Today was Flag Day, commemorating the date in 1777 the United States approved the design for our national flag. The Flag Resolution stated "That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." 

Today was also “No Kings” day with peaceful rallies held all across the country, denouncing the authoritarian currently occupying the People’s House. Throughout New Hampshire there were thirty or more such rallies scheduled and held during the day. Here in Keene, we had a very successful rally with roughly 2000 people attending, organized by the Keene Rally Coalition. There was a People’s March, music, raffles, writing postcards to elected officials, other postcards urging people to vote, food, a food drive for the Community Kitchen, sign painting, t-shirts, hula-hooping. 

People lined the road with their signs and the air was filled with the sounds of car horns blaring in return. While we had Peacekeepers on site, one could tell just from the positive atmosphere this was a peaceful protest. These were American citizens invoking their First Amendment right. 

Check out the pictures here.

And then they proceed to vote how they and the majority party wants to, in order to get what they want, which is the worst possible legislation for the people of New Hampshire. Let’s explore how some recent bills fared in the House on June 5th:

SB 72 is meant to establish “parents rights” in education. Funny how most of us, now with grown children, apparently have no idea we didn’t have any rights back when our own kids were in school! Which is a bunch of hogwash! 
“The general court finds and reaffirms that parents have a fundamental right and responsibility to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children and that in order to meaningfully and effectively exercise this right, no educational institution may withhold information about a child, the child’s health, the child’s school environment, or the child’s in-school behavior from the child’s parent or parents absent a compelling government interest.” Parents already know they have these rights concerning their kids (at least I knew it), this is just mandating now for school staff to spy and report back to parents. “Accordingly, the general court further finds that it is necessary to establish a consistent mechanism for parents to be notified of information relating to the health, well-being, and educational progress of their minor children while those children are in the custody and control of the public schools.” Funny how it’s always the public schools that are targeted. And let’s not forget the all important violations. “Any parent claiming violation of any provision of this chapter may bring an action for declaratory and/or injunctive relief and monetary damages against the school.  If a parent prevails in any such court action, the court shall award to the parent his or her reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs, including any such attorneys’ fees and court costs incurred in an appeal to the supreme court.  If a parent does not prevail in any court action brought under this chapter, then the court shall award to the defendants reasonable attorney fees and court costs, including reasonable attorney fees and court costs incurred by appeals up to and including the supreme court.” Perhaps the most important part of this bill is that teens now need written permission from parents for access to birth control and prenatal care. The teenage pregnancy rate in NH has been pretty low, this will probably now change. Results of this? Less higher education for the young mom who will be stuck in low wage jobs, no free or reduced school lunches for the child (Republicans already got rid of that idea), housing? What housing? 

In spite of on line opposition from 463 people with only 20 in support of, the House majority got the bill passed 214-167. Because this is what they want, who cares what the people want.

SB 54, a bipartisan bill that ended up getting “tabled.” This bill changes suspension periods under different circumstances originating from refusing testing consent to determine alcohol concentration. It also changes the penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated. But before the bill got tabled, a voice vote was held on Amendment 2372h which added teaching mandatory “firearms safety” for K-12 public school kids (again with just the public schools?) The amendment failed and it should be noted that on line opposition to this was 1,292 versus only 15 in support of. What does teaching firearm safety have to do with aggravated driving while intoxicated? Nothing. The extremists in the House want what they want and will include amending bills they think have a great chance of passing!

SB 96, proposed by extremists in both the Senate and the House, is another attempt at putting teachers in the horrible position of having to report to a parents written request for information concerning their child, but disguised as just another “parental rights” bill. A floor amendment brought forth by Liberty Alliance member Rep. Glenn Cordelli allowed for information to be withheld if abuse, abandonment or neglect was reasonably thought to be the result. That passed with a voice vote. On line opposition to this bill was 611 to 215 in support of. Many who left on line testimony expressed concern for the safety of LGBTQ students. But the bill passed by 12 votes, 198-172. After all, this is what they want. 

