Revolutionizing Education: Administration Officials Launch New Plan Targeting 5 Key School Districts Across the State – VTDigger

MONTPELIER— Governor Phil Scott recently shared a major education proposal that aims to reshape Vermont’s school system. The plan suggests cutting the number of school districts from many down to just five. This change also includes introducing a foundation funding formula.

Vermont’s education secretary, Zoie Saunders, acknowledged that this work will be tough but encouraged collaboration for the journey ahead. She emphasized that the foundation formula would mean each district gets a basic amount of money for every student, although the exact figures weren’t disclosed. However, she described it as “very generous” compared to funding in other states.

Current funding for schools lacks encouragement for districts to save money and tends to be confusing. Craig Bolio, Vermont’s tax commissioner, noted that a simpler system is necessary.

The proposed structure suggests five main regions: Champlain Valley, Winooski Valley, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast. Each region would serve approximately 10,000-15,000 students, except the Champlain Valley, which could serve around 34,000 students.

Under this new plan, Vermont would eliminate its existing supervisory unions, which currently manage multiple districts. The plan introduces regional comprehensive high schools, centralized middle schools, and local elementary schools.

School board members in the new districts would be part-time and compensated. To maintain local input, the proposal includes “school advisory councils” made up of parents, teachers, and students. These councils would have a voice in budget plans and overall strategy.

This initiative aims to streamline school governance while attempting to improve education in Vermont. As discussions move forward, updates will be provided on how this plan develops.