On February 19, 2025
Letters

Defending Vermont’s public schools

Dear Editor,

The most alarming thing about Governor Scott’s education transformation proposal is that it follows the playbook of conservative billionaires who are funding a coordinated effort to dismantle public education. Americans for Prosperity, a political advocacy group founded by the Koch Brothers, recently confirmed this when they singled out and praised Governor Scott’s efforts. Under the false promise of school choice, the governor wants to expand tuition payments to private schools. This will further drain dollars from the state budget and our public education system to fund unaccountable private schools.

Part of the strategy of these conservative billionaires is to politicize and dismantle trust in our public schools. They try pitting parents against public schools and teachers, thus dividing communities. These efforts to vilify educators are simply attempts to justify diverting taxpayer dollars away from public education.

Public education is a cornerstone of our nation’s democracy, and public schools are essential to providing youth with the skills and knowledge to be engaged participants in our society. Two hundred fifty years ago, Vermont’s founders knew that a well-educated population was the only way to ensure Vermont’s future and protect us from autocrats and tyranny. This is highlighted by the fact that education is the only government service mentioned in the Vermont Constitution. The framers knew precisely what they were doing with the education clause, the common benefit clause, and the compelled support clause of the Vermont Constitution.

Public education’s importance in preserving our democracy is as important today as it was 250 ago. We will need to find common ground as we look for solutions to our problems. I would like to suggest that the Legislature ignore the conservative billionaires and stay grounded in Vermont’s Constitutional history.

Greg Hughes, Bethel

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Audit needed in Killington?

May 28, 2025
Dear Editor, Someone should advocate for a town auditor given the constant rumors of ethical lapses and financial irregularities. Vito Rasenas, Killington

School spending

May 28, 2025
Dear Editor, All of this school spending, better referred to as overspending, is now coming home to roost. Had there been corresponding results in outcomes, there may have been different mindsets to be under discussion. Remember now, the voters went to the polls and spoke loudly and clearly on the education money issues that are…

Education reform: Trust Vermont values

May 28, 2025
By David F. Kelley Editor’s Note: David Kelley is a Vermont attorney. He lives in Greensboro and is a former chair of the Hazen Union School Board. He was part of the legal team that represented more than two dozen rural elementary school districts that appealed forced mergers under Act 46. The road to education…

Raising the bar for ethics in Killington

May 23, 2025
Dear Editor, As a candidate for the Killington Select Board, I’m running on a commitment to transparency, accountability, and steady leadership. I believe that trust in local government begins with clear standards and clear enforcement. Killington’s current conflict of interest policy, adopted in 2019, provides a useful foundation. However, it lacks the tools to ensure…