The U.S. Secretary of Education will visit elementary school vaccination clinics in Burlington today.
VSBA raps national board’s knuckles over ‘domestic terrorists’ letter
The VT School Board Association stated yesterday its unhappiness with the national group’s letter suggesting that upset parents are domestic terrorists.
Vermont not among school board associations distancing themselves from national group
After the National School Boards Association sent a letter to President Biden labeling parents as domestic terrorists, more than half of state school boards – but not Vermont’s – have distanced themselves from the association.
Denying parental access to curriculum may violate federal law
Denying parents access to curriculum violates federal law.
Showing classroom curriculum to parents ‘can’t be done,’ Essex superintendent says
New teaching methods make it impossible to provide classroom curricula to interested parents, the Essex-Westford School District superintendent says.
Lowell mom in mask dispute seeks support at school board meeting
The mom who faced arrest or loss of custody of her child over the school masking policy wants support at the Nov. 15 Lowell Graded School board meeting.
Lowell parents threatened with arrest, child custody loss during mask dispute
Having a doctor’s note wasn’t enough – either they leave with their mask-free second grader, of face arrest or loss of custody, a state trooper told two Lowell parents.
1800 jobs unfilled in Vermont schools; home-schooling at all-time high
Vermont’s teacher and substitute shortage is going from bad to worse.
Harwood voters deny $60 million school bond by huge margin
Harwood Union School District’s $59.5 million bond proposal failed 2,599 to 975.
Congressman Peter Welch hopes fed $$$ can help build new Burlington High
Congressman Peter Welch addresses aging schools and the proposed $1 trillion infrastructure bill on a visit to Burlington High School.
Bennington elementary school shelters in place after racial slur
Bennington elementary school administrators last week ordered a Shelter in Place in response to a student uttering a racial slur.
UVM freezes tuition for fourth straight year
UVM Board approves President Suresh Garimella’s plan to extend the University’s tuition freeze for the fourth consecutive year.
Controversial “Gender Queer” book in circulation at Essex High School library
A controversial graphic novel featuring explicit drawings of gay sex is in circulation at Essex High School.
VT Fish & Wildlife teaches ‘scats and tracks’ for young students
Vermont Fish and Wildlife is offering a virtual program for elementary school classes designed to get kids outside with their teacher and learn about Vermont’s local wildlife.
Waterbury school name changed because namesake owned slaves
The Thatcher of Thatcher Brook Primary School in Waterbury was discovered to be a slave owner. Time for a name change.
All schools must stay masked until January 18
Masking will remain in all Vermont public schools until January 18.
Conflict of interest in NEK ‘equity’ instruction?
Members of the board of directors of school ‘equity’ contractors are also on local school boards awarding contracts. Conflict of interest?
Young socialist admits socialism hasn’t worked anywhere
The misery of American Indians is due in part to the federal government imposing socialism on native peoples, Charlie Kirk tells a UVM socialist.
No sexual identity in sex ed, Agency of Ed advises teachers
Don’t use the words ‘boy’ or ‘girl’ in sex ed. Girls are ‘people with uteruses.’ It’s all in the public school guidelines, thoughtfully provided by Outright Vermont and Planned Parenthood.
Essex school board chair resigns, replacement sought
The chair of the Essex-Westford school board – now living in Grand Isle County – has resigned. The board will select a replacement to serve until April.
Violence in Vermont classroom not isolated incident
To some Vermonters, the well-publicized incident of a seven-year-old trashing a classroom and terrorizing fellow students illustrates the need for school choice.
UVM sets enrollment record
UVM kept prices down and added customer value. Business is booming.
Vermont parents feel threatened by FBI investigation
Some Vermonters are standing up to the threats of a weaponized U.S. Department of Justice. Others aren’t.
Schools don’t need parental OK to know student vax status
Parental permission is NOT required for schools to learn about students ‘ vax status, Essex parents learned Tuesday night.
