Lawmakers approve more money for NH charter schools

CONCORD, N.H.—New Hampshire lawmakers have voted to give more state aid to six charter schools struggling to stay open.

Legislators voted Wednesday to give an extra $1,168 per pupil next year to state-approved schools that operate without local financial support. The aid is on top of the $3,832 in adequacy aid the schools will get per pupil, bringing their total state aid to $5,000 per pupil.

The House had wanted $2,700 more per pupil, but the Senate balked at spending money on schools lacking either enough local or outside financial help to remain open. The House argued the schools are public schools, approved by the state, which have no way to tap into property taxes for funding like district-backed schools.

The charter schools are the Academy for Science and Design, Cocheco Arts and Technology, New Hampshire Equestrian Academy, Seacoast, Strong Foundations and Surry Village.

The help does not come in time for a seventh school, the Franklin Career Academy, which is closing at the end of this school year.

Sen. Lou D'Allesandro objected that the state already gives them more aid than some public schools.

"I believe doing this undercuts the public system," he said.

Supporters argued that the schools are public schools and deserve support.

The Senate voted 18-5 to pass the bill; the House passed it on a voice vote.