NH Judge Rules State Education Funding and Tax Scheme Unconstitutional

Judge David Ruoff orders an 80% increase in per-pupil spending, and a redistribution of excess education property tax from wealthier to poorer communities.

• New Hampshire Judge David Ruoff ruled that the state should be spending at least 80% more per pupil on public schools, suggesting a minimum of $7,356 per student.
• In a separate ruling, Judge Ruoff found the state's education property tax scheme unconstitutional, as it does not redistribute excess money collected from wealthier towns to poorer communities.
• The rulings are expected to be appealed, with officials from the attorney general’s office currently reviewing the orders and considering next steps.
• The lawsuit was first brought against the state in 2019 by the Contoocook Valley School District, with 18 other school districts later joining as plaintiffs.
• New Hampshire currently contributes the smallest percentage of local education revenue to local public schools among all states, at 31%, according to 2021 US Census Bureau data.

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