Henneker Community School Discusses Education Freedom Accounts and Funding Concerns

The Henniker School District's School Board meeting on September 4, 2025, focused on the implications of the recent increase in Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) and how they affect local educational funding and student access to programs.

The discussion began with an overview of the anticipated changes in student enrollment patterns due to the rise in EFAs. It was noted that families may seek alternative educational options, including accessing Henniker Community School for various programs, such as classes or sports, without any barriers as long as they are residents of the district. The school has established a system to track attendance and enrollment for these students, which is crucial for receiving adequacy funding from the state.

The board highlighted the importance of data reporting, which occurs monthly, to ensure that the district receives the appropriate funding based on student participation. This data is essential for managing the district's finances and advocating for necessary resources.

A significant point of discussion was the financial impact of EFAs on the district. If families choose to utilize EFAs, the district does not receive adequacy funding for those students. This raises concerns about potential revenue loss for the school. The board proposed a solution where families using EFAs could still access district programs by paying a tuition rate, which they could then seek reimbursement for through their EFA.

The meeting concluded with the board acknowledging the complexities introduced by the new EFA system and the need for further discussions to refine their approach to accommodate families while ensuring the district's financial stability. The proposal for tuition-based access to programs for EFA families will be further developed in upcoming meetings.