Leigh Hudson Portsmouth NH School Board

10/07/2026

New Hampshire sets educational requirements, mandates special education services, regulates the property-tax system that funds schools, and then claims the costs are a local responsibility.

In Portsmouth, we've already seen special education placed on the chopping block to satisfy demands for lower municipal spending. HB 1300 would push even more of the burden onto local communities, and our most vulnerable students will be the first to feel the impact.

It’s embarrassing to be last in the nation for state funding of public education. It’s embarrassing statewide and locally to target the most vulnerable students.

09/20/2026

HB 1300 is often framed as a debate about controlling school spending. I think the more important question is this:

If the State is constitutionally obligated to fund an adequate education, and the courts have repeatedly ruled that the State's funding is inadequate, why is the Legislature focusing on limiting local school revenue growth rather than fixing the State funding shortfall first?

Property taxes are high. That concern is real and burdens my already taxed family finances.

But for decades, local communities have been asked to make up the difference between what our schools need and what the State provides. The courts have repeatedly affirmed that education funding is ultimately the State's constitutional responsibility.

Capping the primary local funding mechanism without first addressing that constitutional deficiency doesn't solve the root of the problem. It simply shifts more pressure onto local communities, local taxpayers, and ultimately our students.

Before we cap the ability of communities to fill the gap, shouldn't we first fix the gap? What do you think?

07/19/2026

I’d like to hear from more parents in the Portsmouth school district that have children like mine in special education. Please reach out, we NEED your inputs.

If this district intends to reduce expense of OOD placements they need to start by having accountability and building trust.

02/22/2026

02/20/2026

Our friends are amazing and know how much we love our son.

TCH - the Jan and Dan Duncan Nuerological Research Center Directed by Dr. Huda Zoghbi have been instrumental to advancements and hope for Rett and MECP2 Duplication Syndrome!

02/08/2026

𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗠𝗗𝗦 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗢𝗪𝗟 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦!!

Thank you to all who helped us fill two Super Bowl Squares grids and with the company match raise at least $5,000! We appreciate those that purchased squares and/or shared our messages.

We will keep everyone posted on the final donation tally and 100% of what https://curemds.org raises always goes to curative research!

For those that purchased squares you should have received an email with the grids generated numbers so that you can follow along tomorrow and know if you are one of the winners!
Good luck🍀!!

The 401 Project raises funds to cure MECP2 Duplication Syndrome.

02/06/2026

THE CORRECT FORUM FOR ADDRESSING THIS…THANK YOU!

Portsmouth City Councilor Annie Hopkins advocates for city to help with a lack of access to affordable and available child care.

02/06/2026

GREAT NEWS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

After months of uncertainty, federal lawmakers approved a spending package that rejects Trump administration efforts to alter IDEA and do away with some disability programs.

02/04/2026

Great facility!

02/03/2026

A principal who gives her all for the kids…

Katherine Callahan, award-winning principal of Dondero School in Portsmouth, joins the Seacoast Mental Health Center board. See link below ⬇️ bit.ly/4qRJvWR