Vermont lawmakers are weighing changes to the state’s pre-K system that could reshape access to early education, child care stability, and school funding. While proposals aim to expand services for 4-year-olds, officials warn that shifting
A little-noticed legislative study may reopen a long-dormant question in Vermont: should counties play a larger role in how the state is governed? Created by Act 118 in 2024, the County and Regional Governance Study Committee is examining w
The Otter Valley Unified Union Board declined to reverse its decision to relocate Caverly Preschool, despite a 6–4 vote in favor of keeping the program in Pittsford and overwhelming public opposition. Board rules required seven votes, leavi
Vermont’s new land-use framework is reshaping the state’s economy, not just its maps. By concentrating growth into a narrow footprint, pressuring towns to opt in or face higher regulatory costs, and advancing land-use designations before al
The OVUU school board declined to reverse January votes relocating preschool programs affecting Caverly Preschool in Pittsford and Otter Creek Academy in Whiting, following significant public pushback. Board members debated Open Meeting Law
At its Jan. 6 meeting, the Otter Valley Unified Union school board voted to move programs out of Whiting and Caverly schools, actions that would end their operation as schools. The votes were not listed on the posted agenda, leaving the pub
Vermont's special education funding gap reveals a broken promise: Congress pledged 40% federal support in 1975 but delivers only 7-10%. Property taxpayers cover the rest—$8.5 million in Rutland Northeast alone. Worse, schools can't bill pri
Vermont funds its schools through a single statewide Education Fund, not separate town systems. Local voters approve school budgets each March, and the Legislature later adjusts statewide property tax and other revenues so the Education Fun
RNESU approved its FY27 budget at a 2 PM “retreat” the same day the Rutland Herald listed the meeting for 5 PM, raising open meeting law questions. Behind the time confusion is a bigger problem: Vermont’s school finance system pushes boards
Vermont’s fiscal pressures extend far beyond education funding. Housing scarcity, healthcare costs, workforce readiness, regulation, and demographic decline are compounding in ways that no single policy fix can resolve. Part 2 continues the
Vermont’s education funding crisis is not the result of a single law or a broken formula. It is the visible collision point of decades of policy decisions that constrained growth, increased costs, and expanded obligations without regard for
Vermont’s education funding model has become a costly, complex system that’s spiraled into inefficiency. Despite high per-pupil spending, the benefits for students and teachers often seem limited. To address this, lawmakers would need to be
