What has the legislature done?
Evslin: Tale of two districts
Collins: Vermont State College administration fails to engage stakeholders
Current and future students, faculty, staff, and the greater community are left to grapple with the appallingly bad decisions that are being forced upon them.
A letter from poets to the Governor and Vt. Legislature
Recently the State government has chosen to diminish the quality and diversity of Vermont’s educational offerings at our State colleges.
Rutland-Addison voters reject school budget for third time
Voters in the Slate Valley region declined a budget $211,000 less than the Town Meeting budget.
Christian athletes from VT universities huddle at Norwich
About college-aged, student-athletes gathered on this Saturday night to worship together.
Five school districts pass school budgets Tuesday
The Yes votes in three big school districts followed budget cuts of $1 million or more.
Klar: Identity crisis at Middlebury
A backfired effort to cancel John Mead.
Two first-time school budgets pass on floor votes
South Burlington leads the school districts facing failed school budget revotes today.
McGuinness: House committee rejects porn protections for young library users
Rep. Michael Mrowicki, who declined to accept a written copy of VFA’s testimony, stated that public libraries are sacred institutions. VFA told the Committee that families are sacred institutions that no individual, organization, or government entity has a right to undermine.
Sibilia: Looking for state accountability on education spending
State leaders aren’t acknowledging their role exacerbating these challenges while also repeatedly making expenditures out of the education fund without paying.
Senate ponders clothing tax to pay for public schools
The Senate also is reportedly considering taxing clothing purchases of more than $150, raising taxes on sugared drinks, and dipping into reserve funds and tax surpluses to further reduce the property taxes.
Seven districts vote no, four yes in Super Tuesday school budget revote
Seven revised budgets rejected. Four others approved on the second try.
Criticism of ‘3 cue’ teaching removed from reading reform bill
Vermont 4th grade reading scores have been dropping steadily since 2015.
Senate thumbs down on Saunders
Just three Senate Democrats backed the nomination of Gov. Scott’s choice for Secretary of Education.
Evslin: The magical mythical equalized pupil
The Vermont legislature is playing an expensive shell game… and planning worse. The “equalized pupil” is the shell under which the pea is hidden.
Some voters in a ‘yes’ school budget town not notified of vote
A mailing list error appears to be the reason why some voters in Williamstown weren’t notified of the school budget revote – one of only two to pass since 33 school district budgets failed at Town Meeting.
Legislature to ‘no’ school budget voters: Three strikes and you’re out!
“There is something, sort of, you know, that might tend towards anti-democratic about this,” Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, Chair of Ways & Means, admitted.
Painting crew wins big cash prize at UVM new business contest
Painting With Purpose named inaugural winner of Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup, the entrepreneurship funding competition for UVM undergraduate students
Mid-Vermont Christian to VPA: Can we play, too?
Mid Vermont maintains it should not face additional penalties beyond a loss when taking a forfeit based on religious or free speech grounds.
School funding bill with 15-18% property tax hike, two new taxes moves to Senate
“This bill is not a solution, it is only a Band-Aid that won’t even stop the bleed,” Rep. Ashley Bartley (R-Fairfax) said.
Roper: More independent schools and more choice are the property tax solution
So, leftist legislators are, of course, trying to shut them down.
House OKs school funding ‘fix’ with two new taxes, 15-18% property tax hike
Today, the House is likely to approve a new property/cloud/short-term rental tax bill. Tomorrow, Vermonters concerned about out-of-control taxation will descend on the State House.
Voters in two more school districts say No to revised budgets
Voters in one school district rejected their revised budget by a 39-61% margin.
Klar: Being Mr. Greer
What I teach at Christian School….. and why.
Biz on the hook for fixing PCBs in schools
The bill says companies that distribute PCBs must pay for the testing and removal of the chemicals in Vermont’s schools.
Correction: Only TWO districts have re-approved school budgets
Eleven Vermont school districts are lined up for another revised school budget Super Tuesday next week.
House GOP pans new school tax plan, suggests spending cuts
A 15% property tax increase and the creation of two new taxes isn’t the solution to Vermont’s school funding crisis, GOP leaders said Thursday.
