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By Speaker Jill Krowinski
Each legislative biennium begins with a range of issues that need to be addressed – some are straightforward, while others are extremely complex. Many are brand new, while others are perennial topics. This session is no different as we take on the work to address the pressing challenges in our state.
One challenge has risen above all others: the state of our public education system.
Right now, our students do not have equal access to educational opportunities. Rising property taxes are straining families. Schools are navigating the difficulties of declining enrollment. Teachers are balancing the complexities of educating in a post-COVID environment. I’ve been meeting with teachers, students, and administrators across the state listening to their stories of resiliency and creativity, but also of strain and uncertainty. Educators have shared their concerns of resources stretched far too thin, students have expressed their hopes for a more enriching learning experience, and administrators have spoken about the need for long-term solutions to ensure sustainability within their schools.
One thing is clear: Vermonters in every corner of the state are eager for solutions that create stability, fairness and opportunity.
There are a wide range of opinions on how we should move forward, but to successfully transform our public education system, we must look at the system as a whole – success cannot be achieved in silos. A strong public education system is fundamental to a thriving democracy and economy. We must stay true to our values and avoid policies –like a statewide voucher system or expanded school choice program – that will further erode educational opportunities and deepen inequities. It will take all of us working together, through robust debate and compromise, to find a solution that supports the future of all Vermont kids.
It will take all of us to ensure that every child – no matter where they live – has access to an excellent public education. It will take all of us to build a funding system that is affordable, sustainable, and reflects the needs of our communities. It will take all of us to put aside preconceived notions, listen to one another, and engage in real problem-solving.
There are no easy answers or quick solutions, and the legislation we pass this year will be implemented over the next few years. History shows that we can do hard things when we work together, and as legislators, it’s what Vermonters have entrusted us to do. As we navigate this biennium, we are prepared to bring that same focus, perseverance, and collaboration to tackle the issues before us.
Throughout it all, we will remember that every decision we make impacts the lives of Vermonters and the future of our public education system. Ensuring kids have the opportunity to a high-quality education, with access to the arts, sports, and career and technical programs, is critical to supporting the success of the next generation. Ensuring our teachers have the resources they need to uplift students and families have the peace of mind that their kids are in healthy schools is foundational to growing thriving communities in all fourteen counties.
We will listen, engage in tough conversations, and seek out common ground. I know we can rise to the occasion and pass legislation that delivers a high-quality public education to every student that Vermonters can afford.
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Categories: Commentary, Education, State Government
Re: “We must stay true to our values and avoid policies –like a statewide voucher system or expanded school choice program –”
‘Our values’??? What a crock of BS!
If Krowinski’s and Baruth’s single focus on this concerted dismissal of the one education reform that has any hope of lowering taxes and improving student outcomes doesn’t demonstrate their corrupt, special interest laden, ‘deep state’ dysphoria, nothing will. It’s a racket. And they WILL bankrupt us. Meanwhile, taxpayers and our children will continue to suffer while these ne’er-do-wells feather their own nests. Where is their honor? Where is our honor when we let them get away with it?
“Our values” includes the values of those who don’t agree with us.
Funny thing, Mr. Page. Ms. Krowinski didn’t say that.
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”
Personally I can not trust anybody (like Ms. Krowinski) that has been in office long enough to be part of the problem. Term limits !
Jill produces a whole lotta words that day nothing. Reminds me of a former Presidential candidate. One thing she states clearly is that school choice will not be considered. Meanwhile their “robust” conversations, which will only serve to strengthen state control, are funded by us taxpayers.
I’d like to re-imagine a legislative body with a robust understanding of our founding documents that is committed to their oath of serving the people, unburdened by these Marxist wackos.
100 percent agreed!!
“It takes all of us” was also on NFL helmets (and endzones, I seem to recall) during the plandemic.
Think of some of the definitions of “take”. The Grim Reaper TAKES. Get your NLP ears on and hear what they say.
What an astute observation!
This is more impassioned discussion about the problematic public schooling business. It’s failed by any measure you observe. It need not continue as a subsidized government business. We could give it back to the citizens to pursue their kids’ education as they see fit.
The failure of the school system occurred on the democrat’s super majority rulership. Now all of a sudden, they are claiming how bad the system has deteriorated. What a joke.
We have to be wiser than snakes and more innocent than doves, by the fruit you shall know the tree. She said nothing, while picking the pockets of every Vermonter, more taxes coming soon!
Go with Trump and Musk…eliminate the Dept of Education both nationally and state wide like Vermont…let us determine curriculum locally. The Feds are frauds and fabricators…always have been….come on, Vermont, we need to control our schools.
OK, only an idiot spouts this garbage. But you can always tell a Democrat: they double down on stupid. When school choice is in the conversation, its because the current model is so broken that parents feel they have to step in, and do what the school system cannot. So get the hell out of the way, and let parents take over.
The legislators and statewide organizations leading the vanguard on this front are
leaders of the Blob that several years ago shoved Act 46 down our throats, meant to “provide equitable opportunity” at a “cost taxpayers and citizens will support”.
And how has that worked out?
So happy to see at least a few of my fellow Vermonters know their history.
“…Educators have shared their concerns of resources stretched far too thin, students have expressed their hopes for a more enriching learning experience, and administrators have spoken about the need for long-term solutions to ensure sustainability within their schools.” she noted.
If VT already spends so much more per student, where did all the extra cash go?
To “enrich” learning, teach useful stuff like reading and writing and ‘rithmetic. Those were once taught, back when our students ranked much better.
Administrators wish to ensure “sustainability?” Read that to mean: “Keep our jobs. Raise taxes.”
Cancel the “Current Use” (use value appraisal) program.
Canceling it will solve the problem of out of state land hoarders and canceling it will solve the problem of the rest of us subsidizing them.
Send the Vermont state house cave monkeys some bananas to keep up their strength as it is a tough job to solve all of these problems. Wonder when they will give up their free food card????
What did she even say? Sounded a bit like a Kamala Harris campaign platitude salad.
One thing I do know: I would never in a billion years trust this woman to make any decisions about the welfare of our children based on the fact that she was part of the largest eugenicist and murderous organization in the United States, Planned Parenthood.
You can’t pretend to rah-rah for the best for our kids while advancing policies which butcher women, rip preborn babies limb from limb in their mama’s wombs, and then sell their body parts for money under the guise of “research.”
Nope, I don’t believe her.