Manchester Mayor Pans School Choice Bill, Education Chair Says Cost Minimal

Image courtesy of NHPR

Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig spoke against SB 193 at a House Finance Committee meeting on January 16. Drew Cline, the State Board of Education Chairman and President of the free-market think tank Josiah Bartlett Center, spoke in favor of the bill, which would create a statewide voucher system, saying it would negatively impact her city. From NHPR:

“The bill before you today, if passed, will cause harm to the Manchester school district, our 14,000 students, and parents like me who pay taxes and want the best opportunities for our children.”

Those in favor of these proposed “education freedom savings accounts” argued it would give an option to parents who feel public schools aren’t a good fit for their children.

Drew Cline is president of the Josiah Bartlett Center and chairman of the state Board of Education. He told lawmakers the financial impact of the bill on public schools would be minimal.

“Based on realistic projections of a first-year impact, school districts in New Hampshire on average would keep 99.8 percent of their operating budgets.”

Source: Manchester Mayor Pans School Choice Bill, Education Chair Says Cost Minimal | NHPR