SB 100, in a nutshell, prohibits teaching discrimination. Anyone who claims to be upset could bring about an investigation and civil action against a school or the district. Rep. Peggy Balboni (D) spoke to the bill’s undermining of the integrity of the education system and that students get nothing while classroom discussion is suppressed. On line opposition was 462 to 14 who supported this bill. Samples of online testimony against: “who ever heard of prohibition of history. NH is going too far.” 
“We should be able to handle difficult subjects in education. Coddling students with the idea of sugar-coating history does no one any favors.” 
“HISTORY IS FACT. whether people like it or not. And how quickly we forget it. This bill is harmful and buckles to the divisive concepts law that is unconstitutional.”
“Don’t pass unconstitutional laws.”
SB 100 passed, 194-165. Voter opinion be damned.

SB 213 aims to make it harder for some folks to vote, specifically those who vote absentee. It changes the standard for absentee voting to "It is more likely than not" a voter will be absent. And also requires the presentation of proof of identity, citizenship, age, and domicile when applying for an absentee ballot. Should be a piece of cake for someone who is disabled, bedridden or needs to find a ride. On line opposition was 382 versus only 5 in support of. Samples of online testimony against: “A registered voter should NOT have to re-qualify for an absentee ballot.”
“Obstructionist. Make it voting easier not harder on NH citizens.”
“Come now. If I need to be out of town, as I often am for business, I should merely be able to provide y NH driver's lic. for proof. Again, you are making this more difficult for everyone. Vote NO Why are you all creating laws and raising taxes on EVERYONE. Including yourselves.”

NH voters recognize these bills for what they are, voter suppression! The bill passed, 189-148. 

Perhaps the majority party in Concord needs to be reminded of what a “public servant” is, because their actions show they are clueless!

The one thing the government fears is the day we all stand together.

This country was founded on the idea that we are a nation of laws, not kings! Founding Father and Pres. John Adams once said, “Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it.” And yet, here we have a person (again!) who thinks he is one!

On Sat., June14th, there will be two “No Kings!” day of visibility events. The first will be held in Jaffrey from 10:00 – noon at the corner of Rtes. 124 and 202 (downtown Jaffrey). Bring your family, friends, your enthusiasm, flags and signs. Suggestions for those who make their own signs: “No Kings! No Clowns!”; “We have a Constitution, not a King!”; “Resisting fascism is your American duty!” You get the idea.

Other visibility events, in Peterborough from noon – 1:30 at the intersection of Rtes. 101 and 202.

From 1:00 – 4:00 in Keene at Fuller Park, 312 Washington St. (Recreation Center) there will be a “Festival of Resistance.” A People’s March up Washington St. kicks off the festival and then back to the park where family friendly activities are planned, music will be going on from 2:00 – 4:00, a bike and a hand quilted baby quilt will be raffled off. A food drive will going on for the Community Kitchen, T-shirts featuring the “Hands Off” logo will be available for purchase, write a postcard or two at our Defend Democracy Tent. Enjoy samples of goodies from local bakeries and so much more! Be sure to bring a chair or blanket, picnic snacks, NA beverages and non-perishables for the food drive. As for the Jaffrey event, bring your family, friends, enthusiasm, flags and signs. This event is presented by the Keene Rally Coalition.

From 1:00 – 5:00 in Concord at the State House.

In Nashua from 2:00 – 4:00 at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

Democratic Values
~Defend the Constitution
~Policies that support working families
~Defend Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid
~NO to corruption. NO to dictatorship.
~YES to Democracy!

Dissent is the highest form of patriotism. 
- Howard Zinn, American historian and WWII veteran

In a democracy, dissent is an act of faith.
-J. William Fulbright, an American senator who began the international exchange program for scholars known as the Fulbright scholarship. 

Here are some events happening around the state during the month of June (and beyond) to celebrate acceptance, diversity and inclusion for all. Communities throughout the state have events, festivals, and parades in honor of Pride Month:  

ACLU of New Hampshire Pride Kickoff
Thursday, June 5
5:00 p.m.
Keach Park, Concord

Windham Pride Festival – The 5th annual pride festival is organized by Windham’s Citizens for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This family-friendly event is free and offers activities for all ages, live entertainment and food trucks.

