New Hampshire Reports Lowest State Funding for Education in US

New Hampshire spends more per public school student than all but five other states, averaging $22,252 per pupil, yet it ranks last nationally in the proportion of funding contributed by the state itself. The bulk of education funding comes from local property taxes, leading to significant disparities between wealthier and poorer communities, with students in lower-income areas often lacking access to advanced courses and extracurricular activities. Multiple reports from the National Education Association highlight that only about 29 percent of school funding comes from the state, while 63 percent is sourced locally, making New Hampshire the most reliant on local funding nationwide. This funding structure is at the center of ongoing legal and political disputes, as critics argue the state is failing its constitutional duty to provide equitable education and shifting the financial burden onto local taxpayers. Supporters point to the state's high overall spending, but opponents stress that the inequitable distribution results in unequal educational opportunities. Lawsuits and legislative debates continue as stakeholders seek solutions that would increase the state’s share and ensure more consistent funding across districts.