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 […]
Court case could mean VT tuition goes to faith-based schools
John McClaughry Vermont tax dollars may soon be going to faith-based elementary and secondary schools, if a case filed last week in Federal district court succeeds. The case is styled Valente v. […]
Health Commissioner rebukes misreading of CDC “6%” report
Scott to issue executive order on policing Home schoolers to top 4,000, but no $$ for them Opioid overdoses up 50% this year, pandemic blamed By Guy Page September 1, 2020 – […]
Fund schools on last year’s enrollment, VT Ed Secretary says
Also would drop five days of student instruction, require Australian ballot for all school voting By Guy Page August 28, 2020 – Vermont Secretary of Education Daniel French wants legislation this year […]
Homeschool exodus costing public schools $$?
Superintendents worry about lost funding as homeschool numbers grow By Guy Page August 27, 2020 – The House Education Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee tomorrow at 10:30 AM will […]
Governor ready to take the wheel if Driver Ed cancelled
Also reveals reliance on Health Commissioner Levine for Covid decision-making By Guy Page July 31, 2020 – Gov. Phil Scott will do “whatever it takes” to ensure teens get driver education, he […]
School opening postponed two weeks; mask guidelines in place
Vermont home school advocate offers encouragement, information, Facebook chat page by Guy Page July 29, 2020 – Yesterday, Gov. Phil Scott announced the first day of school will be postponed two weeks […]
Schools won’t have staff to open by late August, superintendent warns
by Guy Page July 27, 2020 – Lack of staff will render many if not most Vermont school districts unable to open as scheduled by the last week of August, a Washington […]
Vermont home school applications up 75%, to 1600
More parents staying home; public schools this fall to have stringent hygiene, social distancing, mask requirements for all students, staff and parents By Guy Page July 22, 2020 – Applications to home […]
News roundup – debates, bus/truck emissions, failing dairy farms, etc.
GOP Lt. governor candidates debating now Guv pledges zero emissions in trucks, buses UVM dings online students for $2600 facilities fee 25 dairy farms close since pandemic began No quarantine needed if […]
College restrictions announced
Fall semester to end at Thanksgiving; masks, social distancing, behavior contracts mandatory By Guy Page July 7, 2020 – At Gov. Phil Scott’s press conference today, a Vermont higher education task force […]
Where do the children play?
“I know we’ve come a long wayWe’re changing day to dayBut tell me, where do the children play?” – Cat Stevens, ‘Where Do The Children Play?,” from Tea for the Tillerman album, […]
School board slowdown
Mt. Ascutney School Board taking time on discipline of Principal Tiffany Riley, for comments skeptical about Black Lives Matter by Guy Page The Mt Ascutney School Board seems to be moving slowly […]
“It feels very Orwellian”
Windsor residents and House candidates disagree on school board action against principal for BLM comments; governor, national legal pundit weigh in By Guy Page June 17, 2020 – Windsor residents and House […]
Gov. Scott: school board may have violated Windsor principal’s free speech rights
Windsor school principal put on leave, threatened with job loss after questioning some BLM tactics By Guy Page June 15, 2020 – Gov. Phil Scott is concerned about the constitutionality of the […]
Senate plan: school districts without 2021 budgets may level-fund
by Guy Page April 29, 2020 – Many Vermonters have been wondering how towns that voted down school budgets, or had votes scheduled before social-distancing was required, will set their budgets for […]
Legislative chiefs seek stay of execution for condemned VSC campuses
Johnson, Ashe ask state college trustees for one-year “bridge” budget By Guy Page House Speaker Mitzi Johnson and Senate Pro Tem Tim Ashe this weekend asked Vermont State College (VSC) trustees to […]
Vermont economy reopening begins tomorrow; college campus closure vote delayed
By Guy Page April 19, 2020 – Saturday, President Donald Trump announced at a press briefing Vermont and Texas will be the first two states to reopen for business, beginning this Monday. […]
Scott: Don’t close colleges or raise taxes. Legislature, innovate!
