Vermont Senate Considers New School Redistricting Map

Proposed plan would significantly reduce number of school districts statewide

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Vermont Senate is considering a new school district consolidation map that would significantly reduce the number of districts statewide. The early version of the proposed map comes from Bennington County Sen. Seth Bongartz and creates at least 11 school districts, though details on the most populated parts of the state are still unknown. The goal is to cut the state's roughly 110 school districts and 52 supervisory unions in half through voluntary mergers over the next two years, with the State Board of Education able to mandate mergers after that period.

Why it matters

Vermont has long struggled with the challenges of maintaining a large number of small school districts, leading to calls for consolidation to improve efficiency and resource allocation. This proposed redistricting map is the latest effort to address these issues and reshape the state's educational landscape.

The details

The new map proposed by Sen. Bongartz would create at least 11 school districts, a significant reduction from the current 110 districts and 52 supervisory unions. The plan aims to give districts two years to voluntarily merge, after which the State Board of Education could mandate further consolidation.

  • The Vermont Senate is currently considering the proposed map.
  • The plan calls for voluntary mergers over the next two years, with potential state-mandated consolidation after that period.

The players

Seth Bongartz

Bennington County Senator who proposed the new school district consolidation map.

Vermont State Board of Education

The state agency that could mandate school district mergers if voluntary consolidation does not occur within the proposed timeline.

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What they’re saying

“The goal is to give districts the chance to do it themselves, but to have it clear that we're going to get there because this has all been timed for the beginning of the foundation formula, three years.”

— Seth Bongartz, Bennington County Senator (WCAX)

What’s next

The Vermont Senate will continue to consider the proposed school district consolidation map, with the potential for state-mandated mergers if voluntary consolidation does not occur within the next two years.

The takeaway

Vermont's efforts to reshape its educational landscape through school district consolidation highlight the ongoing challenges faced by small, rural states in balancing local control with the need for efficiency and resource optimization in public education.