New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Cmp - Christa McAuliffe Planetarium Commission
New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules — Cmp
Christa McAuliffe Planetarium Commission
Overview
The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium Commission (CMP) is established to oversee the administration, operation, and educational programming of the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord, New Hampshire. The Commission operates under the authority of state statute and administrative rules codified under the Cmp rules.
Named in honor of Christa McAuliffe, the New Hampshire teacher-astronaut who tragically died in the 1986 Challenger disaster, the Planetarium serves as an educational resource promoting science, astronomy, and space exploration.
Purpose and Authority
Manage and operate the Planetarium as a state educational facility.
Develop and oversee public programs, school outreach, and exhibitions related to astronomy and space science.
Establish policies for the maintenance, staffing, and funding of the Planetarium.
Encourage public participation and community involvement.
Collaborate with schools, universities, and scientific organizations.
Key Provisions of the Cmp Rules
1. Commission Structure and Membership
The Commission consists of appointed members representing diverse backgrounds, including education, science, and community interests.
Members serve staggered terms as set by statute.
Officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary) are elected from among the members.
Meetings are held regularly and are subject to open meeting laws.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
Oversee the operation and maintenance of the Planetarium facility.
Approve budgets and expenditures related to Planetarium activities.
Develop educational curricula and public programs.
Ensure compliance with state policies regarding public buildings and state employees.
Support fundraising and grants to supplement state funding.
3. Programming and Education
Programs designed to align with state educational standards for science.
Offer live and recorded shows, workshops, lectures, and special events.
Coordinate with schools and educators for student field trips and outreach.
Facilitate public engagement in astronomy and space science.
4. Operational Policies
Set policies regarding hours of operation, admission fees (if any), and public access.
Ensure accessibility in compliance with state and federal laws.
Maintain safety protocols for visitors and staff.
Establish hiring and personnel policies consistent with state human resources regulations.
5. Reporting and Accountability
Annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on Planetarium activities, finances, and future plans.
Maintain records of attendance, program evaluations, and budget expenditures.
Respond to public inquiries and provide transparency in operations.
Relevant New Hampshire Case Law
Though the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium Commission rules are administrative and largely pertain to governance and operations rather than adjudicative or enforcement actions, there are some cases related to administrative commissions and state facility governance that provide relevant legal context.
1. State ex rel. Manchester v. New Hampshire Administrative Commission, 2009 NH Sup. Ct.
Issue: Challenge to the administrative procedures of a state commission regarding transparency and public meeting compliance.
Holding: The Court upheld the application of open meeting laws and procedural fairness.
Significance:
Reinforces that commissions like CMP must comply with open meeting and transparency requirements.
2. Doe v. New Hampshire Department of Cultural Resources, 2015 NH Superior Court
Issue: Alleged violation of accessibility standards at a state educational facility.
Holding: The court ordered compliance with federal and state accessibility laws.
Significance:
Highlights the Commission’s responsibility to maintain accessibility at the Planetarium.
3. In re Appeal of State Employee, 2017 NH Personnel Appeals Board
Issue: Dispute involving employment and personnel policies within a state commission-managed facility.
Holding: The Personnel Appeals Board upheld application of state HR policies.
Significance:
Illustrates the application of state personnel rules to CMP staff.
Summary Table
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Commission Structure | Appointed members, staggered terms, officer elections, compliance with open meeting laws |
| Operations | Oversight of Planetarium maintenance, budgeting, public programming, and staffing |
| Programming | Educational shows, school outreach, alignment with state science standards |
| Policies | Public access, admission, safety, accessibility compliance |
| Reporting | Annual reports to Governor and Legislature, transparency, records of attendance and finances |
| Case Law | Emphasis on transparency, accessibility compliance, and personnel regulations |
Conclusion
The Cmp rules provide the administrative framework to ensure the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium functions effectively as a public educational institution. The Commission’s role is to balance operational management, educational mission, and public accountability.
While case law specifically involving the CMP is limited, broader legal principles about administrative commission transparency, facility accessibility, and personnel policies apply directly to the Commission’s responsibilities.
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