The local school property tax cap ballot measure (Question 2) passed, but only on a town-by-town basis..
As of November 6, 2026, here is what happened across New Hampshire communities:
Where the Tax Cap Passed vs. Failed
• Approved: The measure passed in at least 113 districts. Towns that voted to enact the cap include Merrimack, Derry, Goffstown, Hooksett, Colebrook, Farmington, Allenstown, Hillsborough, and Barnstead.
• Rejected: The measure failed in 87 districts. Major areas where the cap failed include Manchester, Nashua, Keene, Concord, Londonderry, and Hanover.
What the Tax Cap Does (Where Approved)
In the school districts where it passed, the cap will impose the following restrictions for the next two budget years:
• Taxes tied to inflation: The local school property tax levy cannot grow faster than the regional rate of inflation (roughly 4%) plus the valuation of any new construction.
• Administrative spending limit: Spending on School Administrative Unit (SAU) central offices—such as superintendent, HR, and finance staff salaries—is capped at a maximum of 6% of the total school district budget.
• Exemptions & Overrides: Capital costs funded by bonds (like school renovations or building construction) are exempt from the cap. Additionally, local voters still hold the power to override the cap at annual spring school district meetings if an item receives a 60% vote