Sunday, June 8, 12pm–4pm
Windham High School

Lebanon Opera House Pride Celebration - The all-ages Party in the Park is back for its 4th year. There is a resource and artisan fair showcasing over 20 organizations. Enjoy crafts, food, games and more. When the sun goes down, the silent disco begins. Join guest DJs for dancing under the stars.

Friday, June 13, 6pm-8:30pm / 9pm-11pm  
Colburn Park, Downtown Lebanon

New London Pride
Sunday, June 15, 1:30 pm
84 Main Street, New London

Nashua Pride Festival & Parade - This event is free and celebrates acceptance, diversity, fun and music to promote equality and inclusion of everyone. The Pride Parade begins at 3pm, and includes a family friendly afternoon of art, music, food trucks, and local vendors.  

Saturday, June 21, 3pm – 6pm
Nashua Public Library, Nashua  

Littleton Pride
Saturday, June 21, 11:00 a.m.
Riverfront Commons, Littleton

Portsmouth Pride Festival and Marketplace - This is the 11th annual Portsmouth Pride Celebration. The parade begins the celebration and all are welcome to participate. The parade ends at Strawbery Banke where there will be over 100 vendors, performances, speakers and other family friendly activities.   

Saturday, June 21, 12:00 parade; festival 12pm-5pm
Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth

Manchester Pride Festival – Celebrate the 8th annual Pride Festival beginning with a Pride Parade down Elm Street to Veterans Park for an afternoon of interactive art, live entertainment, youth activities, and community vendors.    

Saturday, June 28, 10am – 6pm
Veterans Park, Manchester

White Mountains Pride Festival - This festival offers a full day of celebration with live music, entertainment, family friendly games and activities for all ages, food trucks, vendors and much more. 

Saturday, June 28, 10am-4pm
Community Center Park, North Conway  

Keene Pride Festival – The largest pride festival in the Monadnock Region is back in downtown Keene. Over 5,000 people attend this event with more than 100 vendors including artisans, non-profit organizations, live music acts, food trucks, circus performers, drag queens, kings and more.  

Sunday, September 21, 12pm - 7pm
Downtown Keene  

Nope, it's not too late to help protect civil rights and liberties in New Hampshire:

1. Book ban: Gov. Ayotte has the power to veto a bill meant to create a chilling effect for educators while making it easier to ban books in classrooms and school libraries. This has to do specifically with HB 324. Tell her to veto this bill when it gets to her desk.
2. An anti-liberty budget: Lawmakers are putting together a state budget which contradicts our state's values of freedom, equality, and community. It would strip away the civil rights and liberties of NH citizens. Every two years new budgets are passed, focusing on state finances. Unfortunately, legislators in the majority party have run with this opportunity to add a bunch of non-financial, grossly harmful, hateful and unpopular policies into the budget. A few examples; a vague and broad state ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), a devastating rollback of anti-discrimination protections for transgender people which would allow policies like bathroom bans to become law in NH, eliminate the NH Family Planning Program, which supports vital reproductive and sexual health care services like no-cost and low-cost birth control, cancer screenings, STD testing and treatment, pregnancy testing and counseling, and more. Send your message here.
3. Attacks on birth control: There are two bills that could ban confidential birth control for teenagers. These bills are brought to you by the same people who would force a young woman to give birth and a few years later deny the child school lunches. A little more information on SB 72 and HB 10, the bills in question. Let your voice be heard here.
4. More government interference in healthcare: There are two bills, HB 377 and HB 712 that not only meddles in the private healthcare decisions of families but would ban some healthcare options for young transgender people. The majority party is always touting their belief in “freedom”, “personal choice” and “liberty”, except when it comes to issues they have no business meddling in. Protect bodily autonomy here.
5. Raising the human cost of sentencing: Lawmakers are also considering two "mandatory minimum" bills, which are arbitrary, one-size-fits-all sentences that have been proven to be ineffective, unjust, and expensive. NH doesn’t need more mass incarceration, amounting to over punishing people for certain drug-related crimes. No to mandatory minimum.

