Catharine FarkasOpposeSanbornton, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
Schools are supposed to be safe spaces for ALL children. I applaud the Superintendent!
HCR6
House · 2025 sessionRepublicanKilled in HouseCalling for SAU 67 superintendent's removal
AICalls for the removal of the superintendent of School Administrative Unit 67 for barring parents from wearing pink armbands in protest at school sporting events.
calling for the removal of the superintendent of school administrative unit 67.
Education - General
Status
Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 6, 2025- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Adopted
Division of testimony
385 submissionsSupport 61Oppose 324Neutral 0
Argument digest · AI-generated
from 138 of 138 written submissionsHCR6 calls for the removal of the superintendent of School Administrative Unit 67, Marcy Kelley, after she issued no-trespass orders to some parents who wore pink "XX" wristbands while attending a girls' soccer game to protest the participation of a transgender athlete. A small number of submitters supported the resolution, arguing the no-trespass orders violated the protesting parents' free speech rights and that the superintendent overstepped her authority. The large majority of submitters opposed the resolution, arguing the superintendent was protecting students from harassment, that removing a locally hired official is a matter for the local school board rather than the state legislature, and that the resolution is a politically motivated overreach.
- No-trespass orders violated protesters' free speech rightsSupport11 of 138 reviewed
Supporters argue the superintendent's decision to issue no-trespass orders to parents peacefully wearing wristbands at a game punished lawful protest and violated their First Amendment rights.
“The recent actions taken by the superintendent, including the unjust issuance of no-trespass orders to parents who attended their daughter's soccer game while wearing pink wristbands with the letters "XX" on them, is a clear violation of their rights”
— Kimberly Allan, Hudson · #373108 — read full submission →
“The Superintendent of Schools had no right to violate these individuals rights to wear these accouterments while peacefully watching a ball game. He violated the 1st Amendment Rights of these individuals and needs to be removed from office.”
— Paul LaFerriere, Manchester · #372814 — read full submission →
“No parent should be trespassed for respectfully defending their right to free speech and standing up for their child.”
— Amy Robinson, Meredith · #373887 — read full submission →
- Superintendent generally exceeded her authoritySupport4 of 138 reviewed
Some supporters argue more broadly that the superintendent overstepped the proper bounds of her position and should be removed for misusing her power, independent of the specific free-speech claim.
“This Superintendent acted in a manner of self preservation and stepped over their boundaries of power to misuse them. This Superintendent should immediately step down or be fired without benefits.”
— Zachary Powers, Northfield · #373498 — read full submission →
“This is an absolute disgrace. This superintendent should be removed immediately. Boundaries were over stepped.”
— Tiffney Trant, Merrimack · #373698 — read full submission →
- Allowing the athlete to play endangered other studentsSupport1 of 138 reviewed
At least one supporter ties the call for removal to the underlying dispute over the transgender athlete's participation, arguing that permitting it created a safety risk, including enabling a convicted sex offender to attend games.
- Superintendent was protecting students from harassmentOppose62 of 138 reviewed
Opponents argue the superintendent's actions, including removing the protesting parents, were a reasonable and necessary response to protect a transgender student and other students from bullying, harassment, and intimidation, and that she was simply doing her job.
“These people needed to be removed as they were blatantly harassing a child. This athlete is a child that the school district protected from these transphobic adults.”
— Laura Urie, Bow · #365321 — read full submission →
“The actions of those adults were threatening and intimidating, and it does not affect just one child.”
— Nicole Snyder, Litchfield · #364355 — read full submission →
“These students cannot receive a proper education if they are subjected to hatred and discrimination.. The superintendent and all involved were doing their jobs”
— Katherine Sokol, Hooksett · #363388 — read full submission →
- This is a local school board matter, not a state oneOppose41 of 138 reviewed
Opponents argue that hiring, evaluating, and removing a superintendent is legally and traditionally the responsibility of the local elected school board, and that the state legislature intervening is an overreach of its authority.
“This proposal represents a clear overreach by the state government into matters that should be addressed at the local level by the town’s taxpayers and the elected school board.”
— Sarah Abberton, Bow · #364948 — read full submission →
“To have the state legislature attempt to overrule the will of the local elected board would be a gross abuse of power and governmental overreach.”
— Heather Raymond, Nashua · #362381 — read full submission →
“It is NOT the role of state government to recommend people be removed from their job. If a Superintendent in NH needs to be removed from their position, that decision is made by the local school board and the local school board only.”
