Two public hearings to seek input of Vermont’s education finance system

The legislature hired contractors, Lawrence O Picus and Associates, to evaluate Vermont’s education finance system per Act 45 of 2011. Two public hearings are scheduled on Wednesday, September 7, 2011, to seek public input as part of the Picus and Associates’ evaluation of Vermont’s education finance system.
The purpose of these hearings is to gain an understanding of the issues and concerns facing citizens and education stakeholders regarding the financing of K-12 education in Vermont. Lawrence O. Picus and Associates will use the information from these public hearing sessions to help guide their study. Individuals testifying at the hearings are asked to address three specific questions:
 What do you think are the two or three major advantages or strengths of the
current Vermont funding system?
 What do you think are the two or three major shortcomings of the Vermont
school funding system? For each, what recommendations do you have for
improving the system?
 What can the state do to create incentives for all schools to boost student
achievement to higher levels? What three or four recommendations do you
have that will improve student performance (at all levels and starting
points)? What are the funding implications of those suggestions?
The first hearing will take place from 3:30 to 5 pm through the School Based Learning Network (LNV) to provide the state’s education community an opportunity to offer input to the study. Details of the site locations will be available at: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/jfo/default.aspx
The second hearing will take place from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at 12 Vermont Interactive Television (VIT) sites. Site locations are available at http://www.vitlink.org/. Randolph and Williston sites will not be available. Details of any possible replacement sites will be available next week at: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/jfo/default.aspx. The general public is invited to testify.
Lawrence O. Picus and Associates will be represented by Larry Picus and Mike Griffith. They will attend both hearings and will be available to answer questions about the study, as appropriate, during the times outlined above.
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/JFO/Education%20RFP%20Page/2011_Sept__7_Ed_Pr...