Education department would seek bids for optional school management service

The education department would seek vendor bids for a shared school management service. The proposed service would be available to public school districts, charter schools, and public academies. The department would consult school and community representatives and hold at least two public comment sessions while preparing the request. The department would draft the request by November 1, 2026, and issue the final request by April 1, 2027.

The department would offer participating schools planning and technical help, and could include a pilot option. The option to participate applies to public school districts, charter schools, and public academies. Districts could choose whether to join; none would have to adopt or move to the service. The department's help would depend on available funding. The department could offer a pilot for up to six districts. The possible pilot would run for 18 to 24 months before a wider rollout.

The bid request and any contracts would have to protect school data and limit how vendors may use it. These requirements would apply to the request for bids and any contracts resulting from it. Districts and the department, as applicable, would retain ownership of student, staff, and financial data. Vendors could not sell or use education data for commercial marketing. Contracts would have to require security measures and allow districts to export data at termination or on request without unreasonable fees or barriers.

The department would receive $250,000 to support the bidding process, public input, and district assistance. The money would go to the New Hampshire Department of Education. The appropriation is for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.