By Guy Page
Bucking the trend of No votes in the wake of the proposed 20% statewide property tax increase, three eastern Vermont school districts approved their 2024-25 school budgets yesterday.
The Blue Mountain Union budget was approved 182-163 Monday, April 15 during Australian ballot voting in Groton, Ryegate, and Wells River, the Journal-Opinion reports today.
The $10,594,007 budget for 2024-2025 is a 9.84% increase over the current year.There is an estimated 19.05% increase in education spending.
Projections show the local homestead tax rate will increase 5.52% for Ryegate; 11.10% for Groton; and 3.87% for Wells River.
Also, Hartford – AKA White River Junction – approved its school budget 728-622 yesterday. And, the First Branch School District, covering Chelsea and Tunbridge in Orange County, also saw its budget approved.
All three districts were voting on the proposed school budget for the first time this year.
Today, April 16, Milton, the Champlain Valley Union SD, Fairfax, Springfield, Mount Abraham Union Middle/High School, Northfield schools, and the Elmore-Morristown school district will revote budgets turned down at Town Meeting on March 5.
Five of the six failed March 5 school budget revotes have also failed: Georgia, South Burlington, St. Johnsbury, NEK East, and Slate Valley. Alburgh approved its revote.
Districts without an approved school budget by July 1 will be allowed to borrow up to 87% of current school funding.