CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – In a move aimed at tackling New Hampshire’s growing teacher shortage, Governor Chris Sununu has signed a new bill into law that seeks to incentivize educators to work in rural and underserved regions of the state, according to a news release.

The legislation, known as HB 1079, includes provisions from a previously proposed bill, SB 217-FN, and creates a new program designed to encourage teachers to take positions in areas where they are needed most.

Originally, the bill allocated $3 million over two years for a student loan forgiveness program to support educators in these hard-to-staff areas. However, as the bill progressed through the legislature, the funding was reduced to $1, with plans to seek additional appropriations in the next state budget. Despite this, the passage of the bill is seen as a crucial first step in addressing the challenges that have contributed to the teacher shortage across New Hampshire, as highlighted in a legislative report last year.

The program is intended to provide student debt relief and other support for early-career educators, with the aim of making rural teaching positions more attractive. This move is part of a broader effort to strengthen public education in the state, especially in regions that have struggled to attract and retain qualified teachers.

Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, expressed optimism about the new law, stating, “As school districts across the state struggle to fill positions amidst an ongoing educator shortage, it is encouraging to see lawmakers acknowledge the state has a role to play in addressing this crisis. Establishing the Rural and Underserved Area Educator Incentive Program is an important step forward.”

Senator Donovan Fenton (D-Keene), a key supporter of the legislation, emphasized the importance of the new program for the future of public education in New Hampshire. “Our public school system is a pillar of our state, and it plays an integral role in building the fabric of our communities,” Fenton said. “With this program, we will help our rural and economically disadvantaged areas recruit and retain teachers for their public schools.”

The bill’s passage marks a significant step towards addressing the critical shortage of educators in New Hampshire, with stakeholders across the state hopeful that it will lead to meaningful change in the coming years.