New school funding plan creates two new taxes, boosts property tax 15%
Two new taxes and a 15% property tax is the latest House response to the slew of rejected school budgets that one Republican lawmaker calls “an old-fashioned revolt” by taxpayers.
Bullied Cabot schoolgirl has nowhere else to go
“Trauma kids” – including students living in homes where substance abuse is prevalent – are responsible for some of the chaotic conditions in Cabot schools.
Gender indoctrination in Vermont schools
A Study of informed consent for minors.
(Originally published at True North Reports on December 1, 2021.)
Super Tuesday school budget revote results: two yes, six no
Yesterday, six school budget revotes went down to defeat, bringing the total number of twice-rejected budgets to 11 statewide.
Advocates press for Universal Holocaust Education
Can history be taught in Vermont schools without teaching the Holocaust?
Teen entrepreneur wins full ride to UVM with ‘Shark Tank’ style win
UVM’s new ‘Shark Tank’-style competition rewards high school entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities.
As ‘Super Tuesday’ looms, three school budgets pass Monday
SUPER TUESDAY – how voters decide on seven school budgets today could affect educational funding reform coming out of the State House.
A message from incoming Education Secretary Zoie Saunders
“I know that when we come together as a community, our students’ potential is limitless. I look forward to earning – and keeping – your trust.”
Student documentary looks at VTSU library controversy
Five VTSU Castleton students, professor have created a documentary following the controversial, and now rescinded, decision to get rid of all VTSU libraries.
Property tax revolt continues Saturday with another No
Voters in the only interstate school district rejected their school budget Saturday. So did Essex/Westford voters last Tuesday. Revised budgets in six school districts will go before voters on Tuesday.
School funding bill would raise property taxes, with bigger increase for business and renters
What is almost certain about the ‘foundational funding’ bill is the non-homestead rate will be increased to 18.57% while the homestead yield is 15.54%.
Another ‘second-try’ school budget rejected by voters
Yesterday, a Rutland-Addison school district became the latest to see its second-try school budget go down in flames.
Far-left liberal arts school closes its doors after declining enrollment
After more than 80 years of educating Vermonters and those from elsewhere, Goddard College is shutting down.
Lyndon, St J. schools continue taxpayer revolt
School voters in the Northeast Kingdom joined voters in South Burlington and Georgia voting no, for a second time, on proposed school budgets.
Clark hired as superintendent for Randolph area schools
Michael J. Clark will be the permanent replacement for Superintendent Layne Millington, who stepped down after a few rocky incidents in recent years.
Gov. Scott upset over criticism of Education Secretary pick
“Frankly, I’m embarrassed by the message it sends, that a smart, extremely capable professional woman, who has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for kids and addressing inequity for impoverished communities and families, is being villainized simply because of the state she currently lives in.”
Former lawmaker: “drunk uncle Joe” in charge of education spending
“That is essentially like me having my job working five days a week, 9-to-5, whatever else, and my drunk uncle Joe having my checkbook,” Scheuermann said.
Holocaust education workshop draws over 50 teachers from across VT
Educators were provided novel tools and resources to help communicate lessons of history, intolerance with focus on Nazi Germany.
Guv appoints Education secretary
Vermont’s new Secretary of Education comes from Broward County, Florida.
School district promoting political activism with public funds
It calls students to organize “civil resistance” and “establish and maintain a Racial Justice Student Alliance,” in the “Racial Justice: PBL Challenge” class.
Stack: The Vermont Taxpayer Wakes Up!
John and Jane Doe Taxpayer have exited the “complicit” phase and are now entering a more aware/active and, yes, skeptical “show me” phase.
Despathy: Homeschool civics at the State House
These homeschoolers give me hope for the future and I believe they will continue to stay informed.
UVM’s Royall Tyler Theatre turns 50
Governor Scott Declares March 14 ‘Royall Tyler Theatre Day.’
Warner: A warning to Vermont Moms, Part 2
Children are being plucked out of class by administrators and “counselors” who then march them down the path of gender-identity struggle.
