This commentary is by Flor Diaz Smith, president of the Vermont School Boards Association and eastern representative and chair of the legislative committee of the National School Board.
On June 18, Gov. Phil Scott signed into law an education transformation bill that aims to strengthen Vermont public schools and districts, make efficient use of public funding, and ultimately ensure the success of all students and graduates.
H.955, the final bill approved by the General Assembly and signed by the governor, represents the culmination of several years of deliberation, debate, advocacy and compromise among all involved. The Vermont School Boards Association has participated in the process every step of the way, amplifying the voices, ideas, questions and concerns of our members, more than 850 individuals who serve on local school boards across the state.
Last November, VSBA released a position paper outlining some of the principles and priorities that we believe are essential for any new statewide law related to the structure and funding of school districts. We are encouraged that the new law incorporates some of our strongest recommendations. It prioritizes voluntary and incentivized district mergers over mandated consolidation, preserves an important role for local governance and community engagement, and recommends district size parameters intended to balance efficiency with strong community connection. The law also advances regional collaboration through cooperative education service areas and merger committees aimed at improving long-term sustainability and educational opportunity. These strategies have the potential to support needed change in the delivery of educational programming, including special education, professional development and increasing the quality and efficiency of services.
There is no question that Vermont needs thoughtful educational transformation. School districts across the state face significant financial pressures driven by declining enrollment and rising costs in healthcare, aging facilities, transportation and student mental health services. These challenges require long-term solutions that bolster public confidence in our schools.
However, structural changes alone will never effect meaningful improvements in public education. Vermont needs to settle on the most advantageous number, size and geography of our school districts, but those issues will always be secondary to our investments in great teaching and learning. While elected officials negotiate consolidations and mergers, we are fortunate to have educators focused on innovative reforms at the classroom and school level. Teachers and administrators all across Vermont are creating student-centered schools that prioritize personalization, proficiency-based learning and an accessible and inclusive education for all.
Let’s agree then to move beyond debates about governance and structure toward a more robust discussion about a long-term educational vision that addresses the hopes, dreams, needs and expectations of students and adults from every corner of the state. That vision should build upon the principles outlined in our progressive education policy, personalized learning, proficiency-based education and an accessible, inclusive system of support for every student through a strong multi-tiered system of supports. Development of that vision requires true collaboration among residents, students, families, educators, district leaders, locally elected school boards and state officials.
The school board members we represent stand ready to do their part, particularly by creating opportunities for authentic community input and engagement. VSBA will continue advocating for creative approaches to state policy and funding to ensure that our collective vision can someday become reality. As we prepare for the new education law to take effect, VSBA also recognizes that school boards across the state need flexibility, resources, guidance and support to implement it effectively. We look forward to working closely with the Legislature and the Agency of Education to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
This significant milestone in the history of public education in Vermont presents a rare and valuable opportunity. Together, let’s seize this moment to celebrate and invest in public education as the foundation of our democracy, workforce, communities and future. The people of Vermont — especially our children — deserve a system designed for long-term stability, endless possibilities and an unwavering commitment to equity and excellence.
