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State School Funding
- State aid for education has not kept pace with inflation - more than $4 Million annually has been shifted into our Property Taxes
- The Legislature has downshifted an additional $2-$3 Mil in retirement costs to property taxpayers
Student Population
- Derry has the third largest student population in NH.
- Derry's population has increased by about 1,200 people since the 2010 Census.
- Derry's School Population has shrunk by about 1,000 students since 2010.
- NH DOE reports that Derry has an additional 60 (1.3%) students who are home schooled.
Classroom Size
- Derry's average classroom size is comparable to similar school districts and slightly larger than the state average.
Cost Per Pupil
- Derry's cost per pupil is right around the average for New Hampshire
- Derry's Special Education population is 20% above the state average. Special Education Services increase the overall cost per pupil.
Teacher Salary
- Derry's average salaries are aligned with other large school districts and the state average.
- Derry has an above average population of Special Education Students who require teachers with higher levels of education, generally at higher pay grades.
Equalized Property Value per Pupil
- Derry is a residential community with limited commercial development.
- On average Derry has about 60% of the property value per pupil as the average NH Community. DOE
- If we were at the state average, our taxes would be about $5/1000 lower.
Expected Repairs and Opportunities to Reduce Cost
- Derry has capacity for nearly 1,000 more students than are currently enrolled
- Demographic data shows this trend to continue over the next 10 years despite planned development
- Consolidating schools could free up funds to properly maintain the buildings
- December 1, 2022 SB Meeting