School test scores in steep decline, he notes
by Guy Page
A Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union (FNESU) parent is voicing frustration over what he describes as the increasing presence of LGBTQ advocacy and political messaging at Berkshire Elementary School, while student performance in core subjects remains well below state averages.
Jarrod Vaillancourt, a Berkshire parent and taxpayer, shared photos of posters and hallway displays with his school board representative earlier this month. On Tuesday, he sent the same materials to the Vermont Daily Chronicle, saying he hoped “other parents and taxpayers can be made aware of what is being promoted within our schools.”
The posters, stickers and flyers seen here are displayed in the main hallway, near the kindergarten room of the K-8 school.
In a detailed letter accompanying the photos, Vaillancourt said students at Berkshire Elementary regularly pass by signs supporting the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and promotional materials from the nonprofit OUTRIGHT Vermont. One poster described GSA clubs as “spaces that affirm people’s right to discern and express their sexual and gender identity on their own terms.” Another encouraged youth “12 and under” who identify as transgender, nonbinary, or gender questioning to participate in activities.
“This is a dangerous ideology that is focused on the indoctrination of children through LGBTQ curriculum,” Vaillancourt wrote. “We do not need or want this in our schools.”
He also criticized references to Black Lives Matter (BLM), which he called “an ideological movement that has no place in our schools:”
“The founders of BLM are trained Marxists with a goal of dismantling the organizing principles of society.
“The promotion of this organization has no place in any of our schools, especially our elementary schools. BLM is so much more than just a slogan. Over recent years BLM chapters have expressed some of the following positions:
On the American Flag – “When we see this flag, we know the person flying it is a racist. When we see this flag we know that the person flying it lives in a different America than we do. When we see this flag, we question your intelligence. We know to avoid you. It is a symbol of hatred.”
On Israel – “After the attacks on Israel on October 7th, 2023, BLM Chicago posted an image of a person paragliding with a Palestinian flag attached to its parachute and “I stand with Palestine” written beneath.
BLM National Website -“You find images of Defund the Police and references to the current president as a Petty Tyrant. It mocks merchandise that supports the current president by stating, ‘you can now wear your fascism on your head!'”
Vaillancourt linked his concerns about political and cultural messaging to academic outcomes. According to the 2024 Vermont State Education Profile, FNESU students qualifying for free and reduced lunch scored far below state averages in math and English during the 2022–23 school year. Just 19% of grades 3–5 students were proficient in math, and only 33% were proficient in English language arts. Rates for middle school and ninth grade were similarly low.
“While continuing to support these initiatives, our public school system is failing miserably at educating our children and preparing them for the future,” he wrote.
FNESU officials have previously defended the inclusion of such material in classrooms and school spaces. In an earlier statement provided to Vaillancourt, the district said that practices like allowing teachers to include pronouns in email signatures are part of an effort to “normalize and invite others” to respect gender identity. The FNESU school board chair has also described gender identity discussions and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as “important components of creating equitable learning opportunities,” developed in line with guidance from the Vermont Agency of Education.
Reaction among parents has been divided. Some share Vaillancourt’s concern that cultural and political debates are overshadowing basic academics, while others argue that representation and affirmation are vital to creating safe, inclusive schools.
FNESU oversees seven schools in northern Vermont, including Berkshire Elementary, which serves grades pre-K through 8.
The district has not yet responded to Vaillancourt’s most recent letter and photos, he said.
