I'll write about it but for now take a look at Amanda Gokee's article about the cost of NH education in the Boston Globe. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/23/metro/nh-education-public-school-costs-rising/. It was published on Sunday Feb 2d. Reaching Higher puts costs in perspective. Reaching Higher compares school spending in NH which is high to Oklahoma which is very low. The cost of living generally in both states are very different and the other very high states include a number in New England. I would add to Gokee's article that about 2/3s of the cost of education relate to the cost of personnel. The state of NH used to subsidize retirement costs by paying 35% into the state's retirement fund for school and municipal employees. It discontinued this practice. NH also has among the highest healthcare and health insurance costs. And wages are not extraordinary. The average teacher's salary is mid-$60,000, while the median family income in NH is $97,000. Finally, administrative costs are about 5 percent of school budgets. Edelblut has been in charge for eight years and has not offered solutions to NH having a school system built for 200,000 students when it is now down to 160,000 students. He has only tried to subsidize religious and private education.
I am trying to speak with my elected officials about public education and one told me NH spends more than most states per student, and this report was referenced. Might you write an article about this report? Hard to understand what's behind these numbers, but this is what those who wish not to further fund public education are looking at.
I'll write about it but for now take a look at Amanda Gokee's article about the cost of NH education in the Boston Globe. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/23/metro/nh-education-public-school-costs-rising/. It was published on Sunday Feb 2d. Reaching Higher puts costs in perspective. Reaching Higher compares school spending in NH which is high to Oklahoma which is very low. The cost of living generally in both states are very different and the other very high states include a number in New England. I would add to Gokee's article that about 2/3s of the cost of education relate to the cost of personnel. The state of NH used to subsidize retirement costs by paying 35% into the state's retirement fund for school and municipal employees. It discontinued this practice. NH also has among the highest healthcare and health insurance costs. And wages are not extraordinary. The average teacher's salary is mid-$60,000, while the median family income in NH is $97,000. Finally, administrative costs are about 5 percent of school budgets. Edelblut has been in charge for eight years and has not offered solutions to NH having a school system built for 200,000 students when it is now down to 160,000 students. He has only tried to subsidize religious and private education.
Wow, that history with you and Renquist is worth a book or two!
well done!
Seeking signed first copy….
Thank you, Andru! I appreciate your wisdom and your helpful approach and recommendations to the current chaos.
Andru, so interesting, thank you for sharing your excellent articles. I am sure you have had a look at this report: https://jbartlett.org/2025/01/higher-spending-lower-results-why-more-money-doesnt-equal-better-schools/
I am trying to speak with my elected officials about public education and one told me NH spends more than most states per student, and this report was referenced. Might you write an article about this report? Hard to understand what's behind these numbers, but this is what those who wish not to further fund public education are looking at.