The members of the Legislature’s Commission on the Future of Public Education “may not fully represent Vermont,” the chair said at a Windsor County gathering. This bit of news and others are compiled from Vermont news media in this month’s 802 Ed newsletter.

The Room Where It Happens. The Chester Telegraph reports on the second meeting of the legislative-mandated Commission on the Future of Public Education, including the chair’s opening caveat: “I want to acknowledge that the members appointed by the General Assembly to this commission may not fully represent Vermont.” A public comment letter signed by more than three dozen educators goes a few steps further. This was a popular item in last issue, so here it is again for readers who may have missed it.

“Extraordinary Fiscal Headwinds.” Seven Days VT amplifies the governor’s recent warning that health insurance costs and other factors are likely to create a challenging budget planning process for Vermont’s school communities, concerns that are echoed by school leaders.

The Cost of Quiet Classes. The Waterbury Roundabout highlights the board’s concerns about the price tag for specialized new pouches for cell phones: “How would you justify spending 22 grand on this?

“A Lot More Conversations Going On.” WCAX drops in on a school that has adopted a no-phones policy and students are already seeing benefits to it.

Harbinger of Tough Votes. VT Digger reports the final budget was approved by its school community after a bruising cycle where about one in three budget votes failed statewide, with fingers pointed at spiraling health insurance costs among other areas.