Dear Editor,
VSBA supports the bill as a more thoughtful and phased approach than Governor Scott’s rushed, five district proposal.
Grounded in a more realistic timeline:
H.454 is the most grounded and actionable proposal developed during the 2025 session. It acknowledges the operational realities education leaders face every day. The implementation timeline is more manageable and allows for thoughtful planning.
Recognizes that scale needs to be addressed at all levels and thoughtfully:
Education reform proposals to date have largely focused on achieving scale through district consolidation. In contrast, H.454 takes a more thoughtful approach—calling for decisions about district scale to be guided by public input, data, and research. It also calls for any CTE governance reform to be a part of this larger process, signaling support for CTE as an integral part of the K-12 system. The bill also acknowledges that achieving scale must be considered across all levels of the education system, where geographically appropriate, and often depends on the availability of school construction aid to support necessary infrastructure changes.
Aims to achieve equity in our funding system:
The bill establishes a foundation formula with a base education amount of $15,033 per K–12 student, guided by research by Dr. Tammy Kolbe. It includes additional weights for students with greater needs, such as those experiencing poverty, and builds in an annual cost adjustment. The formula must also be reviewed every two years, ensuring it stays relevant and equitable over time.
Is a start to adding balance in statewide governance:
H.454 maintains the essential role of the State Board of Education in shaping education through public input processes. It also shifts two appointments to the House and Senate, beginning a more balanced appointment structure within statewide governance.
Promotes statewide coordination:
The bill calls for increased coordination at the state level around the school calendar, education finance systems, student data systems, and graduation requirements. This alignment will create a more seamless experience for students and make access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) more equitable and efficient.
Reopens the door to school facilities funding:
The bill reintroduces state aid for school construction through a new capital investment program. In addition, funds generated from communities that choose to spend more than the foundation formula will be pooled in a statewide capital construction fund.
As education leaders, you play a critical role in shaping the future of public education in Vermont. You can make a difference by asking members of the House of Representatives to vote yes on H.454 and providing the reasons why you think a thoughtful, phased approach is needed.
Sue Ceglowski, VSBA executive director
