New Hampshire’s Charter School Legislation (RSA 194-B)

Charter Schools and Open Enrollment Act.  New Hampshire's charter school and choice school legislation passed in 1995 and has been amended several times since. A July 2003 amendment allows for the State Board of Education to authorize up to 20 charter schools in 10 years a part of a pilot program.  A June 2004 amendment clarifies the purpose of state-authorized charter schools, adds an accountability plan and 2-year budget plan to the charter school application.

New Hampshire's Charter School Administrative Rules

New Hampshire's Charter School Administrative Rules The administrative rules for charter schools have the weight of law, and must also be followed.  Click here for these rules.

New Hampshire's Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A)

(mentioned in charter school law; boards must comply)

Access to Public Records and Meetings.  New Hampshire's charter school statutes (RSA 194-B:5, VI) require "the meetings and proceedings of the board of trustees shall be held in public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:2, except for meetings or proceedings designated non-public sessions defined in RSA 91-A:3, II."  These right-to-know statutory guidelines are interpreted and explained in a pamphlet from the Attorney General's Office

Listen to SCHOOL TALK on the "Right to Know Law"

Laws Embedded & Referenced in NH Charter School Law & Rule:

• 5-B:2 Definitions.  III

• 31:105.  Indemnification for Damages.

• 31:106.  Indemnification; Civil Rights Suits.

• 91-A:1-a  Definition of Public Proceedings.

• 189:1  Days of School.

• 189:1-a  Duty to Provide Education.

• 189:6 Transportation of Pupils.

• 189:8  Limitations and Additions

• 189:13-a.  School Employee and Volunteer Background Investigations

• 193:1.  Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Pupil.

• 193:3. Change of School or Assignment; Excusing Attendance.

• 193-1-c  Home Education.

• 198:15-a  Annual Grant for the Payment of Debt Service for School Construction.

• 198:15-b  Amount of Annual Grant.

• 198:15-c  Approval of Plans, Specifications and Costs of Construction or Purchase.

• 198:15-d Time Computation of Grant

• 198:15-h  Use of Existing Buildings.

• 198:40, I  Formula for Determination of Average Per Pupil Adequacy Cost.

• 198:42  Distribution Schedule of Adequate Education Grant; Appropriation.