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 Eric Pauer as SDGANH President
The School District Governance Association of New Hampshire is happy to announce that Eric Pauer has assumed the leadership of the SDGANH. A professional engineer, Eric brings a great deal of leadership experience from his 30 years of part-time service as a Colonel in...
SDGA Announces First Annual School District Champion Award
At our 2022 Annual General Meeting on June 18, the SDGA recognized Dan Richards with the first annual School District Champion Award. Donna Green made these remarks in Dan's honor: DAN RICHARDS: a source of great inspiration. Dan characterizes his effort as “trying to...
NH DOE Announcement on Mask Mandates
The New Hampshire Department of Education has released the following guidance on mask mandates as of Feb. 23:
Latest Events
Webinar: Let Your Voice Be Heard: How to promote or support a bill in the NH legislature
September 19, 2022 7:00pm - 9:00pm Let Your Voice Be Heard: How to promote or support a bill in the NH legislature. Conducted by David Saad of Right to Know NH, and Eric Pauer, President SDGA of NH. Registration is free, but required in order to receive a Zoom...
Webinar: Budgeting Staff – The Elephant in the Room
October 3, 2022, 7:00-8:30pm. Staffing costs typically make up over 70% of a school district budget, yet are rarely questioned by the elected officials. Staffing drives annual increases in payroll, health insurance, and pension contributions which easily dwarf the...
Annual General Meeting 2022
Our Annual General Meeting is the one SDGA meeting you should not miss! WHERE: Zoom Videoconference WHEN: Saturday, June 18tth 9 a.m. to Noon WHO: All SDGA members and those interested in becoming members WHY: For a fun and information filled session where you get to...
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.