By Ashley Varese
Staff writer

LONDONDERRY -- Disappointed with proposed deep cuts in state education aid for Londonderry, School Board members are working to form a coalition to fight for fair funding.

The move comes after the House passed a school funding plan Wednesday that would give Londonderry $3.6 million less in aid next year, making the town one of the hardest hit in Southern New Hampshire. The bill still needs Senate approval.

A few weeks ago, School Board Chairman Steve Young, Vice Chairman Ron Campo and Superintendent of Schools Nathan Greenberg met with the Merrimack School District to discuss funding.

Young said Londonderry officials initiated the coalition to make sure schools throughout the state's southern tier receive a fair aid plan.

"We're out on the road, and we want to make sure they understand that the Southern New Hampshire bloc seems to be taking the hardest hit," Young said. "Ultimately, we want everyone to be treated fairly."

Young said the group plans to visit other communities, including Hudson and possibly Litchfield.

"There's strength in numbers," he said. "If we represent 20,000 to 30,000 students, and what (the legislation) is doing is unconstitutional, it wouldn't be unreasonable to look at legal options."

Under the funding plan, more money would be taken away from wealthier towns and sent to more needy communities.

Greenberg said he didn't think the plan was constitutional.

"We're going to continue to work with this and see if adjustments (could be made) in the Legislature that don't have such a negative impact on so many districts," Greenberg said. "That's not to say poorer districts shouldn't receive funding. It all should be fair."

Greenberg also said he was concerned that members of Londonderry's delegation voted for the plan.

According to Greenberg, since next year's school budget already passed, residents will be looking at a higher tax rate next year.

Greenberg is also concerned with the funding formula.

"If you do poorly with the graduation rate or the state scores, you receive more money," he said. "If you do well, you receive less money. How can you continue to support the programs put in place?"

Young also disagreed with the formula.

"People don't understand," he said. "They look at Londonderry as a rich community, but we have a large family to feed. Twenty six percent of our population is in the school system."

Young also said weighting the median income at 25 percent "is insane."

"We have low- and moderate-income families," he said. "The whole point is to have a fair plan. I want a fair plan for Claremont, and I want a fair plan for Londonderry."

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