As a New Hampshire state representative serving on the House Education Funding Committee, I attended the Kearsarge School District’s deliberative session last Saturday, Jan. 4. More than 1,500 voters engaged in a civil and robust discussion before overwhelmingly rejecting a petitioned article that sought to impose a budget cap based on per-student district costs. This measure would have severely harmed public education. In this local battle reflecting a broader national culture war in education, 92% of voters decisively stood up to say, “I value public schools!”

The agenda of this national movement aims to fund private and religious schools with public taxpayer dollars while sowing distrust in public education. Their ultimate goals — defunding our community schools and increasing funding for an unaccountable voucher program — were clearly rejected at Kearsarge. Voters said NO.

As a Croydon resident who helped lead the successful grassroots campaign to restore our slashed school budget in 2022, I listened and watched, first with déjà vu anxiety, then with increasing relief and enthusiasm as residents of all ages and backgrounds from across the Kearsarge district showed up to commend our schools’ outcomes and processes. A special shoutout to the Kearsarge students who spoke with pride and eloquence about their education. Their articulate rebuttals of the critics were especially impressive.

This meeting was a powerful affirmation that public education is vital to our communities. Though not perfect, our public schools are working well. Whether you’re a current student, a family member, a senior citizen, a tradesperson, or a PhD researcher, public education provides immense value by preparing individuals to contribute productively to society. Today, 87% of students in New Hampshire attend public schools.

At the same time, we cannot ignore the frustration of local taxpayers burdened by rising local property taxes. While Kearsarge and Croydon voters have made it clear they value public schools, it is also evident that many recognize the urgent need for fair school funding that doesn’t place undue strain on local taxpayers. As several speakers noted, the real issue lies with the state’s inadequate funding system, which leaves communities overly reliant on property taxes. Arbitrary budget caps are not the solution; we need thoughtful, democratic debate to find fair and sustainable solutions.

Despite multiple court rulings requiring the Legislature to provide more equitable funding for education, New Hampshire’s current system remains inequitable and inadequate. The challenge ahead is significant, with an expected state revenue shortfall and the presence of critics of public education in key elected positions. However, there is hope: two dedicated education committees in the state House are considering bills that could substantially improve state funding for education.

Now is the time to get involved. We need voters — YOU — to tell your legislators that you want better state funding for education this year. Join the movement to demand a fair and sustainable education funding system. We need a commissioner of Education who values public education, legislators who work collaboratively for solutions and a governor who affirms these efforts.

Speak with your state representatives and senators, stay informed about proposed bills and how your elected officials vote, and show up at local meetings. Use your power as a voter! Let our new governor know that you expect her to prioritize fair and increased state funding for education.

If the energy and participation we witnessed at Saturday’s deliberative session carry forward, our schools and communities will only grow stronger. However, if engagement wanes and attendance at school board and budget meetings drops, we risk losing public education to those who seek to divert public funds to private and religious schools. Croydon voters learned the importance of showing up, demanding transparency, and understanding candidates’ goals. Let’s ensure the Kearsarge experience inspires even greater voter participation and builds a lasting movement for fair education funding.

The time to act is now.

Rep. Hope Damon, D-Croydon, is the Deputy Ranking Democrat on the House Education Funding Committee.