There is still time to make your voice heard and let your elected officials know that, as their constituent, you want them to oppose this terrible legislation.

We are stronger when we stand together!

Translation: The bill is considered not advisable or practical to become law. A nicer way of saying, “the bill is killed.”

Yesterday, May 22nd, brought the “demise” of a few bills that came before the House for a vote. SB 37 was requested by the Dept. of Health and Human Services to revise licensing requirements for residential care and health facilities, including facilities such as dialysis and infusion centers. A few example items in the bill:
~ Require licensed residential care facilities to have quality assurance programs; 
~ Require results of any investigation be displayed in a conspicuous place in the facility; 
~ Require facilities to display results of Life Safety inspections known as “notices to correct;” 
~ Change the word “hospital” to “facility.”
Basically, ensuring the same standard of care and inspections as a hospital. 

With a vote of 195-164, the bill was “killed.”

SB 257 would initiate a committee to study state guidelines for Medicaid eligibility determinations. Current and former Merrimack County Commissioners requested the bill, but with a vote of 199-164, it was “killed.”

SB 130 establishes a commission to study and coordinate emergency medical services response in New Hampshire as some parts of the state are struggling with EMS coverage. The vote was close, 184-178, “killing” the bill. 

SB 272 is funding for electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations. Allows towns to initiate a revolving fund for building EV charging stations, leaving the voters of said towns to decide if they want to fund the project or not. The bill also allows for private and public entities to set aside specific spaces for EV charging and initiate penalties for using the space when not charging. During debate before the vote, the claim was made that this was “an unnecessary program that raises property taxes.” NH has one of the lowest amount of charging stations in New England, and who knows what will happen to the grant money awarded to the state through the 2021 Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Law.

Thirty-two people registered on line their support for this bill with only 7 in opposition. But the bill was “killed,” 195-163. 

SB 243 this bill had to do with the child care scholarship program. As we all know or have heard, affordable child care is an ongoing issue in NH. This bipartisan bill initiates a pilot program making the application process for the scholarship program more efficient. On line registered support for this bill was more than 300 people with only six opposing. A motion was made by Rep. Wayne MacDonald, R-Londonderry to “table” the bill and tabled it was, 277-83.

SB 13, an off-shoot of an earlier bill, HB 452 and is still meant to invalidate the out-of-state driver licenses and driver privilege cards of undocumented immigrants if they happen to be driving in NH. Asylum seekers who have a federal work authorization will not be able to get a NH driver license until they get a Green Card (full permanent residency). The bill will now revoke the right of asylum seekers who already have a NH license the ability to renew. 

During debate before the vote, the claim was made that, “millions and millions of people crossed over the border during the Biden/Harris Administration.” (Spoiler alert from Politifact; There have been 8.7 million migrant “encounters” since Pres. Joe Biden took office in Jan. 2021. Encounters are events and do not represent people; the same person can try entering the country multiple times, and each time is an “encounter.” Encounters don’t represent how many people have entered illegally and are now living in the US.) 

More than 200 people registered their on line opposition to this bill with only 4 who supported it. The bill passed anyway,192-164.

Transportation Committee Rep. Dan Veilleux, D-Amherst stated,  “Denying people the ability to drive while expecting them to work and support their families isn’t just cruel, it’s completely illogical. Make no mistake: this bill hurts New Hampshire businesses, families, workers, employers, and public safety.”

If you would like to speak out against this blatantly hurtful legislation, the group Monadnock Immigrant Solidarity Collaborative is organizing a postcard campaign to oppose SB 13. You can pick up blank postcards at your local post office or purchase card stock and cut to size, 4¼ by 6. You can use the message below or craft one of your own. Don’t forget the 56 cent stamp! Thank you!

“VETO SB 13

NH NEEDS WORKERS

WORKERS NEED TO DRIVE TO WORK”

Send your postcard to:

Governor Ayotte

NH State House

107 North Main St

Concord, NH 03301

Monadnock for Choice is a grassroots organization formed after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade nearly three years ago. During that time, the federal and our state government have been laser focused on restricting as many rights for women as they can. 

