A special legislative commission has begun putting a rough price to New Hampshire’s share of public school costs.
The commission estimates the state should spend roughly $3,400 per pupil in base aid. That’s about $700 million, and does not include extra aid the commission is considering adding for needier schools.
The commission met Monday to discuss targeting more aid to the needier schools, but it did not come up with any figures. Some members argued the extra money is not needed to meet a constitutional requirement that the state fund an adequate education while others countered that disadvantaged students need more help to get the education the court envisions.
None of the aid amounts are final. The commission must report to the Legislature by February 1.
The state is distributing $897 million in school aid, 40 percent from statewide property tax.