School District Governance Association of New Hampshire
Giving voters a voice by empowering elected school district officials to reclaim control over budgets and curriculum.
Pledge for School District Candidates and Elected Officials
We recommend that voters call on school district candidates and elected officials to embrace this pledge: I, _________________________, PLEDGE TO THE VOTERS OF ____________________________ THAT I WILL DO MY UTMOST AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL TO 1) Promote education that cultivates in our children a profound respect for our nation's founding principles and the U.S. and New Hampshire Constitutions; 2) Promote an academic program that teaches that all people are created equal and have equal rights and responsibilities under the law; 3) Prevent school faculty and staff from politicizing education, while respecting the free speech of individuals...
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News and Announcements
2025 Dan Richards’ SDGA Education Champion of the Year Award Goes to Frank Edelblut
NH Commissioner of Education Frank Edelblut (left) receives the 2025 Dan Richards’ SDGA Education Champion of the Year Award from SDGA President Eric Pauer. (May 31, 2025) – The School District Governance Association of New Hampshire (SGDA-NH) proudly announces that...
Announcing Local Tax Cap Bill Signed into Law Aug. 2
An important bill for school district governance, SB383 " Relative to local tax caps ", was signed into law by Governor Sununu on 2 Aug 2024. SB383 is a prime example of Republicans in the House and Senate coordinating together with the Governor to deliver a big win...
Announcing Representative Glenn Cordelli as the Recipient of the Dan Richards Education Champion of the Year Award for 2024
Eric Pauer, President of the SDGA, announced Glenn Cordelli as recipient of the Dan Richards Education Champion of the Year Award for 2024. The award was presented at the SDGA Annual General Meeting held May 4, 2024 in Concord NH. Mr. Pauer's remarks follow:...
Latest Events
Special Education – What is it and why is it growing unsustainably?
July 29, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Special education, a partially-funded mandate by the federal government, is rising as an important issue in school districts across the state. In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the number of...
2025 SDGA Legislative Update and Bill Ideas for 2026
Aug 26, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM This webinar will cover the 2025 NH legislation involving school governance, education, and budgeting. There were many successes and a few setbacks. The discussion will help inform how the new laws can be used by...
SDGA’s 10th Annual General Meeting 2026
May 30, 2026, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Our 10th Annual General Meeting for 2026 will be held in Concord, NH WHERE: Granite State Baptist Church Basement, 236 Sheep Davis Rd, Concord, NH 03301 WHEN: Saturday, May 30. Doors open at 9:00 AM for continental...
Discover Your Power
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SDGA?
The School District Governance Association of
New Hampshire (SDGA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help members of school boards and budget committees discover their powers so they can effectively assert their lawful authority and be responsible to their electorate.
What does SDGA do?
SDGA Members are committed to:
- Helping school board and budget committee members discover their legal roles and responsibilities
- Publicizing and communicating best practices in governance and budgeting
- Formulating model school district policies so boards will have an independent, alternative resource
- Proposing and monitoring legislation that supports local control in education and openness in administration
Who can join SDGA?
Anyone who supports our mission. The core of our membership includes past or present elected or appointed local officials who have or have had fiduciary responsibility for a New Hampshire school district budget. We also encourage parents, taxpayers and others to join.
To be accepted as a member, you must be sponsored by a current SDGA member, get a two-thirds majority vote of the SDGA Board, and pay dues.
Dues are $20 per year, non-prorated, payable January 1st. Lifetime memberships are $200.
How can SDGA help you?
SDGA offers seminars on a range of topics related to governance: budgets, understanding of curricular and assessment issues, clarifying special education laws and so on.
We have begun to provide model policies that clarify school board and administrative roles.
Our members can offer their vast experience in many areas.
How can YOU get involved?
- Attend a seminar.
- Come to a meeting. The SDGA Board meets on the first Saturday of the month. Meetings are open to members and interested parties: there are always lively discussions.
- Join a committee or a project and help SDGA provide needed resources.
- Invite a friend to join a committee or attend a seminar.
- Donate time or money. SDGA runs on a
shoestring and every little bit helps.