UVM supercomputer to study climate, ‘online misinformation’
A huge, new gob of data will help researchers using the UVM supercomputer study climate change and “the spread of online misinformation,” UVM said Sept. 27.
Ashamed of eugenics, Middlebury College changes name of chapel
A former governor and major Middlebury College donor will have his name stricken from the school chapel, due to his strong advocacy for Vermont eugenics legislation in 1914. Better late than never!
BLM flag pushback: and then there were four
Three more Essex-Westford school board members are now on record opposing flying the BLM flag on school property. Two board members supporting the flag are up for election next spring.
Pro-CRT school board chair moves, won’t resign
The pro-CRT school board chair in Essex won’t resign even though she no longer lives in town.
UVM freezes tuition 4th straight year
UVM’s president wants to freeze tution for the fourth straight year and raise $$ to help low-income students.
Newport store owner: Mask-free daughter kept alone in room with no windows or teacher
A mask-free girl is being kept in guidance counselor’s room with no peers, teacher or window.
Hardwick principal backs ‘choice’ of burning American flag
Hardwick’s new high school principal yesterday compared burning the American flag with other forms of protest. Offended parents and students want an apology.
Parents against mandates free to home school, ‘find another school,’ Scott says
“I think there is personal liberty,” Scott said at this week’s press conference. “The parents don’t have to send their kids to school. There’s home schooling. They can find another school.”
11-year-old mask resister faces down Burlington school leaders
Felix Hume says students don’t bully him about not wearing a mask – just the grown-ups.
Public schools paying religious school tuition
An estimated 20-25 students enrolled in Vermont Catholic religious schools are having their tuition paid by their local “tuitioning town” school districts.
Extra back-to-school cash dispensed to needy families
Federal pandemic $$ goes for back-to-school cash for needy families.
Citizen, school superintendent exchange re: BLM
A Barre resident asked the local school superintendent about Black Lives Matter curriculum, teacher training, and materials on display.
BLM flag will still fly when school starts
The BLM flag will continue to fly when Essex schools open – contrary to the original agreement.
What’s in the Secretary of State’s ‘new’ civics?
What version of civics education will the Vermont Secretary of State’s office produce?
State says unvaxed should wear masks in school
After the first few weeks, students and staff at schools with 80% or more eligible students vaccinated won’t need to wear masks – except for the unvaccinated.
Black critic of CRT to speak in Bennington, Montpelier
Coming to Vermont August 5-7 is K. Carl Smith, retired U.S. Army officer and nationally recognized author, speaker and the creator of the Frederick Douglass Republican Engagement Strategy.
Levine leaning toward masking students this fall
More details are expected next week, but Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine seems to favor masking Vermont public school children this fall.
CRT/Equity Townhall 7/30 in Brattleboro
Friday, July 30 at 6:30 pm four speakers will take to the stage at The Whetstone Church in Brattleboro for a two hours discussion on Critical Race Theory/Equity.
School choice at last! New Hampshire pays tuition to private schools
Across the Connecticut River, state tuition may now go to private schools. What’s stopping Vermont?
CRT ‘pernicious,’ UVM Prof says
CRT forces people to define themselves as either a good person or “some unhuman composite,” UVM Prof. Aaron Kindsvatter claimed.
UVM mandates ’emergency use’ Covid vax for all students
Without waiting for final FDA approval, the University of Vermont will require all students to be vaccinated for Covid-19.
Johnson to join Metaxas, Chang in Vermont Sept. 10-11 re: Chinese Communist Party
Popular podcaster Will Johnson will join China expert Gordon Chang and radio host/biographer Eric Metaxas in Vermont September 10-11 to educate Vermonters about the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Orleans equity consultants deny teaching white shame
Do Orleans teachers carefully distinguish between white skin color and the academic concept of Whiteness? Are teenaged students understanding it and accepting it without shame?
Headline corrected!!
NEA rejects mandatory k-12 vax, masking; endorses CRT
At its annual meeting last week, the parent organization of one of Vermont’s most influential unions rejected a school vax and mask mandate, but backed CRT.
