Packard: Strengthening School Safety Through Accountability

By State Rep. Sherman Packard, NH Journal

Granite Staters expect their schools to be places of learning, opportunity, and safety. As legislative leaders, we take that responsibility seriously. Properly funding education is not simply about writing checks. It is about ensuring our education system is structured, accountable, and worthy of the public’s trust. That trust is strengthened when families know clear, consistent safeguards are in place to protect every student in every school.

HB 1827-FN-A advances that commitment.

The legislation requires the Department of Education to conduct confidential criminal history checks on all prospective school personnel, including individuals who do not hold educator credentials. By establishing a uniform statewide standard, the bill ensures consistent screening of nonlicensed staff and contracted employees across the state. It mandates that every adult with access to students is held to the same level of review and accountability. In doing so, the bill closes a gap that could allow a nonlicensed staff member, contracted employee, or support worker in a school building to be screened under varying local standards rather than a uniform statewide system.

The bill establishes a secure, five-year clearance system using fingerprint-based background checks conducted through the New Hampshire State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with verification through national educator discipline databases to ensure individuals whose licenses have been revoked cannot move into other roles within schools.

Just as important, HB 1827-FN-A contains clear guardrails. The department must maintain strict confidentiality of criminal history information and destroy those records within 60 days. The legislation also requires formal rules governing the appeal process, ensuring fairness and due process for all applicants. Protecting children while upholding fairness and due process should always go hand in hand, and this legislation seeks to achieve both.

The measure passed out of committee on an 18-0 vote and was later approved by the full House of Representatives on a voice vote. That unanimous support reflects a shared understanding that safeguarding schools is not a partisan issue. It is a fundamental responsibility.

New Hampshire continues to lead in responsible governance by pairing education funding with meaningful oversight and accountability. Lawmakers have made historic investments in educational opportunities, expanded options for families, and worked to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively. At the same time, the state must ensure that every adult working in the school system meets clear, consistent safety standards.

As speaker of the New Hampshire House, I am proud of the thoughtful, bipartisan work that solves problems for Granite Staters without stifling innovation or education. Our duty is clear: to support education in a way that protects children, respects taxpayers, and upholds the trust Granite Staters place in their public institutions.

Strong public policy is not about simply increasing spending or engaging in political rhetoric. It is about identifying real gaps, implementing practical solutions, and reinforcing the public’s trust in our institutions. HB 1827-FN-A reflects an approach that pairs responsible funding with meaningful reform to ensure schools are not only supported, but truly safeguarded.

State Rep. Sherman Packard is from Londonderry and represents Rockingham District 16. He is the Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. He wrote this for NHJournal.com.

This story was originally published by the NH Journal, an online news publication dedicated to providing fair, unbiased reporting on, and analysis of, political news of interest to New Hampshire. For more stories from the NH Journal, visit NHJournal.com.