by VDC staff

Campaign for Vermont Prosperity (CFV) says the state could save between $291 and $334 million a year by changing how education services are delivered.

In a dramatic departure from previous public school reorganization discussions, the Act 73 Task Force voted on Monday to advance a similar Education Service Agencies (ESA) model as their recommendation to the Legislature. The task force plan extends the school reorganization plan to 10 years and says the State of Vermont should seek to ‘incentivize’ voluntary school mergers and support new, regional high schools.

A new CFV report, Finding Savings Through Shared Services in Vermont Schools, explains how most states use ESAs to share programs and costs among smaller school districts. Vermont’s 52 Supervisory Unions, which serve 119 districts, perform similar roles but are not organized for efficiency, CFV says.

The report proposes consolidating those unions into about 15 regional ESAs, aligned with technical education centers, to manage shared services such as special education, transportation, IT, and professional development.

“In other states, ESAs expand access to programs that small districts can’t afford alone,” said CFV Executive Director Ben Kinsley. “This model could both save money and broaden opportunities for students.”

CFV President Pat McDonald, a former Deputy Secretary of Education, said the plan “shows us a pathway” toward a more efficient and equitable system.

The full CFV report is available at CampaignForVermont.org.

Vermont grads earn loan aid for staying in-state

The Green Mountain Job Retention Program has awarded $845,000 in student loan stipends to 169 Vermont college grads who pledged to live and work in the state for two years. Nearly half attended UVM. The program, run by the state, UVM, and VSAC, offers up to $5,000 to help retain young workers in an aging state.

Nuclear panel to hear from California expert

Vermont’s Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel will meet online Monday, Nov. 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Guest speaker Dan Stetson, chair of California’s San Onofre decommissioning panel, will discuss efforts to move spent nuclear fuel offsite. Public comments can be emailed to PSD.NDCAP@vermont.gov.

Scott to attend New England–Canada summit

Governor Phil Scott will join the 46th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers on Monday, Nov. 17, in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Leaders will discuss regional cooperation on economic and environmental issues.

Rutland GOP plans veterans celebration

The Rutland County Republican Committee will host a Veterans Appreciation Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m. at the Italian Aid Society in Center Rutland. Speakers include Col. Sherman Hunt, Capt. David Weeks, and Sgt. Erynn Lewis.