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
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:...
Announcement: SDGA Annual General Meeting on Saturday May 4, in Concord
Don't miss our Annual General Meeting! Speakers include: Robert Chase, founder of Seacoast Classical Academy charter school Ian Underwood, author of numerous books on education reform Eric Pauer, President of SDGA on education legislation. This is the one opportunity...
Latest Events
Webinar: New School Board Member Training 2025
April 5, 2025, 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM The learning curve is steep but these two hours will help you hit the ground running. Know your duties, identify the necessary knowledge base and avoid pitfalls. Donna Green, past President and founding member of...
Annual General Meeting 2025
Our Annual General Meeting for 20254 will be held on May 31, 2025 in Concord, NH WHERE: Granite State Baptist Church Basement, 236 Sheep Davis Rd, Concord, NH 03301 WHEN: Saturday, May 31. Doors 9:00 AM for continental breakfast, business begins...
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.