This spring’s town meeting season saw what is becoming a regular showdown between irate tax burdened citizens and school boards struggling to maintain education programs in an era of state and federal government cutbacks. Some with limited incomes can no longer pay their property taxes and face the likelihood of losing their homes. Renters, too, are increasingly pinched by monthly rental rates that average $1,790 statewide.

As a result, school budgets have been cut, often producing loss of staffing and educational programs. For example, Conway School Board members needed to eliminate eight staff positions after voters defeated budget recommendations for the second year in a row. Or, in Manchester, to align with the mayor’s budget, the school superintendent recommended cutting 38 teaching and staff positions and limiting special education programs. As she put it, “I don't think that any of the reductions that are on this list are in the best interest of students or staff."

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