Gov. Hassan Vetoes Common Core Prohibition Bill

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Gov. Maggie Hassan has vetoed a prohibition on Common Core education standards.

Lawmakers last month passed a bill blocking state education officials from adopting the federal program. Hassan vetoed the bill Friday.

“This legislation is unnecessary and its passage would send a message to the business and education community that New Hampshire does not value high standards in education, standards that will help prepare our future workforce for success in the innovation economy,” Hassan said in a statement.

Some lawmakers expressed frustration.

State Rep. Kevin Avard, R-Nashua, sponsored SB 101, the prohibition bill. He released this statement:

“I am deeply disappointed that Governor Hassan chose to veto a bill that would have guaranteed the authority of local school districts to decide if they will adopt the federal education curriculum known as Common Core.

“I’ve heard from many parents around the state who are worried not only about the quality of these federal educational programs but that they are mandated across the state, limiting the ability for individual towns and cities to decide on their students’ education.”

The New Hampshire Business and Industry Association applauded Hassan.

“(Common Core prohibition) undermines New Hampshire’s commitment to higher educational standards and sends a message that mediocre is okay,” said BIA President Jim Roche in a statement. “It also exhibits a lack of faith in the abilities of NH Department of Education administrators, leaders of the state Board of Education and local school district leaders to make sound decisions regarding education standards designed to raise student performance.”