with traditional public schools. It is crucial to remember that charter public schools are public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as traditional district schools. I strongly urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to New Hampshire.

Adam BristolOpposeForm letterLyme, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515), which would eliminate access to potential funding to charter PUBLIC schools for facility needs. Charter public schools already face immense challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources recently made available to charter public schools to apply on equal footing along with traditional public schools. It is crucial to remember that charter public schools are public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as traditional district schools. I strongly urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to New Hampshire. Sincerely, Adam Bristol

Renee MillerOpposeAlton Bay, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

I oppose HB515.

Kate RobichaudOpposeForm letterManchester, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

Subject: Urgent: Oppose HB 515 – Protect Charter Public School Building Aid I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515), which would eliminate access to potential funding to charter PUBLIC schools for facility needs. Charter public schools already face immense challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources recently made available to charter public schools to apply on equal footing along with traditional public schools. It is crucial to remember that charter public schools are public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as traditional district schools. I strongly urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to New Hampshire. Sincerely, Kate Robichaud

Adrien YuleOpposeWolfeboro, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

Why should we oppose this bill? The number one challenge with Charter Schools is finding a facility that meets educational code. Well directed funding can be used to refurbish historical buildings, schools buildings being abandoned, and other commercial sites that are suitable for the unique learning experience each charter school provides. The different facilities bring character to the educational experience. Charter school volunteers and others play a huge role in reducing the total cost to develop a facility. Charter schools are also very budget conscious when finding a building, hiring contractors, or adding on an addition. When a charter school does not have to worry about large facility expenses, they are able to meet their budget goals with much less stress weighing on them. For these reasons we should make these funds equally available for both traditional public schools and public charter schools by opposing this bill. Doing so will provide the funds necessary to give kids healthy, unique atmospheres to learn within, while restoring, reviving, and developing more communities throughout NH.

Jessica GroverOpposeWindham, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

Rebecca AllanOpposePelham, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

I am writing to express my strong opposition for the proposed bill HB515 which looks to make chartered public schools ineligible for school building aid. Chartered public schools are already gravely underfunded, receiving just a fraction of the state funding of a traditional public school per child and also not receiving funds from town taxes. Due to this chartered public schools constantly face difficulties when it comes to securing and maintaining suitable facilities. This aid is a critical resource and removing it would eliminate one of the few resources chartered public schools have to help address this issue. I urge you to vote against HB 515 to ensure Chartered Public Schools can continue to access the resources they need to provide high-quality education in appropriate facilities. Thank you for your time and service to New Hampshire

Christopher SmithOpposeConcord, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

Dear Representative Cahill and the Education Funding Committee, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515, which seeks to repeal the availability of school building aid for Chartered Public Schools. One of the greatest challenges Chartered Public Schools face is securing and maintaining suitable facilities. This aid is a critical resource, and removing it would eliminate one of the few options available to address this ongoing issue. It’s important to remember that Chartered Public Schools are public schools, serving students with the same commitment to education as traditional public schools. Charter Schools fund our facilities at market rates, making it even more essential to retain the support mechanisms currently in place. I urge you to vote against HB 515 to ensure Chartered Public Schools can continue to access the resources they need to provide high-quality education in appropriate facilities. Thank you for your time and service to New Hampshire

David HargreavesOpposeSandwich, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

When there is competition we all get better outcomes.

Linda TannerOpposesunapee, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

Fully fund our public schools first before diverting funds to charter schools.

Cathleen HargreavesOpposeForm letterCenter Sandwich, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515), which would eliminate access to potential funding to charter PUBLIC schools for facility needs. Charter public schools already face immense challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources recently made available to charter public schools to apply on equal footing along with traditional public schools. It is crucial to remember that charter public schools are public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as traditional district schools. I strongly urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to New Hampshire. Sincerely, Cathleen Hargreaves

Barry TannerOpposeHancock, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

Public Charter Schools deserve equal opportunity for funding as do all other public schools in NH. Public Charter Schools serve as a wonderful choice for parents across the state and I urge you to continue to support their development.

Lynda LowneyOpposeAmherst, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515, which would eliminate access to crucial funding for charter public schools' facility needs. Charter public schools already face significant challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources recently made available to charter public schools, allowing them to compete on an equal footing with traditional public schools. It's essential to remember that charter public schools are indeed public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as traditional district schools. I urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to New Hampshire. Sincerely, Richard Lowney

Richard LowneyOpposeAmherst, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515, which would eliminate access to crucial funding for charter public schools' facility needs. Charter public schools already face significant challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources recently made available to charter public schools, allowing them to compete on an equal footing with traditional public schools. It's essential to remember that charter public schools are indeed public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as traditional district schools. I urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to New Hampshire. Sincerely, Richard Lowney

Kimberly LavalleeOpposeMont Vernon, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

Charter schools are PUBLIC schools. Removing this option for one group of public schools is inappropriate. This was just passed recently and has not even had a chance to be utilized. Thank you for your service.

Michael HarnerOpposeForm letterPeterborough, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

Subject: Urgent: Oppose HB 515 – Protect Charter Public School Building Aid I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515), which would eliminate access to potential funding to charter PUBLIC schools for facility needs. Charter public schools already face immense challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources recently made available to charter public schools to apply on equal footing along with traditional public schools. It is crucial to remember that charter public schools are public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as traditional district schools. I strongly urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to New Hampshire. Sincerely, Michael Harner

RICHARD MERKTOpposeWestmoreland, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

Subject: Oppose HB 515 – Protect Charter Public School Building Aid I am writing to oppose HB 515, which would eliminate access to potential funding to charter public schools for facility needs. Charter public schools face financial challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources available to charter public schools to apply on an equal basis with traditional public schools. Charter public schools are public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as district schools. I urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Richard A. Merkt Westmoreland, NH

Jon RokehOpposeForm letterChichester, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

I oppose HB 515 – Need to Protect Charter Public School Building Aid I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515), which would eliminate access to potential funding to charter PUBLIC schools for facility needs. Charter public schools already face immense challenges in obtaining adequate facilities, as they must fund their buildings at market rates without local taxpayer support. This aid is one of the few resources recently made available to charter public schools to apply on equal footing along with traditional public schools. It is crucial to remember that charter public schools are public schools, serving students with the same dedication and academic rigor as traditional district schools. I strongly urge you to vote against HB 515 to protect the future of charter public schools and the students who rely on them. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to New Hampshire. Sincerely, Jon Rokeh

Patricia AllenOpposeSalem, NH, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025

Dear Commitee Subject: Bill HB515 Opposed Dear Representative Cahill and the Education Funding Committee, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 515, which seeks to repeal the availability of school building aid for Chartered Public Schools. One of the greatest challenges Chartered Public Schools face is securing and maintaining suitable facilities. This aid is a critical resource, and removing it would eliminate one of the few options available to address this ongoing issue. It’s important to remember that Chartered Public Schools are public schools, serving students with the same commitment to education as traditional public schools. Charter Schools fund our facilities at market rates, making it even more essential to retain the support mechanisms currently in place. I urge you to vote against HB 515 to ensure Chartered Public Schools can continue to access the resources they need to provide high-quality education in appropriate facilities. Thank you for your time and service to New Hampshire Patricia Allen Salem NH Resident of NH for 54 years