New Boston’s Students Excel, But Is Our Cost Per Student Sustainable?

I want to extend my gratitude to the New Boston School Board, District Administration, and SAU Administration for their efforts in preparing and presenting at the New Boston School Board Deliberative Session.

However, while the 2024 Cost Per Student was presented for NBCS, MVMS and GHS were shown with 2025 budget figures and 2026 projections. I had hoped for the same level of rigor for NBCS, ensuring more complete and transparent data for our community.

One thing is clear—our students continue to excel!
The 2024 State Assessment Results show our students performing well above the state average:

• ELA: 76% (State Avg: 53%)

• Math: 59% (State Avg: 41%)

• Science: 68% (State Avg: 36%)

This isn’t new—our students have a strong track record:

2018 State Assessment Results:

• ELA: 71%

• Math: 67%

• Science: 68%

While our academic performance remains strong, NBCS enrollment declined by 13.9% between 2018 and 2024, with an additional 11.7% decline projected between 2024 and 2026. At the same time, the cost per student increased by 48.5%, with an additional 28% increase estimated between 2024 and 2026.

New Boston and NBCS need forward-thinking leadership to ensure long-term educational excellence and financial sustainability for our students and community. We need leadership that:

• Brings a fresh perspective

• Challenges assumptions

• Asks the hard questions

• Digs deeper into data

• Prioritizes both Educational Excellence & Fiscal Responsibility

I support passing the CBA Warrant Article for our teachers.

If elected, I will be that leader. I am committed to:

• Educational Excellence

• Fiscal Responsibility

• Transparency

Together, let’s build a stronger future for New Boston’s students and community. I ask for your support and your vote!

#NewBostonNH #EducationalExcellence #Transparency #FiscalResponsibility #VoteHowardBailynson