From Resident and School Board member Bob Slater:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am writing as a strong advocate for New Hampshire\u2019s public schools and the communities they serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our public schools are far more than places where we educate children. They are the bedrock of our communities, our workforce, and our economic future. Strong schools attract families and businesses, support property values, develop a skilled workforce, and provide a vital space where neighbors come together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, supporting public education must go hand in hand with fiscal responsibility, accountability, and measurable results. We should never ask taxpayers for more money without ensuring that we are using every single dollar effectively. Our goal should be straightforward: provide the best possible education for our students while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Results should be required<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There should be no debate about whether our schools should be accountable for educational outcomes. Measurable student achievement and continuous improvement must be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But accountability should not simply be about identifying struggling districts; the state must actively work with local schools to help improve outcomes. State financial support should recognize districts that demonstrate strong educational results, innovation, and responsible financial management. At the same time, underperforming districts must receive the guidance, expertise, and resources necessary to develop and implement a clear plan for turnaround.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This should not be about punishment. It should be about partnership. New Hampshire should work closely with school districts to identify successful practices and share them statewide. We need to continuously ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Financial literacy and responsibility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We must also make financial literacy a top priority for our students. Every graduate should enter adulthood understanding budgeting, saving, credit, debt, taxes, interest, and long-term investing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simultaneously, our school districts should be expected to demonstrate rigorous financial management. The state can assist by sharing best practices, streamlining purchasing strategies, encouraging regional collaboration, and identifying opportunities for districts and municipalities to reduce overhead costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A collaborative future<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Education funding and accountability are not competing ideas. They must work together. The question should not simply be, “How much are we spending on education?” We must also ask, “What are we achieving for every dollar spent, and how can we get better results?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n New Hampshire has a distinct opportunity to become a national leader in combining educational excellence with fiscal responsibility. The state should work with local school districts to establish clear goals, measure results, share successful strategies, and provide targeted assistance where it is needed most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Strong public schools are an investment in every Granite State community. They help attract families and businesses, strengthen our workforce, support our local economies, and give every child the opportunity to succeed. We must be willing to invest in our schools \u2014 but we must be equally willing to demand results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If we get both right, we will create stronger schools, stronger communities, and a more prosperous New Hampshire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n —<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob Slater lives in Londonderry and is a member of the school board.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n