STATEMENT: GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT ON THE FUTURE OF THE VERMONT STATE COLLEGE SYSTEM Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement: “Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, Vermont State College […]
purpose of police informant tool “educational”
By Guy Page April 17, 2020 – More than 130 Vermonters have used the Vermont State Police “Executive Order Reporting Tool” (EORT) to inform police about other Vermonters’ alleged infractions of Gov. […]
No virus problems for VT internet, power grid
Vermont power grid, internet connectivity and IT strong – but weaknesses are exposed By Guy Page April 2, 2020 – Despite unprecedented internet use, Vermont’s connectivity remains stable. The state’s power grid […]
Scott addresses School year cancellation, plastic bag ban
In-person school year cancelled to slow feared ramp-up of Covid-19 Out-of-state students should stay there Comcast still mailing cutoff notices Deaths blamed on senior home “outbreak” Only Legislature can postpone 7/1 plastic […]
In-person school CANCELLED for year
GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT DISMISSES SCHOOLS FOR IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION FOR REMAINDER OF 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR School districts to implement continuity of learning plans for remote learning by April 13 Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today […]
ASHE REPORT: 5 VTers dead from Covid-19; 75 positives; colleges on hook for dormitory refunds; GUV TO ISSUE STAY HOME ORDER
Details from Tim Ashe 5:30 Daily Briefing on Facebook: As of today: 75 Vermonters have tested positive for Covid-19 5 Vermonters have died of Covid-19 Vermont has 82,000 surgical masks and 78,000 […]
Vermont State Colleges to go remote starting next week
by Guy Page March 13, 2020 – Vermont State Colleges – all five of them – will transition to remote learning beginning next week, the VSC trustee board decided Thursday. The five […]
Middlebury College goes to remote instruction only; UVM planning for it
State Agency of Education releases guidelines for Covid-19 public school closures By Guy Page March 10, 2020 – Today, Middlebury College announced it will send students home on spring break early this […]
Middlebury College to hold remote-learning classes only for rest of semester
Due to coronavirus, Middlebury College has decided to start its spring break early this Friday, and resume classes by remote-learning only thereafter for the rest of the semester. The details are explained […]
Pupil weighting to help rural schools: Just. Not. Complicated
Photo: Rep. Laura Sibilia (left) discusses broadband for rural towns with Sen. Ann Cummings (D-Washington) and Travels with Charlie host Charlie Papillo in episode 18 of the acclaimed Vermont policy video series. […]
School choice helps students, parents, the Vermont economy, advocates say
Also, Vermont homeschooling enrollment is up even as public school enrollment declines Photo: Brad Ferland (right) declares that “school choice should be expanded, and not taken away” at a National School Choice […]
Home schoolers, private schoolers invited to National School Choice Week free luncheon in Montpelier Jan. 29
Event also features State House visit, group photo, contest awards presentation Students, staff and parents from home schools and private schools are invited to participate in National School Choice Week observations on […]
State Colleges seek legislative support
Vermont State Colleges seek $5 million more in funding to maintain tuition freeze, programs, innovation by Guy Page January 15, 2020 – A $5 million spending hike would allow the four Vermont […]
2020 Vision: special ed, pre-K, future of State Board of Education on school menu
Latest in a series about the people and priorities of the 2020 Vermont Legislature. By Guy Page December 31, 2019 – House Education Committee Chair Kate Webb (D-Shelburne) a month ago emailed […]
Editorial: with Act 46, whole lotta hoodwinking going on
By Guy Page December 16, 2019 – A lawmaker who championed Act 46 now says he’s dismayed the 2015 school merger law is being used to shut down community schools. As chair […]
As Act 46 challenged in Supreme Court, two merger towns face school tax sticker shock
September 25, 2019 – Residents of the Orange County towns of Bradford and Newbury are suffering school tax sticker shock because taxes for the newly-created Oxbow United Union School District are much […]
