Dear Editor,
The Vermont Rural School Community Alliance (RSCA) understands the need to address the rising cost of education but has concerns with elements of the Scott Administration’s education transformation proposal.
Any reform must consider the potential adverse impacts on rural children, elementary schools and communities, and must ensure actual savings for taxpayers.
“There are components of the proposed plan that will completely overhaul our public education system without due consideration for Vermont’s unique rural landscape and the role our schools play in our communities,” said Dr. Cheryl Charles of RSCA. “We must consider changes that support our children’s education, address costs, and ensure communities continue to have a voice in critical decisions.”
Geographic considerations and capital investment
Rural Vermont is diverse, and a one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for regional differences. We need to account for infrastructure needs and financial support for communities facing geographic and economic challenges.
Governance and oversight
The current proposal would transfer rulemaking authority from the State Board of Education to the Secretary of Education, reducing critical oversight. Additionally, expanding school choice could divert public funds to private institutions, exacerbating educational inequities.
Elementary school closures and consolidation
We cannot close schools without clear logistical plans. The RSCA is concerned this will lead to widespread elementary school closures, negatively impacting students and communities.
The coalition recognizes the need for property tax reform and offers solutions that will save money, maintain community engagement and strengthen Vermont’s education system without undermining rural communities.
A call for thoughtful reform
RSCA believes Vermont needs thoughtful, community-driven reforms that strengthen rather than dismantle our public education system. Instead of pursuing a one-size-fits-all approach, RSCA urges policymakers to consider alternative solutions that support Vermont’s diverse educational landscape. The alliance recommends:
Supporting elementary schools as community hubs that enhance early learning and economic development.
Encouraging regional collaboration for secondary school education while maintaining flexibility for local needs.
Potentially consolidating supervisory unions and supervisory districts into larger supervisory union groups to foster cost-effective cooperation among districts without sacrificing local governance.
Addressing critical issues such as skyrocketing health care costs, teacher shortages, school infrastructure needs, and access to student mental health services without destabilizing our education system.
“We recognize that Vermont’s education system needs thoughtful reform, but closing community elementary schools and dismantling local governance is not the answer,” said Dan MacArthur of Marlboro. “RSCA stands ready to work with legislators and communities to promote balanced, research-backed solutions that truly benefit Vermont students, families, taxpayers and communities.”
The Vermont Rural School Community Alliance
RSCA is a coalition of educators, parents, and community members dedicated to advocating for equitable, high-quality public education in Vermont. As of Feb. 20, 60 towns have voted to become RSCA members or had votes scheduled in the coming weeks. RSCA advocates for any proposed education reform to support students, families, and communities while maintaining financial sustainability.