We won’t go back!

On Thurs., May 22nd, SB 72 comes before the House for a vote. It is sponsored by all 16 Republican Senators and two Republican Representatives, half of whom are members of either Liberty Alliance and/or Free State. The bill is recommended to pass with an amendment which is problematic. 

The amendment will require school staff to respond to “any and all” parental inquiries, regardless of appropriateness and monitoring students’ romantic and personal relationships. It places penalties on teachers who are in a school to teach, not spy and report. It places penalties on medical providers, requiring written permission before a child can be treated. Parents currently can give verbal consent for routine services like prescription refills and telehealth appointments, this bill ends that practice. Additionally, the amended bill strips the rights of teenagers to access birth control or receive pre- and postnatal care without written parental permission. The proposed bill has no allowances for circumstances where the Div. of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is involved with a family and does not align with other existing federal and state laws governing medical care and records. It places a new burden of evidence on educators and physicians before they can even call DCYF which conflicts with other statutes and the laws in all other states. The on line opposition to this bill was more than 450 compared to only 20 who were in support. 

To contact your Representative click here, under “ROSTER” scroll down and click on your representative’s name. Send a brief email expressing your opposition to this bill which is aimed at inserting more of government in schools and the privacy of family and their physicians. 

HB 10 establishes a “parental bill of rights, a framework for notice of, and to report violations of, such rights, and consequences for affirmative findings of violations.” First of all, parents already HAVE the rights listed in this bill when it comes to their own children. This is intended to inflict fear onto medical professionals and educators, while restricting their ability to do their jobs. This bill is sponsored by Liberty Alliance members and is still in the Senate. The House will be getting this bill in a few weeks. In the meantime, to contact your Senator click here for his/her email address and let them know you oppose this proposed government overreach legislation. 

My colleague Rep. Jim Gruber shared this and I, in turn, will share with you: “Speak the truth and defend the vulnerable.”

Thank you, Jim. And thanks to all of you for your continued activism!

Members of Monadnock Action are organizing demonstrations against SAU29's compliance with the anti-DEI push from the federal Department of Education.

Background

• April: vague letter of certification from federal Dept. of Ed with anti-DEI push

• SAU29 superintendent signed letter, instead of joining others in pushing back,

Public Education is DEI & A!!!

• Free Appropriate Public Education, 504, ADA, Civil Rights, EEO Act

• Teachers aren’t sure what is okay and not okay to teach

Our Ask

• Superintendent: rescind your compliance signature

• Join multiple NH & VT school districts to support lawsuit filed by ACLU & NEA

Upcoming Actions

• Peaceful Demonstration, Tuesday, May 20th, 7:45-9:00, Maple Avenue @ entrance to SAU driveway, positive messages on signs (pro DEI, pro-inclusion, pro-student, pro-teacher); parking: Jonathan Daniels or nearby side streets

• Attend SAU29 School Board Meeting, Tuesday, Ma Iy 20th, 6:30pm, Jonathan Daniels PD Center–C3 entrance, 227 Maple Avenue. Speak on the topic and/or show support for others who  esdd Dec are speaking.

Different school district? Please consider similar actions In your district

More background

In April, the Trump administration’s federal Department of Education sent an anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)* letter to all states’ Departments of Education, with the demand that all school districts sign as certification that they are not utilizing any DEI practices in their districts. The letter made reference to following civil rights and Equal Educational Opportunities Act laws, yet the language and intent of the letter was to obscure the actual meaning of DEI. The threat if a school district decided not to sign the letter within 10 days of receipt? Lose federal funding that helps support special education and resources for under-served populations.

This letter is a test for early compliance. It is a clear example of administrative overreach with highly questionable legality. As has been the case with so many other “Dear Colleague” letters, its language, meaning, and intention is vague and unclear. As such, several New Hampshire school districts opted not to sign, but rather are fighting back by joining a lawsuit with the ACLU and NEA (National Education Association).

