NH Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Landmark School Funding Case

Introduction

On Wednesday, June 22, 2023, the New Hampshire Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a landmark case that could have far-reaching implications for school funding in the state. The case, Claremont School District v. State of New Hampshire, alleges that the state's current school funding system is unconstitutional because it fails to provide all students with an adequate education.

The case has been closely watched by educators, policymakers, and advocates across the country. It is one of a number of similar cases that have been filed in recent years in states across the United States, challenging the adequacy and equity of school funding systems.

Arguments for the Plaintiffs

The plaintiffs in the case, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Hampshire, argue that the state's current school funding system violates the state constitution's guarantee of a free and adequate education for all students. They contend that the system is inequitable, with some districts receiving significantly more funding than others, and that it fails to provide all students with the resources they need to succeed.

The plaintiffs presented evidence showing that there are large disparities in per-pupil spending between school districts in New Hampshire. In the 2021-2022 school year, the highest-spending district spent $24,000 per pupil, while the lowest-spending district spent just $12,000 per pupil. These disparities, the plaintiffs argue, lead to inequitable access to educational resources and opportunities for students.

The plaintiffs also argue that the state's school funding system is inadequate. They contend that the state does not provide sufficient funding to meet the needs of all students, particularly students from low-income families and students with disabilities.

Arguments for the State

The state, represented by the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, argues that the current school funding system is constitutional and that it provides all students with an adequate education. The state contends that the disparities in per-pupil spending between school districts are due to factors such as local property values and that the state provides additional funding to districts with higher needs.

The state also argues that the plaintiffs have not shown that the current school funding system is causing any harm to students. The state presented evidence showing that New Hampshire students perform well on national standardized tests and that the state's graduation rate has increased in recent years.

Expert Testimony

In addition to the arguments of the plaintiffs and the state, the court also heard from several expert witnesses. These experts provided testimony on a range of topics, including the adequacy and equity of school funding systems, the impact of school funding on student outcomes, and the potential consequences of changing the current school funding system.

Conclusion

The New Hampshire Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in the Claremont School District case in the coming months. The court's decision could have a significant impact on school funding in New Hampshire and across the country.

Implications of the Case

The Claremont School District case has the potential to have a number of implications for school funding in New Hampshire and across the United States.

If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, it could lead to a significant increase in state funding for education. This could result in more equitable funding for school districts and more resources for students from low-income families and students with disabilities.

A ruling in favor of the state could uphold the current school funding system, which would likely lead to continued disparities in funding between school districts. This could have a negative impact on students in underfunded districts.

The court's decision could also have implications for school funding cases in other states. A ruling in favor of the plaintiffs could embolden similar lawsuits in other states, while a ruling in favor of the state could discourage such lawsuits.

The Claremont School District case is a landmark case that could have a significant impact on school funding in New Hampshire and across the country. The court's decision is expected to be closely watched by educators, policymakers, and advocates alike.