31 school & supervisory districts reject Town Meeting budgets
The Washington Central Unified School District (Berlin, Middlesex, Worcester, Calais, and East Montpelier) announced Wednesday night that its budget had failed.
Fired snowboard coach settles lawsuit for $75K
Not only did the fired coach receive 17 times his annual pay, the school establishment admitted he didn’t violate the bullying and hazing policy.
After pushback from education establishment, Senate softens literacy screening
The changes address problems prompted by education officials.
Roper: Vermont’s education property tax system is not broken
Squeezing the taxpayer dry is what it’s designed to do, and it’s working.
VT failing to consider biological reality, Christian school coach tells Fox News
MVCS Coach Chris Goodwin and attorney Ryan Tucker were interviewed on Fox. Jones first turned his attention to a statement put out by the state on the matter.
Legislature passes school tax ‘fix’ – now what?
The situation was so dire that, the Campaign for Vermont reports, a Democratic state senator looking at a $3,000 property tax increase herself said the pre-H.850 property tax would “put people out of their homes.”
Warner: Mid-Vermont girls team headed to championship despite legal battles
This a year after they made international headlines for taking a principled stand against playing a school boasting a biological male athlete, identifying as “trans”, standing nearly 6’3” tall.
Stack: H.850 passes
Unfortunately, it leaves much uncertainty and looks like a real “Show Trial Killer”.
Pelham: It’s okay to vote no on school budgets
Vote no on school budgets and deliver the message that the current entangled and costly system is not OK.
LaMarche: Lavish spending, lackluster results
Vermont’s K-12 system is broken.
Towns may postpone Town Meeting
A bill expected to pass the Legislature this week will allow towns to postpone Town Meeting in hopes of voting on reduced school spending.
VT Headlines: Local school leaders see ‘immense challenges’ in proposed state funding changes
Police say tip from brother averted CVPH mass shooting; Proposal for reining in Vermont’s motel housing costs creates uncertainty, anxiety; Addison County prosecutor takes medical leave while facing DUI charge
Bill eliminating smart devices in Vermont schools hopes to improve student health — but education leaders aren’t so sure
The bill would dramatically limit the use of electronic devices, digital platforms and more in all Vermont schools.
Parents’ group promotes Essex-Westford parental rights petition
SPEAKVT believes EWSD must be reminded that parents do not abandon or relinquish their rights at the schoolhouse door.
School tax hike climbs to 20.5% as lawmakers seek solutions
The looming tax hike, created in part by the Legislature’s attempted “education funding reform,” now sits at 20.5%. Lawmakers are scrambling for a way to reduce that huge tax hit.
Fired Woodstock Coach settles federal lawsuit
Terms will be announced later; doesn’t get job back
Conservative books ‘banned’ from Vermont school libraries
Banning conservative books by non-selection.
Bill requires universal mental health screening in schools
Powerful legislators say ‘hold up there, friend!’ to school boards padding their budgets at the expense of other school districts.
Student praises school choice to Legislature
“I think there’s a misconception that private schools are just for rich, privileged kids,” the eighth grader said.
Five Burlington students named 2024 Presidential Scholars
Five Vermont Presidential Scholars from Burlington were honored at the Vermont State House January 22.
Stack: Vermont’s education-budget sausage grinding continues
The Act 127 & 173 Follies!
Goddard College closes campus, uninhabited residence halls remain
On Tuesday Goddard College in Plainfield formally shut down on-campus programs in favor of an online-only model which is anticipated to last at least a year.
Williams: Opposing H634 means preserving opportunity for our children
Shouldn’t quality, cost, convenience, what’s best for children, and local control be the driving forces behind these decisions — not the legislature?
Conversations about conflict at Burlington High School
Teachers at Burlington High School are facing hard decisions about how to discuss the Israeli-Hamas war in class–or if they should discuss it at all.
School curriculum sides with Palestinians, promotes socialism
Class on social movements and protest requires students to highlight work of Palestinian social movements, no equal time for Jewish, Israeli movements.
Milton High School Board flunks new flagpole for political flags
Milton High is not the only school debating whether to bring down its BLM flag, members of the Champlain Valley School District School Board are considering taking theirs down as well.