UVM athletes can earn $$ for name, autograph, appearances
It is now permissible for UVM student-athletes to earn money from the use of their name, image and likeness.
Teachers’ union ponders K-12 vax mandate
The parent organization of the Vermont NEA – the state teachers’ union – is considering mandatory vaccination of all students and staff before face-to-face instruction begins this fall.
CRT Townhalls planned across Vermont
6:30 pm, the Vermont for Vermonters Initiative will host a public Townhall Informational in Brattleboro on “Critical Race Theory/Equity” with four speakers and a Q&A session.
CRT info night coming to St. Albans
“Vermonters for Vermont” Initiative will bring an informational presentation on Critical Race Theory to St. Albans City Hall Friday, July 16 at 6:30 pm.
Barre vote tonight on school ‘equity’ policy
The Barre Unified School District plans to take action tonight on a proposed district equity policy at a meeting beginning at 5:30 pm. The public is welcome to attend and comment.
Colchester continues to fly BLM flag
ted 4-1 Tuesday night to continue to fly the Black Lives Matter flag at town schools. But first it heard Colchester resident and educator Genna Barnaby explain why doing so violates flag protocol and policy. She also recommends a new flag to honor civil rights and the end of slavery.
Keep BLM flag flying in Colchester?
The Colchester School District has planned a special meeting this Tuesday, June 22 at 7 pm in the Colchester High School Library -in person! – in order to discuss when to remove or take down the currently-flying flag that represents the organization, “Black Lives Matter.”
Apply now for seat on State Board of Education
Governor Phil Scott is seeking applications for an opening on the State Board of Education.
Essex school board votes 8-1 for ‘equity,’ Rutland CRT meeting tonight
Vermonters for Vermont Initiative (V4V) will host a public Townhall Informational on public school’s teaching of Critical Race Theory, better known as equity, in the the classroom.
UVM defends student-only vax mandate
The University of Vermont this fall will require vaccination of all students – but not faculty and staff – because students live in closer quarters and belong to an age group with lower vaccination rates.
Since Brigham: school funding has doubled, staff up 17%; enrollment down 20%
By John McClaughry In 1996 the Vermont Supreme Court issued the Brigham Decision, which required that there be “substantially equal education tax resources in every district.” (Note: It does not guarantee equal spending […]
Troy school will use ‘restorative justice’ techniques to reduce truancy
A Northeast Kingdom school will use ‘restorative justice’ – style interventions to reduce truancy.
School ‘equity and inclusion’ bill awaits guv’s decision
A bill passed by the Vermont Legislature and awaiting the governor’s signature provides more funding and statutory empowerment for equity and diversity in schools and state libraries.
CRT concern spreads to Rutland
The “Vermonters for Vermont” Initiative will be hosting a Town Hall Informational on the Teaching of Critical Race Theory in our public schools Wednesday, June 16 at 6:30 pm in the Vermont Building at at the Vermont State Fairgrounds in Rutland.
New video covers Friday’s CRT ‘town hall’ in Essex
Video production company Rebirth The Media has filmed and produced a 48-minute video of Friday night’s Town Hall Meeting in Essex on Critical Race Theory.
‘Great Parent Revolution’ in Essex hears opponents of Critical Race Theory
More than 100 concerned citizens – a local expression of what conservative commentator Dan Bongino calls “The Great Parent Revolution” – gathered to hear opponents of Critical Race Theory in the Essex School District speak at the Essex Grange Hall Friday night, May 28.
Critical Race Theory topic at Essex Town Hall meeting tonight
The influence of Critical Race Theory (CRT) will be the topic of a Town Hall meeting to be held 6:30 tonight at the Grange building on Rte. 15 in Essex Town.
Trending in Vermont schools: choice lawsuits, vaccination, Critical Race Theory, school cops, expulsions, etc.
