Montpelier, Vermont, August 25, 2025

News Summary

The Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont has unanimously agreed to engage communities in decisions regarding school closures, proposing a period of 1 to 18 months for community input before any closures take place. Established by the Vermont Legislature, the Commission emphasizes a proactive approach over retrospective decision-making. Members, including Education Secretary and local representatives, highlighted principles such as a student-centered focus and transparency. The next meeting will focus on equitable budgeting and community involvement in school funding decisions.

Montpelier, Vermont: Commission Advocates for Inclusive School Closure Decision Making

Members of the Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont have reached a consensus to involve communities in local school closure decisions with a proposed engagement period ranging from 1 to 18 months before any closure occurs. This decision was made during their meeting held on August 18, 2023.

The Commission was established by the Vermont Legislature. Its role is to create a comprehensive plan addressing various aspects of public school funding, district operations, and organization, which also includes guidance regarding school closures. In tandem with the Commission, the legislature set up the School District Redistricting Task Force tasked with recommending new boundaries for school districts.

The members of the Commission, which includes Education Secretary Zoie Saunders as well as local representatives such as Chair Jay Nichols and other stakeholders, emphasized the necessity for early engagement with communities regarding school closures. This proactive approach is favored over retrospective discussions that take place after closure decisions have been finalized.

John Castle expressed concern regarding the closing of small, rural schools, emphasizing that such significant decisions should not be made by a select few. Instead, he advocated for community forums to foster inclusive discussions about potential closures. Secretary Saunders articulated key principles for the decision-making process, which include maintaining a student-centered focus, ensuring communities are informed early on, promoting transparency, and avoiding decisions made in a state of emergency.

The Commission members reiterated the importance of community outreach to prevent unexpected decisions imposed by the legislature on the affected communities. Chair Jay Nichols acknowledged that public discussion is essential early in the process, but cautioned against limiting the board’s final decision-making power.

Additionally, member Jennifer Deck Samuelson proposed a multi-layered voting approach where both town and district levels would have different thresholds governing school closures. This innovative approach aims to ensure that community voices are heard and considered throughout the decision-making process.

The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled for September 8, 2023, to take place at Folsom School in South Hero. This meeting is expected to focus on equitable budgeting practices and increased community involvement in school funding decisions.

Background Context

The discussions and recommendations arising from the Commission are critical in light of evolving educational needs across Vermont. The legislative action aimed at creating this Commission stems from growing concerns regarding the viability of small, rural schools and their place within a broader educational framework. Understanding these dynamics and involving the community in decisions is seen as vital for maintaining the integrity and accessibility of public education in the state.

Key Features from the Commission’s Discussions

• Proposed Community Involvement Period: 1 to 18 months prior to closure decisions.
• Inclusivity: Emphasis on involving communities before making decisions.
• Principles for Decision-Making: Student-centered focus, early information dissemination, transparency, no emergency-state decisions.
• Multi-Layered Voting: Different thresholds for closure at town and district levels proposed.

FAQ

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Additional Resources

• NBC 5: Copley Hospital Closing Birthing Center
• Wikipedia: Public Education in Vermont
• VTCNG: New Crisis Pregnancy Center Draws Concern
• Google Search: School Closure Decisions Vermont
• Vermont Daily Chronicle: Banned Writer Accuses Front Porch Forum
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education

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