NEA NH Monadnock Region

GOOD NEWS! The Senate just tabled HB 751, the final legislative proposal to mandate statewide open enrollment. Thanks to everyone who has taken action this session to make this happen!

As we’ve said throughout this session—statewide mandatory open enrollment was not ready for prime time and would have irrevocably harmed the delivery of public education in New Hampshire.

Students succeed when their schools are adequately staffed, properly funded, and able to provide consistent academic, social, and emotional support. The open enrollment proposals considered this session failed to answer critical questions about how districts would maintain class sizes, transportation, special education services, extracurricular opportunities, and student support systems if enrollment and funding shifted unpredictably from year to year. For many students, especially those in rural communities or districts already facing resource challenges, that uncertainty could have meant fewer opportunities and less individualized support.

New Hampshire educators remain committed to working with lawmakers across the political spectrum to advance student-centered solutions that expand opportunity responsibly while protecting educational quality and stability for all students.

Please save the dates for NEA-NH's Summer Leadership Week!

~August 3 - 6 in Concord
~August 12 in Keene
~August 13 in Littleton

This is a FREE TRAINING opportunity for all NEA-NH members and role-specific training for local leaders. Classes are a la carte and you can attend at any location; many classes will have a Zoom option.

Registration will open soon! Stay tuned by visiting our Professional Development Events webpage (link in bio and below)

Breaking News! We are thrilled to announce our three finalists for the 2027 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year - Rebecca Fortgang from Pembroke Academy, Katherine McDonough from Rundlett Middle School/Concord High School, and Christa Powers from Pinkerton Academy. These outstanding professionals embody educational excellence! Read more: https://www.education.nh.gov/news-and-media/three-finalists-selected-new-hampshires-2027-teacher-year

Today, the New Hampshire Senate passed HB 1792 with an amendment. This classroom censorship bill would make changes to the existing “banned concepts” law that is under appeal in federal court after a lower court has already deemed it unconstitutional. HB 1792 goes back to the House next, for a vote to concur, non-concur, or request a Committee of Conference.

Read a full statement from NEA-NH President Megan Tuttle at the link in our bio and the comments below.

Congratulations to our very own Mr. Michael Hinesley — recipient of the NH Excellence in STEM Award, given to just ONE teacher in the entire state of New Hampshire! 🌟

Mr. Hinesley joined the Chesterfield School family in 2017, bringing with him 18 years of teaching experience from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Since then, he has been an inspiring force for our students and a true champion of STEM education.

This prestigious honor was awarded jointly by the NH Department of Education and CoderZ — a simulated robotics coding program used by schools around the world. CoderZ has been available to our students thanks to a NH DOE grant over the past several years, and Mr. Hinesley has made the most of every opportunity it offers.

We were thrilled to celebrate with NH Commissioner of Education Caitlin Davis and a representative from CoderZ, who both joined in honoring this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. Hinesley said: "I'm very grateful that our community supports having a STEM Specials Class in Chesterfield. Our principal trusted me to build what she envisioned and has been supportive all the way. Every year she finds grants to help us expand on what we have developed. My middle schoolers are working hard to get to the CoderZ state finals again this year. CoderZ has been a great partner for our students!"

Mr. Hinesley — your passion, creativity, and dedication to your students is extraordinary. We are so proud to call you one of our own. 👏

Chesterfield teacher gets state STEM award Michael Hinesley, the Chesterfield Central School's science, technology, engineering and math teacher, who was recognized with the 2026 NH Excellence in STEM award.

Summary - 2026 NEA-NH Education Support Professionals Conference