This week we received the broad strokes of Governor Scott's plan to transform Vermont's education system. It is undoubtedly the boldest policy proposal he has ever put forward; doing away with local control and 52 supervisory unions and consolidating our 119 school districts down to 5.
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It is still unclear what this means for our highest-in-the-nation staffing ratios, but more details are promised next week. We also expect details on the revised funding system to be delivered at the same time. What we do know so far is that the state would return to a foundation formula (like most other states use) that provides a "generous" per pupil education payment to local schools. This payment is supposed to cover the cost of an adequate education. Schools can choose to spend above this amount, but it would increase their local tax rate.
The most recent study looking at what level of base per-pupil spending would be adequate was released this past fall and identified $400M in cost savings. We would assume that the Governor's plan would be similar to this proposal. Again, we should have more details next week and the administration has promised to provide legislative language the first week in February. In the meantime, we've compiled an analysis of what we know so far.
This week one of our Advisory Council members challenged a narrative from the state teacher's union that “We’re not spending too much money on education. We’re having a difficult time funding it.” The reality is that spending has increased nearly 27% in the last three years alone, pushing our per student costs to $26,970. This is well above the national average and second only to New York. See the full letter from Mill Moore below.
Otherwise, committees this week were mostly getting caught up to speed and bills are still being introduced. One bill that is of some concern (H.1) would roll back parts of the ethics bill that passed last year. We will be watching this one closely. Another short form bill (H.37) proposes consolidating school districts around our career and technical education centers. This is somewhat similar to a proposal we offered in 2014. Companion bills to ban cell phones in schools (H.54 and S.21) have also been introduced in the House and Senate.
On behalf of Vermonters,
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Quote of the Week:“I think it's really critical for us as adults to really focus on these big Solutions so we can amplify the Little voices and make sure that we're making decisions that are really centered on our students. So I ask you to join us so we can be bold together because our students are counting on us.” |
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