For years, taxpayers across New Hampshire have asked for one simple thing: clear, honest, accessible information about how their school districts spend public money. With Governor Kelly Ayotte’s signing of HB 1807 last week, that call has finally been answered. This new law—an upgrade to last year’s Students First Act—delivers the improved transparency voters deserve and strengthens accountability across school districts and school administrative units (SAUs).
Thank you to Prime Sponsor Rep. Katy Peternel (R-Wolfeboro), along with her co-sponsors Rep. J.D. Bernardy (R-South Hampton), Rep. Ross Berry (R-Weare), Rep. Diane Pauer (R-Brookline), Rep. Mike Drago (R-Raymond), Rep. Riché Colcombe (R-Hillsborough), Rep. Sayra DeVito (R-Danville), Sen. Keith Murphy (R-Manchester), Sen. Kevin Avard (R-Nashua), Sen. Tim Lang (R-Sanbornton), and Sen. Victoria Sullivan (R-Manchester). The School District Governance Association of New Hampshire (SDGA‑NH) worked diligently with the legislators to help shape these improvements, and the result is a stronger, clearer, and more enforceable law that puts taxpayers first.
A Clearer Picture of Administrative Spending
One of the most important changes in HB 1807 is the expanded definition of “administrator.” In the past, some districts used vague interpretations to exclude certain positions from reporting. HB 1807 closes that loophole. Now, administrator explicitly includes superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals, special education administrators, curriculum administrators, CTE principals, and district‑level administrators.
This clarity matters. Taxpayers deserve to know who is being counted—and how much they are being paid.
New 10‑Year Graphs Reveal Trends Voters Have Never Seen Before
Under the original Students First Act, districts were required to publish 10‑year graphs of average cost per pupil and average teacher salary. HB 1807 adds two critical new requirements:
- A 10‑year graph of average administrator salary (district and SAU)
- A 10‑year graph of total administrative spending
These additions allow voters to compare long‑term trends in teacher pay, administrator pay, and administrative overhead. For many communities, this will be the first time these trends are visible in a single, standardized report.
To prevent manipulation, the law now requires graphs to use true dollars, no inflation adjustments, and no compression, with margins no larger than one inch. These technical details matter—they ensure the data is honest, readable, and comparable across districts.
High‑Salary Transparency: No More Guesswork
HB 1807 also requires districts to publish the salaries and titles of the top 10 paid administrators, along with any employee earning more than $100,000.
This is not about targeting individuals. It’s about giving taxpayers a clear understanding of how their money is allocated—and how compensation trends compare to student outcomes.
Information Must Be Available Before Budget Hearings
Previously, districts only had to publish the report seven days before the annual meeting. HB 1807 moves this requirement seven days before the first budget hearing, where public input actually happens.
And if a district has a website, the report must be posted online. No more hiding critical information in a binder at the town hall.
Student Achievement Must Be Disclosed on All Warrants
HB 1807 also corrects a major oversight. Under the prior law, only SB2 districts had to publish average cost per student and student proficiency percentages on the ballot. Now, all districts—including traditional meeting districts—must include this information on the operating budget warrant article.
This is a major win for voters. Last year, many were shocked to learn how high spending levels compared to mediocre or poor proficiency rates. HB 1807 ensures that every voter sees this information before casting a vote.
A Step Toward Better Governance and Better Outcomes
These reforms take effect for the 2027 annual meetings, including required SAU budgets under recently signed HB 564. Together, they represent a meaningful step toward fiscal accountability, informed public participation, and a more transparent education system.
New Hampshire taxpayers work hard for their money. They deserve to know how it’s being spent—and whether it’s producing the results our students need. HB 1807 brings us closer to that goal.
Eric Pauer serves as the President of the School District Governance Association of NH (SDGA-NH, https://www.sdganh.org). He is a former member of the Hollis Brookline Cooperative School Board and resides in Brookline.