— Sarah Arndt, Manchester · #363027 — read full submission →
- Personal testimonials to the superintendent's competenceOppose19 of 138 reviewed
Colleagues, coworkers, and community members describe firsthand experience working with or under the superintendent and vouch for her professionalism, dedication, and record of putting students first.
“She has proven to be a strong leader and has carried out her position with strength, vision and compassion. She is often visible in our school and classrooms.”
— Kimberly Belanger, Dunbarton · #370205 — read full submission →
“Marcy is thoughtful, considered and measured in everything she does, and doesn’t make any decisions “off the cuff.””
— Shelley Westenberg, Dunbarton · #373385 — read full submission →
“she has been the most supportive and knowledgeable superintendent that I have worked for in my 18 years of teaching both in New Hampshire and Maine.”
— Kristen Pelchat, Allenstown · #363034 — read full submission →
- Resolution is a politically motivated waste of timeOppose18 of 138 reviewed
Opponents characterize HCR6 as a political stunt or personal vendetta by its sponsor rather than a legitimate legislative matter, and argue lawmakers' time would be better spent elsewhere.
“This HCR began as an absurd political stunt to grab a few headlines and score points with Representative Belcher’s base when it was initially proposed as LSR 916.”
— Adam Osburn, Goffstown · #362775 — read full submission →
“This bill is a waste of everyone's time, especially as it was introduced by a non-resident of the towns involved.”
— Pansy Bloomfield, Hollis · #365454 — read full submission →
“I oppose HCR6 because 1 representative from a different district proposed it.”
— Donna Reardon, Concord · #372290 — read full submission →
- Sets a dangerous precedent for protecting vulnerable kidsOppose15 of 138 reviewed
Opponents warn that removing an administrator for protecting a transgender or otherwise marginalized student would discourage other educators from protecting vulnerable students in the future.
“This is a horrifically dangerous precedent to set and will discourage future teachers and administrators from protecting their Trans students in the future.”
— Ryan Clark, Bradford · #368069 — read full submission →
“This sets a terrifying and dangerous precedent that will ultimately result in more suffering and death of trans children/trans people.”
— Molly Litt, Dunbarton · #372693 — read full submission →
- Sponsor doesn't represent the affected districtOppose10 of 138 reviewed
Opponents note that the resolution's sponsor represents a different part of the state and argue it is inappropriate for a legislator from outside the community to intervene in its local affairs.
“I can’t imagine that a Carroll County Rep knows anything about the qualifications of our superintendent.”
— Anne Baier, Bow · #365235 — read full submission →
“The Carroll County politician should stay in their own lane, and legislate issues in their own county.”
— Deborah McCann, Bow · #373911 — read full submission →
- Matter is still before the courtsOppose8 of 138 reviewed
Opponents argue that related legal proceedings have not been resolved and that the legislature should not act, or judge the superintendent's conduct, before the courts have ruled.
“This matter is before the courts and should be resolved there rather than through a House resolution. There are complicated Constitutional questions to be decided and retribution on the Superintendent without resolution of these issues is premature.”
— Leane Garland, Hanover · #372514 — read full submission →
“Recommend you let the court weigh in on whether she did something wrong before you rush to judgment.”
— Nancy Kelley, Hanover · #373025 — read full submission →
Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 22, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.
Susan HolcombeOpposeHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
Let the local school district make its own decisions--within the laws of our state and nation..
John D'EntremontOpposeLebanon, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
This bill should be opposed. It is legislative overreach. I oppose it as an elected school board member in my community. The SAU 67 School Board has the authority to hire and evaluate their superintendent.
Amanda MorasseSupportCenter Barnstead, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
Get rid of him.
Jamie McLaughlinSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
Any parent should be able to and encouraged to attend their children's games. This super will set a bad precident if allowed to do what he's done.
Kathleen A. MalsbendenOpposeNewmarket, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
This is a concern for local districts. I would also like to ask if any members on this committee took part in the protest that day. If so should they recuse themselves? Thank uiu
Muriel orcuttOpposeBow, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
Please do not start writing bills about our education in the Town of Bow without checking with the Bow citizens! Our voices should count for something. I have been in education for 37 years not only in NH and other states but also abroad; I do feel that I have first hand knowledge of this situation. and removal od a superintendent is not a 1, 2 3, affair!
Giana GelseyOpposeMadbury, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
This rule is an absolute abuse of power and gross overreach. It is clearly targeting one superintendent for supporting students that the authors of this monstrosity hate. I support the superintendent. I also support the right of the SCHOOL BOARD in hiring and firing the superintendent. Absolutely unacceptable. I oppose.
