Dear Editor,
Editor’s note: This letter was originally posted by the office of the Mountain Views School District Superintendent on Saturday, May 31. It is the second letter to the school community Superintendent Sherry Sousa has sent regarding H.454, the education funding reform bill.
I’m again turning to you to become involved with the education legislation under debate in Montpelier. I know that the most powerful voices in our state are the families of our students. You showed me a few weeks ago how quickly and forcefully you can change what happens in our Legislature. I need to call upon you again to make your opinions known and to contact your Senators about how their decisions will not only affect your children but the future of Vermont. Here’s why I’m extremely worried:
Late yesterday afternoon [Friday, May 30], the Senate Conferees’ introduced a counterproposal to the House’s recommendation on H.454. The Senate Conferees’ proposal significantly underfunds education, includes weighted factors not grounded in empirical evidence, and introduces a regressive cost-containment mechanism—the “allowable/variable growth” provision. At the same time, it adds increased leniency for independent schools. Many of these provisions fall outside the intended scope of a conference committee negotiation. To their credit, the House Conferees have pushed back, advocating for thoughtful, measured changes that remain within the bounds of the original proposals.
Education opportunity must mean education
opportunity for all
Any provision that allows spending below the base amount undermines the very concept of adequacy in a foundation formula. The Senate proposal introduced yesterday [May 30] permits up to 10% underfunding in some communities. This approach is inequitable, unacceptable, and potentially unlawful.
Redistricting must honor the voices of Vermont’s educators
The composition of the Redistricting Task Force must include a majority of representatives from the education community to ensure the process reflects the expertise of those closest to our students and schools.
No arbitrary district size minimums
A proposed minimum district size of 4,000 students is not supported by research. The bill should avoid setting arbitrary thresholds and instead prioritize evidence-based approaches that support opportunity and efficiency. MVSU currently has 1,100 enrolled students. We would need to combine with Windsor Southeast and Hartford School Districts to meet this 4,000 number of students.
No regressive cost containment mechanisms
The Senate proposal introduces a variable “allowable growth” mechanism, which is a regressive form of cost containment. It ignores real cost drivers such as healthcare, facilities, and unfunded mandates.
I acknowledge that some change in education funding and governance may be necessary. However, the Senate Conferees proposed changes to H.454 no longer presents a viable path forward without causing significant harm to Vermont’s public education system.
I am asking you to speak out once again. Please reach out to your legislators (especially senators) and urge them to oppose the Senate Conferee proposed changes to H.454.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Sherry Sousa
