Commission To Study Transitioning Public Schools To Charter Schools Draws Opposition

Majority Leader Jason Osborne, R-Auburn: Charter schools "are crushing it... why not offer it to all 170,000 students?"; Unions oppose bill.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A House committee in New Hampshire heard testimony on a bill that would establish a commission to study converting all public schools to public charter schools. The bill's sponsor, House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, R-Auburn, argued that charter schools are performing well and the model should be expanded to all 170,000 public school students in the state. However, opponents, including teachers' unions, said the transition would be a huge undertaking with many consequences and the one-year timeline for the study is too short.

Why it matters

This proposal to transition all public schools to charter schools in New Hampshire is a controversial and high-stakes issue that would significantly reshape the state's education system. It raises questions about local control, teacher certification, school funding, and the overall quality and accessibility of public education.

The details

Under the bill, a commission would be established to study the potential benefits of restructuring all public schools as public charter schools or other independent schools, examine funding models to reduce reliance on local property taxes, consider how charter-based governance could increase flexibility and innovation, assess impacts on student achievement and teacher recruitment, and identify any statutory or constitutional changes required. The commission would have just one year to complete this extensive study.

  • The bill was introduced in the New Hampshire legislature in February 2026.

The players

Jason Osborne

The Republican House Majority Leader in New Hampshire who is the prime sponsor of the bill to establish a commission to study converting all public schools to charter schools.

Brian Hawkins

The lobbyist for the National Education Association New Hampshire, who opposes the bill and says the one-year timeline for the commission's study is too short.

Deb Howes

The president of the American Federation of Teachers New Hampshire, who argues the transition to charter schools would take away the public's voice and opportunities to be informed voters.

Giana Gelsey

The representative from Madbury on the Oyster River School Board, who is concerned the bill's language appears preordained to transition all public schools to charter schools.

Stephen Woodcock

A Democratic state representative from Conway who questioned the impact of having only 50% of teachers be certified in charter schools.

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What they’re saying

“Charter schools "are crushing it... why not offer it to all 170,000 students?”

— Jason Osborne, House Majority Leader, R-Auburn (Patch.com)

“It's an incredibly short period of time to study such a large issue. The commission also lacks educators.”

— Brian Hawkins, National Education Association NH lobbyist (Patch.com)

“Moving this consequential, community altering, and for students potentially life changing decision from a local school meeting where everyone in attendance is focused on education and property tax rates to the general election greatly diminishes genuine local control. Voters lose the chance to deliberate together, ask questions which deserve detailed and informed answers from their school leaders, and weigh consequences in a forum designed for district governance.”

— Deb Howes, President, American Federation of Teachers NH (Patch.com)

“New Hampshire is not ready to fund an expanded number of charter schools, so studying the process or making it easier to achieve is entirely premature.”

— Deb Howes, President, American Federation of Teachers NH (Patch.com)

“It disrespects the profession of teachers.”

— Deb Howes, President, American Federation of Teachers NH (Patch.com)

What’s next

The House Education Policy and Administration Committee did not make an immediate recommendation on the bill.

The takeaway

This proposal to transition all public schools to charter schools in New Hampshire is a highly controversial and complex issue that raises significant concerns about local control, teacher certification, school funding, and the overall quality and accessibility of public education. The one-year timeline for the commission's study is seen by many as far too short to adequately examine the full implications of such a major shift in the state's education system.