We, the ConVal School Board, are compelled to state in unequivocal terms that the effects of the petition warrant article proposing a budget cap on our district will be absolutely devastating to our community and most of all to our children. The School Board unanimously opposes this petition.
This budget cap would impose a budget cut of several million dollars. Our students’ education will be unrecognizable under its effects, and the loss of programming and opportunities imposed on them will amount to negligence.
If the petition warrant passes, we as a board would prioritize the preservation of instruction to the extent we could. The loss of any piece of our budget would, though, impact our students. The magnitude of these cuts could encompass many of the following areas.
If we cut every supply district-wide, there would still be millions to cut. If we cut all athletic programs and all co-curricular activities in the middle and high schools, there would still be millions to cut. The elimination of enrichment programs and AP and honors courses still doesn’t reach the depths of this cut. Eliminating several administrators and deep cuts to staffing would be further required, weakening student management and making class sizes balloon.
At the heart of this petition is a fundamental misunderstanding of how and why district costs can rise while enrollment falls. Public schools in New Hampshire are mandated by federal and state law to provide a free and appropriate public education. ConVal is required to provide this basic level of education throughout our schools, even if there are fewer students in each class. This is why staffing consumes over 75% of the school budget.
Public schools are also mandated to provide special education services. Our federal and state revenue has declined by nearly 20% in our fiscal year 2026 budget, yet we are bound to continue providing these services.
As the ConVal district and districts throughout the state have seen needs and costs rise for special education, the state continues to cut our aid. Since the State of New Hampshire provides very little school funding, most of the cost falls on local taxpayers. We appreciate how much our ConVal towns support our schools, and we are very aware that property taxes are a burden.
As conscientious stewards of taxpayer contributions to education, we work hard to make our budget efficient, fair and transparent. Our budget process is open and takes seven months of careful planning. It involves school leaders, the school board and the public, who can voice concerns and suggest changes. In the end, the community votes on the budget.
We as a community need to work together. If you disagree, disagree constructively and please, do so often. The harm this cut will bring to the children of our community can not be overstated. We, the school board unanimously oppose this petition.
Dan Harper is Hancock representative to the ConVal School Board.