As directed by the NH Department of Education, led by Frank Edelblut, Superintendent Malay of SAU29 signed this letter. In response to questions about this, Malay’s office explains that they did not want to risk losing that federal funding and that SAU29 follows the relevant laws relating to the Civil Rights Act, 504 of the ADA, and EEO. The problem, however, is that the Trump administration is working to undermine how these laws have been applied and redefine what they mean, in regards to equity and accessibility for underserved populations and those with unique needs.

The rhetoric from the current federal administration is clearly designed to have targets on many vulnerable segments of our population, such as immigrants, LGBTQI+, disability groups, and BIPOC.** Families with children and youth who are part of these populations have concerns, worries, and even fears about their children’s safety, well-being, and access to supportive resources. While some of these concerns have always existed, in the current climate, there are new and heightened concerns. Other concerns include teachers being unclear as to what they can teach or not teach and parental concerns about how this impacts information and dialogue their children and youth will have access to in school.

Now, with school districts signing this anti-DEI letter, many are left to wonder what our schools will do to protect our children’s privacy and safety when further administrative overreach is attempted. Right now, we still have courts that can try to slow and stop some of the overreach. However, there are efforts to undermine courts’ authority. What might it look like when this current government seeks to identify new Americans in our schools, children and youth who may be what Trump referred to as *unproductive,* LGBTQI+ identifying, and others they do not like? One can imagine that when deepening overreach is attempted, we may not have functioning courts. Now is the time to defend the principles of DEI & Accessibility and be clear about what our public schools mean for our society.

Public school is diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. This is the charge to our public schools: provide a free appropriate public education to all students. This is what makes a strong future possible for all of us!

Monadnock Action, a local Indivisible group, took up this matter as an important local action item. We are working to raise awareness about this issue, through peaceful demonstrations on Maple Avenue with positive messaging for SAU29 to “Stand Up for DEI” and protect our students.  Our first demonstration, held on Friday, May 16th with small, but mighty, with a positive reception from the community. Our next peaceful demonstration will be Tuesday, May 20th morning from 7:45-9:00. We are encouraging members of the public to attend the school board meeting on Tuesday, May 20th at 6:30pm to participate in public comment on this issue and show support to folks who are speaking. Our ask is that SAU29 not only stand up for DEI, but also that the superintendent rescind his signature on the anti-DEI certification and join in support, along with Dover, Hanover, Oyster River, Portsmouth, and Somersworth, Norwich, VT, ACLU and NEA, to fight this letter.

* When Trump attacks DEI, he generally includes accessibility and has taken steps to obscure consistent federal guidelines regarding accessibility.

**LGBTQI+: lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersexed, asexual, 2-spirit; BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Helpful links:

https://www.wmur.com/article/federal-judge-nh-blocks-directive-to-cut-dei-funding/64584714 

https://www.aclu-nh.org/en/cases/nea-and-nea-nh-v-us-department-education 

https://www.vermontpublic.org/2025-04-14/nh-schools-challenge-trump-dei-ban-its-not-left-versus-right-its-right-versus-wrong 

https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/see-which-states-are-telling-trump-their-schools-dont-use-illegal-dei/2025/04

The current Education Commissioner’s time is up at the end of June. The search is on for someone to replace him. Preferably this time, someone with an education background. To that end, Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill has recently presented to Gov. Ayotte three excellent possibilities, all with extensive education and leadership background. A little information about each:

Steven Chamberlin, PhD. 
Education: Springfield College; University of Mass.: Notre Dame College; University of NH.
Experience: Hollis Brookline High School, Teacher, Coach, Mathematics Co-Dept. Coordinator 1988-99
Hopkinton Middle & High School, Contoocook, Assist. Principal 199-2003
Hopkinton Middle & High School, Contoocook, Principal 2003-08
Superintendent of Schools, Hopkinton School District 2009-21
Assist. Superintendent, Interim Superintendent, Assist. Superintendent, SAU 39 2021-present

