Vermont Education Reform Talks Stall at Midpoint

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With half the legislative session already passed, Vermont lawmakers have yet to reach an agreement on a major education reform package. Key sticking points include where to draw new school district boundary lines, the role of school choice vouchers, and how to fund new school construction. While some lawmakers want to slow down the reform process, others argue that action is necessary to address the state's education funding challenges and ensure quality education for students.

Why it matters

Education reform is a critical issue in Vermont, as the state grapples with the costs of maintaining its current education system and ensuring students receive a high-quality education. The inability of lawmakers to reach consensus on these reforms could have significant implications for the future of Vermont's schools and the quality of education provided to students across the state.

The details

House Speaker Jill Krowinski said she remains committed to the framework of Act 73 and school district consolidation, despite a divided chamber. Before Town Meeting Day, Krowinski commissioned a memo from legislative economists showing it would take nearly half a billion dollars to buy down property taxes over the next three years if nothing changes. Governor Phil Scott said he and legislative leaders are aligned, but that rank-and-file lawmakers will also have to make difficult decisions. A sizeable number of lawmakers do not believe consolidation will save money or improve outcomes and are instead calling for voluntary mergers and a new model allowing districts to share services.

• The Vermont legislative session is roughly halfway complete.
• Town Meeting Day occurred prior to the current legislative session.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Lawmakers will need to continue negotiating and compromising in order to reach an agreement on the education reform package before the legislative session ends.