NH Supreme Court Rules Education Funding Unconstitutionally Low

The New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled that the state is underfunding its public schools, violating the constitutional requirement to provide an adequate education. The court found the current base funding of around $4,266 per pupil insufficient and endorsed a Superior Court estimate that at least $7,356 per student is needed, but it stopped short of ordering an immediate increase in funding, citing separation of powers. The ruling urges the legislative and executive branches, including Governor Kelly Ayotte, to develop a plan to remedy the funding shortfall. Governor Ayotte criticized the decision, asserting that New Hampshire ranks among the top states in education funding when considering total spending and emphasized continued legislative responsibility over education funding. Advocates and some justices called for swift legislative action to address disparities driven by reliance on local property taxes, which create inequities between wealthier and poorer communities. The ruling may lead to significant legislative changes but leaves the timing and specifics of funding increases to state lawmakers.