### Education Plan Revealed by Administration Targets 5 School Districts in Vermont – VTDigger
State officials in Vermont have recently disclosed the details of Governor Phil Scott’s ambitious education proposal. This groundbreaking plan aims to revolutionize the state’s education system by streamlining numerous school districts into only five and implementing a foundation formula. The announcement was made on Wednesday in Montpelier, where Zoie Saunders, Vermont’s secretary of education, emphasized the magnitude of the proposed changes. “We know that the work that we’re describing here is going to be really challenging,” Saunders stated, urging the community to unite in embracing this bold endeavor.
#### **Unveiling the Proposal**
Governor Scott initially hinted at this progressive proposal during his inaugural address earlier this month, highlighting a shift towards a foundation formula and restructuring of school governance. The foundation formula entails providing districts with a predetermined amount of funding per student, although the exact figure remains undisclosed. Saunders assured that this base payment would be notably generous compared to national averages. Craig Bolio, Vermont’s tax commissioner, reinforced the necessity for such reforms, citing the current system’s lack of financial incentives and complexity.
#### **Revolutionizing School Districts**
Under this proposed plan, the conventional concept of “supervisory unions” would be replaced by five regional districts, namely the Champlain Valley region, Winooski Valley region, Northeast region, Southwest region, and Southeast region. Each district is projected to accommodate around 10,000-15,000 students, with the exception of the Champlain Valley district, expected to enroll approximately 34,000 students. These districts would house a network of “regional comprehensive high schools, central middle schools, local elementaries,” as outlined in official documents.
#### **Empowering Local Voices**
To address concerns about diminished local control, the plan advocates for the establishment of “school advisory councils.” Comprising caregivers, educators, and students, these councils would play a pivotal role in budget development and strategic planning, aiming to foster community engagement and ensure diverse perspectives are considered. Additionally, the proposed districts would feature part-time elected school board members who would receive compensation for their service, marking a significant shift in administrative structure.
#### **Moving Forward**
Despite the complexity and scale of this transformative proposal, Vermont officials are optimistic about the positive impact it could have on the state’s educational landscape. As the plan continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the future of Vermont’s education system. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
