AA – School District Legal Status

The legal basis for education is vested in the will of the people as expressed in the Constitution of New Hampshire, the statutes* pertaining to education, court interpretation of these laws, the powers implied in them, and the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education.

In New Hampshire, School Districts are political subdivisions of the State and, as such, are considered municipal corporations.

The Contoocook Valley School District is a cooperative school district, established and governed by its Articles of Agreement. The date of operating responsibility as provided in RSA 195:18 (III)(j) is July 1, 1968. The Articles of Agreement may be amended from time to time according to the provisions therein.

The School District has adopted Official Ballot Voting and is subject to the requirements of RSA 40:13.

Board policies are established by the Board, which serves as an agent of the District.

Funds for school operating expenses are approved by a majority of qualified voters present and voting at the annual School District meeting, except that bond issues require approval by 60%.

Statutory/Case Law References:
New Hampshire Constitution, Pt. 2 Article 83
Claremont School District vs. Governor, 138 NH 183 (1993)
RSA 194:2, School Districts to be Corporations
RSA 195:6, Powers and Duties of Cooperative School Districts
RSA 40:13, Use of Official Ballot
RSA 195:18 Procedure for Formation of Cooperative School District
* The majority of state laws on education are in RSA Chapters 186 through 200H.

1st Read: June 19, 2012
2nd Read: August 14, 2012
Adopted: August 14, 2012