Moving Day

“Moving Day” in the world of golf often refers to Saturday’s third round play at the annual Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta Country Club. This is when top players often move into contention for Sunday’s final round for the championship, just like Rory McIlroy did this past Saturday with an impressive six under par performance.

At the State House, you might refer to last Friday as “Moving Day” when the session’s big issue of education reform passed the House and is now moving to the Senate. With statewide K-12 student enrollment down over the past 25 years, changes need to happen. The legislation, H.454, crafted by House Democrats, replaced the governor’s proposal with a significantly slower timeline. On Thursday, April 10, House leaders questioned whether they had enough support within their own caucus to pass the measure as some Democrats from rural areas feared the eventual closure of small schools in their communities. On Thursday evening, an amendment was crafted to garner a handful of Republican votes to keep the bill moving to final passage on Friday. So on to the Senate…

Following the House approval Friday afternoon, Governor Scott issued a statement indicating he appreciated moving the bill forward, but it was clear more work needed to be done before the legislation would get his signature. He said, “This bill is nowhere near perfect due to the cost, timeline and more. However, we all agree that education transformation is needed this session.”

The governor’s plan would have had new school districts decided this session and the transition to a new funding formula put in place by 2027 when the reforms were complete. The House plan establishes a study committee as to what the new districts should look like and then contemplates a vote by the Legislature on it next year. Financing changes do not take effect until the 2029-30 year, a full two years later than the governor’s.

Many believe the slower implementation is necessary and more pragmatic given the potential scope of the changes. However, it delays any efficiencies from consolidation for at least four years. Given Vermont’s already high property taxes, a longer process could be very costly to taxpayers.

Some key parts of the bill:

A new study group to propose three different district maps for consideration by the Legislature in 2026 

New districts will strive to average 4,000 students or more

Average class size minimums will be 12 students in kindergarten and increases to 18 in grades 5  and above (some exemptions or waivers allowed)

Establishes a new state aid for school construction but does not identify a funding source

Public tuition to approved independent private schools will only be allowed if over half the student enrollment is attending with public tuition, such as Burr & Burton

Transitions to a foundation formula in 2029. Under the formula, school districts will receive a fixed amount per student adjusted for certain factors, such as lower income, non-English speakers, etc. Districts can raise up to an additional 10% through a local property tax surcharge

Replaces the current property tax credit system, with exempting a portion of one’s homestead value on a sliding scale

Adds several new non-homestead property tax categories, which could be considered by future legislatures for different tax rates

Transitions to a regional property appraisal system rather than the current town by town one

A draft of the timeline of changes identified in the House version of the bill can be found at: H.454~Jon Gray~Education Transformation Timeline~4-8-2025.pdf.

Business groups worry that with the new non-homestead classifications, more of the tax burden could easily be shifted onto commercial property in the future. Others worry about the lack of school choice or potential for small school closures going forward.

The bill will undergo more changes in the Senate and then will need to be reconciled with the House version before the measure will go to the governor. Senate leader Baruth has signaled he thought their Chamber’s version could capture more Republican support.

Stay tuned for what could be a month ahead of many twists and turns on this issue.

On a personal note, the Masters always brings up memories of some years back when our son Ben from Atlanta called the weekend before and said a couple of the Wednesday practice round tickets for the tournament came his way and was I interested in coming down? While my initial reaction was there was too much going on with work, I quickly came to my senses and decided to fly down. At the annual Par 3 tournament that afternoon, I got to see one of the last times the famed threesome of Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Niclaus played together. Even if I don’t get another opportunity to attend the tournament, I will always cherish walking the beautiful grounds of Augusta National and seeing some of golf’s greatest players.

Jim Harrison is the state representative for Chittenden, Killington, Mendon, and Pittsfield: [email protected].