Run with me though Carroll County District 6: Kingswood Arts Center
- Phoebe VanScoy-Giessler
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
The Kingswood Arts Center holds a special place in my heart - and in the lives of my family members - because it's there where my husband, Scott Giessler, has led a team of students and adults in creating some of the very best in live theater. Their award-winning program is admired near and far.
The Arts Center itself is a testament to the commitment the Governor Wentworth Regional School District tax payers have made to our children. When they voted to expand and improve the Kingswood campus, an investment of $67M, the state of New Hampshire building aid program was calculated to offset the cost by approximately $40 million. Unfortunately, state lawmakers ended that program and the cost was downshifted to local property tax payers.
If I'm elected proper funding of our public schools and the elimination of tax downshifting will be two of my biggest priorities.
Funding for Public Schools
I will advocate for increased state aid to public education and a fairer funding formula to reduce the financial burden on local property taxpayers. I oppose the expansion of voucher-style programs and school choice legislation. These policies divert essential resources away from public schools
Tax downshifting?
"In New Hampshire, tax downshifting refers to the state government's practice of reducing state funding or increasing mandates, which forces local governments to raise local property taxes to maintain essential services. Over the past decade, this practice has effectively shifted an estimated $3 billion in costs from the state down to municipalities, school districts, and counties." - New Hampshire Municipal Association
The video I made in front of the Arts Center (below) is my third in a series of me running around the district, but it's the first where I weave in my legislative priorities. I will continue to share with you some of my favorite places and things about our community. And, I will continue to highlight the ways I hope to represent voters in the State House.
I'd love to hear from you!
What do you think legislative priorities in the State House should be?
Where do you think I ought to check out next in Carroll County District 6?
Let me know at info@forwardwithphoebe.com.
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