LONDONDERRY — The School Board is expected to vote tomorrow night to spend $20,000 to help cover a legal bill if it takes action to fight for more equitable school funding legislation.

Chairman Steve Young said the school budget includes a legal line item that requires the board's authorization to spend the money.

"If a $20,000 investment could result in a several million dollar increase in (state) funding, I believe that's an appropriate business decision for any board whether it's public or private," he said.

Londonderry is looking at a $3.5 million budget cut if House Bill 616, which would reduce the amount of state aid to districts across Southern New Hampshire, passes. The Senate Finance Committee held a public hearing Thursday that Superintendent Nathan Greenberg and Town Council Chairman Tom Dolan attended.

Dolan said about 70 people attended the hearing.

"The only people who spoke in favor of the bill were the bill sponsors and a senator from Moultonborough," he said. "Even the bill sponsors said it was flawed."

While the Senate decides on a plan, the Londonderry School Board isn't taking any chances.

"I can guarantee one thing," Young said. "They will not catch us off guard this time."

Londonderry and 24 local districts have formed a coalition that is working toward adequate educational funding for all students.

"If the Senate were to vote and support this bill or a bill similar to it, we would take a look at filing a lawsuit with other communities who have been similarly affected to ask the court for an opinion on whether or not the bill is legal," Young said. "We feel, as it stands, in addition to being unfair to both the children of New Hampshire and the taxpayers, it is most likely unconstitutional."

Young said he would like to see the Senate request an advisory opinion from the state Supreme Court rather than spend taxpayer money to determine whether the bill is constitutional.

"It makes good business sense if we're looking at $3.5 million decrease," he said.

Young also said he is pleased with the support from neighboring towns.

"We've already been communicating quite actively via e-mail," he said.