Today, Bill Sayre and I will discuss news about Vermont education on Common Sense Radio at 11 am on WDEV. You are encouraged to call in (244-1777, 244-1776) and ask questions/express opinions. Here are a few hot trends we’ll discuss.
No Critical Race Theory curriculum here, Essex superintendent claims
Just two weeks after the Essex diversity director called Critical Race Theory (CRT) an “important aspect” of its equity and inclusion program, the school superintendent denied it the district has a CRT curriculum. However, an analysis of the school budget suggests otherwise.
Essex school district won’t pursue Liz Cady ‘conflict of interest’
The Essex-Westford School District Monday night declined to pursue allegations of ‘conflict of interest’ made by two citizens against Liz Cady, who was elected to the board in March after running on a platform of school choice and inquiry about the district’s ‘racial equity’ program.
McClaughry: three lawsuits that will change Vermont education
In three lawsuits currently in process, plaintiff parents ask that public funds follow their children to the school of their choice.
Cady faces ‘Conflict of Interest’ complaint tonight
The Essex Westford School District Board will hold a special meeting via Zoom on 6:30 pm Monday, May 17 to discuss a Conflict of Interest complaint brought against School Board Member Liz Cady because she questions the district’s ‘racial equity’ program.
Middlebury College joins must-vax club
Norwich University, Bennington College, Champlain College, and St. Michaels College will require students to receive the Covid-19 vaccination as a condition of enrollment for the fall, 2021 semester.
Klar on Cady: CRT proponents oppose dissent
Cady’s case is instructive of the coercive pressure exerted by CRT radicals against those who dare question the hasty implementation of this novel, race-based “theory.”
ACLU wants to stop Medicaid school police funding
The ACLU and the Disability Law Project of Vermont Legal Aid want the Vermont Agency of Education to stop letting school districts fund school police with Medicaid reimbursements.
Critical Race Theory “important aspect” at Essex schools
The Essex – Westford School District views controversial Critical Race Theory as an “important aspect” in its racial equity program, Erin Maguire, the district’s Director of Equity and Inclusion, said at a May 4 school board meeting.
Drive-through diplomas again this year in Charlotte
Not everyone’s happy with Charlotte Central School holding drive-through graduation ceremonies – again.
Vermont one of two states needing Special Ed intervention
The US Department of Education (USDE) recently found that Vermont is one of only two states which “needs intervention in implementing the requirements of Part B Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).” This shatters the myth that Vermont offers disabled students a superior education.
School districts must pay religious school tuition
The Vermont State Board of Education yesterday ordered four Vermont school districts to pay the tuition of four students attending religious schools.
School choice backer, BLM critic wins Essex school board seat
Tuesday, April 13, School choice supporter and BLM organization critic Liz Cady won a three-year seat, beating six-year incumbent and self-described racial and climate justice activist Liz Subin.
Christian TV growing in Middle East, Middlebury College prof says
A Middlebury College professor says satellite Christian television programming is growing in popularity in the traditionally Islamic Middle East.
Cops out of Burlington schools
School Resource Officers (police assigned to schools) will no longer be stationed at Burlington city schools, the school board decided last night.
Vermonters turn to independent schools
While Vermont public school officials are carping about returning to the classroom post Covid, calling for higher taxes to pay for their pensions, and are otherwise consumed with controversies over mascot names and what flags get to fly on school grounds, Vermont families have been driving an interesting trend – using Vermont’s 150 year old school choice “tuitioning” program to put their kids into independent schools.
Barre schools serve all students free breakfast, lunch and dinner
The Barre Unified Union School District announced this week that starting April 1, all students can now access a free meal for dinner. These meals will be handed out to students during […]
Senate hears state college consolidation pitch
United they stand, divided they fall. That’s the gist of the Vermont State College consolidation plan pitched Thursday March 18 by (VSC) Chancellor Sophie Zdatny to the Senate Education Committee.
