California firm to analyze Vermont’s education funding system
The idea of another major study of Vermont’s school-financing system had strong backing in the Legislature last session. It must be presented to the Legislature for its review by Jan. 18, 2012.
School board files labor complaint against Vermont-NEA
Steve Dale: “Picking off board members you don’t want to see participate is not acceptable in Vermont and we’d like to see that clearly established.” DOWNLOAD THE COMPLAINT DOCS
Voters reward parsimonious school boards with overwhelming support
Of the 249 school budgets up for consideration, 246 were approved, said Stephen Dale, the executive director of the Vermont School Boards Association.
Small schools, big changes Part 2: Tiny districts struggle with student enrollment declines
Declining enrollment and economic duress could “lead to more need to depend on each other, to lean on each other,” John says.
Digger Tidbits: NEA e-mail sets off firestorm in S. Burlington; McDonald pitches moderate GOP message
Negotiations between unionized teachers and school boards are often tense – particularly when neither side is willing to back down. In the worst case scenario, boards impose contracts and teachers strike.
Small schools, big changes, Part 1: Changing the heart of a town
There have been many earnest state-led attempts to push consolidation and centralization of Vermont schools and school districts over the past 100 years. All have failed.
A Secretary of Ed? Shumlin would appoint the Ed chief if new bill passes
The House Education Committee is considering a bill that would allow the governor to appoint Vermont’s top education official.
Story + Photo gallery: We the People
Ever wonder what the difference is between rule BY law and rule OF law is? Do you like to randomly quote Thomas Paine? Have you ever thought about the relationship between colonists, rugged individualists and the secular humanism of the Renaissance?
Video + updated story: Shumlin won’t impose Challenges cuts on schools in 2012
“There’s no one who wants to reduce spending with more vigor than our local school boards,” Shumlin said.
Vermont schools come up $15.8 million short on Challenges target
“I never really believed school boards could have gotten there as quickly as we hoped,” Shumlin said. “We have this bridge money … let’s use it as a bridge, not a security blanket.” DOWNLOAD SCHOOL SPENDING SPREADSHEETS