Curtis RegisterOpposeDurham, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
Targeted attacks against public servant due to ideological beliefs are unconstitutional and unconscionable. NH is better than this. Vote down this obscene abuse of power.
Karen ChaseOpposeHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
According to NH State Law, a Superintendent of School is held responsible by a local school board. It is ABSOLUTELY NOT the role of state government to recommend people be removed from their job. If a Superintendent in NH needs to be removed from their position, that decision is made by the local school board and the local school board only. OPPOSE this HCR.
Martin FitzPatrickOpposeBow, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
This is a local issue that should be resolved locally. I keep hearing that New Hampshire has a distinct character from other states. If that has any real meaning, it means letting local jurisdictions make their own decisions without overreach and interference from their neighbors through the state legislature.
Linda HaskinsOpposeExeter, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
Superintendents are qualified to make decisions about what these professionals believe is in the best interest of the students in their district Removal of this professional by the state is a clear political overreach and should never be allowed.
Jennifer MercerSupportLoudon, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
The superintendent weaponized the law by issuing no-trespass orders to parents peacefully watching their daughters' soccer game. They were their supporting their daughters by wearing pink wristbands, which is not against the law or any school code. It's abhorrent the amount of power this superintendent thought he had by causing a scene and barring these parents at that game. It was strange because parents went to a subsequent game and did the exact same thing as these parents, yet NOTHING happened! They were not trespassed or even spoken to. Why is that?! This superintendent should not be a superintendent because he doesn't know what his job is and isn't.
Nancy BrennanOpposeWeare, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
I oppose HCR6. While the only sponsor of this bill accused the superintendent of "politicizing the schools and suppressing the rights of parents and guardians to silently protest government actions." (Twitter account, 1/26), what Marcy Kelley actually did was protect students from harassment, pure and simple. A large crowd showed up, most of them not from Bow. They may have not said anything, but the intimidation factor was there. There are transgender and nonbinary students in Bow schools. If these people can successfully go after a trans athlete from another school, what message does that send to vulnerable kids in Bow and across NH? We currently have a bully in the White House who wants to erase trans people's identity. We do not need bullies in the State House. Show NH kids we stand up for all of them. Superintendent Kelley should not be removed. She should be applauded. Vote ITL on this bill. Thank you.
Mary WilkeOpposeCONCORD, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
Please vote an emphatic ITL on this bill. Certainly you have better uses of your valuable time than taking vindictive action against a school superintendent who simply sought to protect a teenager from damaging, mean-spirited, targeted harassment at a soccer game.
Deborah McCannOpposeBow, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
The Superintendent acted in support of the student, who wasn't even from Bow. That, in a nutshell, is her job. Supporting students. She set a shining example for the students in her own district. She should be COMMENDED, not punished. The Carroll County politician should stay in their own lane, and legislate issues in their own county.
Amy RobinsonSupportMeredith, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
No parent should be trespassed for respectfully defending their right to free speech and standing up for their child.
Lyle McDanielOpposeBow, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
The State should not have the authority to tell a town who they can have as their superintendent. This is a partisan political over reach and does not support local governments' right to chose what's best for their community.
Brian TrantSupportMerrimack, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
This superintendent should be removed immediately. Boundaries were over stepped
Tiffney TrantSupportMerrimack, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
This is an absolute disgrace. This superintendent should be removed immediately. Boundaries were over stepped. This bill is a good starting point to bring awareness that Superintendents have a job, that job is to make sure our children are properly educated not to referee the parents on the side lines.
Aaron PenkacikSupportHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
The Superintendent had no authority to issue a no trespass order and violated state law in doing so.
Brandon StachulskiSupportAntrim, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
This must not be allowed to happen again. The superintendent and school board violated the law by permitting Kearsarge to play, which endangered every girl on that field. The danger was not only due to allowing a transgender student to participate but also because they allowed Marc Jacques, a convicted sexual predator, to attend the games and now we have found out he did reoffended at that game and others he attended. Had the school and superintendent adhered to the law, Jacques would not have had the opportunity to harm more girls.
LORALYN LABOMBARDOpposeConcord, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
I believe that Marcy Kelly is an outstanding superintendent who was selected by a committee of stakeholders.
Barbara IversonSupportWarner, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
I support this Bill.
Zachary PowersSupportNorthfield, NHfor MyselfJan 27, 2025
This Superintendent acted in a manner of self preservation and stepped over their boundaries of power to misuse them. This Superintendent should immediately step down or be fired without benefits. They have hurt their district and shown that they cannot handle power in a high moral fashion and without respectful and honor. They failed to protect women plain in simple!