New numbers from the state Department of Education (DOE) show the trend of falling enrollment and rising spending in New Hampshire public schools continues — even as Granite State Democrats demand taxpayers spend even more on education.
“According to the new data, there are now 160,323 students enrolled in New Hampshire public and public charter schools, compared to 162,660 at the start of the 2024–2025 school year,” the DOE reports. “For comparison, there were more than 205,000 students enrolled in New Hampshire public and public charter schools 20 years ago during the 2005–2006 school year.”
That’s a 22 percent drop in enrollment since 2005, during which per-pupil spending nearly doubled, according to the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy.
Democratic leaders Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D-Portsmouth) and Rep. Alexis Simpson (D-Exeter) have accused Republicans of “choosing cuts to education” in their recent budgets and starving public schools by supporting Education Freedom Accounts.
The new state data contradict those claims.
“Per-pupil estimated state adequacy is at an all-time high with an average of $7,132 — a more than 30 percent increase over the last 10 years,” the report states. “The state will also invest a record $49.9 million in special education — a more than 130 percent increase from 10 years ago.”
Despite repeated Democratic assertions that Republicans are slashing education funding or “downshifting” costs to local districts, state spending on K–12 schools has increased every year a Republican governor has been in office, dating back to Chris Sununu’s election in 2016.
The report also highlights specific school funding figures.
“The state average grant per pupil is approximately $7,100, with Claremont slated to receive an estimated $13,443 per pupil, Berlin receiving $14,469 per pupil, Newport $14,419 per pupil, Franklin $12,312 per pupil, and Manchester $11,029 per pupil.”
The big question is why education spending keeps rising even as enrollment falls. It’s not due to improved student outcomes. New Hampshire test scores have been flat or declining for two decades.
The trends mirror a national pattern.
“According to federal estimates, public school enrollments nationally are projected to fall by more than 2.7 million students between fall 2022 and fall 2031 — a decline of 5.5 percent,” writes Ann Marie Miller at EdChoice. Meanwhile, education spending continues to increase — and test scores continue to slide.
NHJournal reached out to Perkins Kwoka, Simpson, and Rep. David Luneau (D-Hopkinton), the ranking member of the House Education Funding Committee, for comment on the DOE’s new numbers. All declined to respond.
The heads of the state’s two largest teachers unions — Deb Howes at the American Federation of Teachers and Megan Tuttle at the National Education Association — are also lobbying for more taxpayer spending on schools. Asked about the DOE data, they too declined to comment.
Schools across New Hampshire are already adjusting to enrollment declines by closing facilities. Claremont, for example, recently announced it is closing Bluff Elementary. But per-pupil spending continues to rise.
“New Hampshire’s public schools are navigating a continued decline in student enrollment,” said Commissioner of Education Caitlin D. Davis. “These shifts may require school districts to make thoughtful adjustments as they work to prepare and finalize their budgets in March for the next school year.
“The department will continue to support school leaders as they respond to enrollment changes and work with their taxpayers to understand the impacts of these changes on local budgets.”