Kathleen Murphy
Education:Plymouth State College, Plymouth
Rivier College, Nashua, BS Education, MS Educational Administration 
UNH, Durham, C.A.G.S. Administration
Experience: taught at Grinnell Elementary School in Derry
Principal: West Running Brook Middle School; Gilbert H. Hood Middle School; Grinnell Elementary School; Candia Moore School 
Assist. Superintendent: Derry Cooperative School District
Instructional Supervisor: Nashua School District
Superintendent of Schools: Newmarket School District
Director Division of Instruction: 2008-11 NH Dept. of Education
NH Commissioner for Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission 2014 to Present 
Superintendent of Schools: Hampton School District, 2011-20
                                         Concord School District, 2020-present

Jennifer Chmiel Ed.D.
Education: Plymouth State University: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), 2020 
Plymouth State University: Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS), Educational Leadership 2011
Franklin Pierce College: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Concentration in Leadership 2003
Endicott College: Bachelor of Science, Psychology Concentration 1994 
Experience: SUCCESS Program Team Leader, Special Education Case Manager, MVMS 2005-08
Special Education Facilitator, MVMS 2011-12
Mountain View Middle School; Goffstown Assist. Principal, 2008-14 
Southside Middle School: Principal, 2014-18
Manchester School District: Assist. Superintendent, 2018-22
Manchester School District: Superintendent, 2022-Present

And there’s plenty more background information here, here and here.

Now for the call to action part. Send an email to GovernorAyotte@governor.nh.gov urging her to seriously consider the above educators suggested for the position. You can mention their long and extensive professional history in education; NH needs a commissioner with that kind of a background, especially a background in public education. However you want to word it. This is an issue that the governor will need to address soon, so the sooner she hears from voters, the better.

Thank you for taking a moment to again defend public education.

Exaggerate: represent (something) as being larger, better, or worse than it really is.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a safety net for children brought to America illegally, begun during the Obama administration. Trump put the brakes on it only to have Pres. Biden bring it back. Like everything else that’s good for America, DACA is now navigating the court system.

Rep. Joe “if you are in NH illegally, you are NOT welcome in NH” Sweeney R-Salem, appears to be continuing in his fruitless search for swarthy, weapons-toting immigrants who would dare to infiltrate the sanctity of New Hampshire’s higher education system, thereby placing students and staff at immediate danger while taking the place of more deserving students. 

His fanatical focus has now turned on to UNH and the number of immigrants enrolled there at the supposed expense of NH students. Unfortunately, what Rep. Sweeney fails to understand is that most students apply to more than one college so that they can have a CHOICE of which one to attend. Some applicants also just don’t make the grade and are not accepted. Not too hard to understand. 

Now we find out there are three DACA students attending Keene State College, Plymouth State University or UNH during this current (now coming to an end) spring semester. There are over 21,000 students. Where’s the threat?

Fun fact: Undocumented or illegal students do not qualify for financial aid, contrary to what Rep. Joe “take the cuffs off local law enforcement to work with ICE,” Sweeney claims. 

And speaking of ICE, Rep. Sweeney stated in a recent press release the university system’s reluctance to acknowledge this issue could lead to unintended consequences, “If USNH won’t take this seriously, then it’s time to consider 287(g) agreements between campus police and ICE to restore accountability.”

Sounds threatening . . .

Rep. Joe “should not have sanctuary in our cities, churches or schools” Sweeney had the hypocritical nerve to state, “The priorities of USNH are completely backwards. While over 2,400 Granite Staters were rejected from our public universities in recent years, USNH is publicly encouraging illegal aliens to apply and rewarding them with in-state tuition. That is a slap in the face to every hardworking family paying taxes to support these institutions.” (emphasis added)

Lest we forget, on May 8th, SB 295 came up for a vote in the House. This proposed bill removes the income cap for the hated vouchers, which means it would become a free for all at the expense of taxpayers. Earlier on line opposition to this bill was 919 to 37 who supported it. Before the vote, Rep. Joe “if you are in NH illegally, you are NOT welcome in NH” Sweeney made the motion to curtail further debate on the bill, effectively cutting off any discussion of why this is terrible legislation for the state. By a 12 vote majority, the bill passed 188-176. A speech denied and a Call to Action | DemocracyNH

Apparently, Rep. Sweeney has no qualms about slapping the faces of every hardworking family to support a program in direct violation of the NH State Constitution.