Vermont high school students say remote learning lonely, stressful
Dustin Beloin from North Country Career Center spoke at a ‘town meeting’ Monday night about the challenges he experienced with online learning. “One of the biggest struggles for me was staying connected. At home I struggled with Wi-Fi, living in rural Vermont. I have always been a straight ‘A’ student, but missing the connection to teachers took a toll on me. As a hands-on-worker, sitting behind a computer for 8 hours a day with no physical connection to teachers and classmates was really hard.”
State colleges to keep campuses open
Monday, Feb. 22 the Vermont State College System Board of Trustees voted keep its campuses open while saving money by merging college organization structure. The decision is a response to a pressing […]
Idea: fund schools with local 1% Goods & Service Tax
Fair Haven resident Neil Robinson, the organizer of HO HO HO (Helping Overtaxed Home Owners Help Others), believes property taxes are too high. A 1% Goods and Service Tax under municipal control could reduce or eliminate the property tax, he recommends.
Vermont 7th highest graduation rate
Vermont has one of the nation’s highest rates of high school and college graduation, according to a new online report.
GOP-led Senate bill would fund school cops
Seven Republican senators have introduced a bill to expand funding for school resource officers (SROs), A/K/A armed police officers assigned to local schools. S76 was introduced yesterday, a week after four Democratic and Progressive senators introduced S63, to ban school resource officers.
Senate bills: expel cops, not law-breakers
Taken together, three Vermont Senate bills would expel active-duty police from schools, limit suspensions of law-breaking students, and prevent off-duty cops and retired military from responding to a school shooting.
VT parents sue over unequal access to education
NEWPORT — A group of Vermont parents are suing the state and local school districts over unequal access to education under the state’s 150-year-old Town Tuitioning system.
Grant to help high school students bring anti-racism message to elementary schools
“We envision a Vermont that acknowledges how racism is historically and institutionally embedded and takes seriously our ethical obligation to end racism,” said Kyle Mitchell, a student member at Middlebury Union High School.
Nine percent school tax increase? Vote it down, former NEA negotiator urges
Education budgets also generally are approved routinely. This is the year that this habit absolutely must change. Vermont’s economy is in dire straits. The local education budgets must be scrutinized and challenged before they are approved.
Nine school districts (at least) didn’t ask students about Thanksgiving
By Guy Page At least nine Vermont school and supervisory union districts reportedly held in-person learning Monday and did not ask children if they were part of multi-household gatherings over the Thanksgiving […]
17% of full-time two-year college students graduate on time
Only 17% of fulltime students enrolled in Vermont’s two year colleges graduate in two years, according to a Vermont Student Assistance Corp. summer 2020 study.
Seven school districts won’t ask students today about Thanksgiving
At least seven Vermont school districts say they will hold in-person learning today and will not ask children if they were part of multi-household gatherings over the Thanksgiving vacation, as directed by State of Vermont Covid-19 guidelines.
‘Travels with Charlie’ video: in Newbury, Act 46 hasn’t saved money
In episode #30 of acclaimed video series “Travels With Charlie,” host Charlie Papillo talks with Newbury school board members Paul Jewett and Marvin Harrison about how the Act 46 forced merger of four school districts has worked – or, more often, not worked.
5% of Vermont school children now home schooled
Five percent of Vermont schoolchildren – one in 20 – are being home schooled, according to statistics received from the Vermont Agency of Education. A total of 79,836 students are enrolled in Vermont public schools during the 2020 school year, according to the Vermont Agency of Education dashboard. That’s down from 83,710 in the 2019 school year.
As snow falls, some ask – do schools still need ‘snow days’?
By Guy Page November 2, 2020 – The first major fall snowstorm blanketed Vermont this morning. Some Vermonters asked: do schools with institutionalized, widespread remote learning still need ‘snow days’? For example, […]
If Biden elected, remember 2017 attack on Charles Murray at Middlebury College
COMMENTARY By Guy Page Last Wednesday, Marxist and two-party system opponent Angela Davis was an honored featured speaker at Middlebury College. Hundreds attended via zoom. In February, another large, peaceful, approving crowd […]






