Public Schools

Wendy Larson for New Hampshire State Representative Rockingham District 19, serving Kensington and Hampton Falls

Strong public schools, with decisions made close to home

84% of New Hampshire children attend public schools. (Source: Public School Review 2026) They are our future neighbors, nurses, electricians, and business owners. Wendy Larson serves on the Kensington School Board, so she knows our schools from the inside: the teachers who stay late, the budgets that get stretched, and the pride this community takes in its kids. She is also clear that one size does not fit every child. Some students learn better in a different environment, and Wendy supports helping families of modest means to find the right fit.

What our schools are up against

  • The state pays $4,266 per student toward the basic cost of school. The state Supreme Court has said the minimum should be at least $7,356. Local taxpayers make up the difference.

  • The state's Education Freedom Account program dropped its income limit in 2025. In one year it grew from about 5,300 students to 10,000, and its cost is projected to reach about $50 million. Most of those students were already outside public schools.

  • Taxpayers are footing the bill for these students to attend private schools or home school and use this money towards music, dance and ski lessons.

  • Students accessing EFA funds can also take up to 3 classes at public schools with no contribution going to the public schools. They get the money AND the benefit of public school choices.

  • Question Two on the November 3rd ballot to cap school budgets and administration for two years starting with the 2027-2028 school budget.

What Wendy will do

  • Fight for the state to pay its fair share, so great schools and reasonable tax bills can go together.

  • Return Education Freedom Accounts to their original purpose: helping lower and middle income families whose children need a different setting, with clear reporting on how the money is spent.

  • Support legislation that will put the administration of EFA's out to bid and save taxpayers money.

  • Oppose any bill that dictates how or what teachers teach, including book bans.

  • Keep decisions local about budgets and enrollment with the voters of each school district.

What you will notice

Schools that depend less on your property tax bill. Teachers who can focus on teaching. A school board that answers to you. And a clear public accounting of where state education dollars go.

Wendy is proud to be endorsed by AFT-New Hampshire.

Sources