Double-digit school tax hike doesn’t include $6.3 billion needed soon to replace old buildings
The estimated cost of upgrading buildings statewide is $6.3 billion over 20 years – and that number may be too optimistic, officials say.
Eshelman: Traditional public school vs. tuitioned school choice
With School Choice Tuitioning there is a choice. In a monopolized traditional public-school format, parents get what they get.
Banned chemicals PCBs found in East Montpelier’s U-32, remediation underway
U-32 Middle and High School in East Montpelier has joined dozens of schools in the state testing positive for the toxins, also called polychlorinated biphenyls.
Burlington school supt. blames 14% tax hike on state ed formula
Burlington schools are in a tight spot financially, and the state’s property valuation formula called the Common Level of Appraisal (CLA) is a big reason why, the superintendent claims.
Silverstein: Selection bias, a trojan horse and a Don Tinney proposal: a financially toxic threesome
Failure to review and reflect on the entirety of all relevant information almost guarantees that the conclusions drawn will be neither justified nor reliable.
17% spending hike for supervisory union goes to vote today
The supervisory union budget is reviewed and approved by the School Board, not the voters.
Beck: What a mess
The annual discussion over Vermont’s Education Fund and wringing of hands over education property tax rates is an unprecedented mess this year, and that’s being kind.
Stack: The broken Vermont education system
The real disaster is the lack of awareness by the participants of the unintended consequences that double digit spending increases wreak on current and potential future community members.
Legislators explain tax impact of new, $99 million school
The pricetag for a new Woodstock middle/high school has risen to $99M, local officials learned.
Cops seek Bradford school vandal/ Newspaper that lost 90% advertising during Covid reorganizes
The newspaper, founded in 1889, has overcome some daunting challenges in the past few years, It lost 90% of its advertising revenue at the outset of COVID-19 and suspended its print edition.
State college profs, staff, students claim mismanagement, seek lawmakers’ review
Lack of accountability, program changes and staff eliminations continue despite the Legislature’s $200 million cash infusion.
COVID-19 pandemic linked to lower educational aspirations in Vermont high schoolers
After the pandemic, high school students are less interested in attending college. And parents are less motivated to urge them to pursue more education, VSAC said.
Eshelman: Authoritarian public school monopoly can’t handle parental rights challenges
The fight for liberty is on.
Miro, UVM reach new student housing agreement
The new MOU would commit UVM to providing 1.5 beds per undergraduate student enrolled above fall 2023 level; City to up-zone three campus parcels at Trinity, East Ave, and the Waterman block
School board closes elementary school after parents’ lawsuit over poor education
Things got so bad at Windham Elementary that parents sued. Last night, the school board closed the school.
SPEAKVT urges feds to oppose anti-semitism in public schools
A coalition of 36 parent organizations, including SPEAKVT, sent a letter to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona expressing concerns with anti-semitism in K-12 schools.
FIRE: UPenn president signals misguided willingness to abandon free speech
Penn’s policies have been guided by the Constitution and the law – but that’s about to change, the university president said.
MacDonald: So, Vermont discriminates against its college students, too?
A group called Campus Voter Project is encouraging out-of-state college students to vote in the college town in which they happen to be on election day.
Districts grapple with new ed funding law
Tiny Blue Mountain Union High School in Wells River and Winooski High School may benefit from the state’s new education funding law.
Burlington high school principal resigns over pulled fire alarm, public opinions mixed
A Burlington school principal has been expelled, permanently, from her job after pulling a fire alarm to stop a school fight.
Hinesburg school administrator wouldn’t let police search playground area where gun was found
School officials were concerned the cops would scare or disturb the kindergarteners. A 35 gram bag of cocaine was found there after the police chief insisted on the search.
Essex school board rejects Detransition Day
On a book opposing gender transition, the Essex -Westford School Board seems to be practicing some subjective censorship of its own.
Projected 18.5% property tax increase driven by increased school spending, Scott admin says
“I understand that this will not be welcome news for Vermonters,” said Commissioner Bolio, “This forecast predicts an unprecedented property tax increase next year, with very real financial impacts at a time Vermonters are already struggling to pay for housing.”
