Vermont Business Magazine The House Democratic Caucus held a press conference Wednesday to update Vermonters on our commitment to making sure students have the resources they need to be successful, and that we have a sustainable and affordable funding formula to pay for our public education system.
“We remain committed to our plan to end this session with immediate action and achievable goals for a transformation plan that is right sized for Vermont,” said House Education Chair Peter Conlon. “Our work will ensure any transformation in Vermont’s education system is thoughtful, transparent, and beneficial to students, educators, and communities.”
While the Governor’s plan outlines significant structural changes—moving to five districts, a base funding amount of $13,200 per pupil, and a two-year transition—many critical questions remain. Committees are seeking clarity on funding for school construction and deferred maintenance, the impact on special education, inclusion of Career and Technical Education (CTEs), Pre-K alignment across districts, and how employee pay will be handled.
House Democrats do not support any expansion of private school vouchers nor the discontinuation of universal school meals. Additionally, concerns remain about the Agency of Education’s capacity to manage such a large-scale transformation without disruption.
Although we only received the governor’s full proposal on February 25th–and important details still need to be ironed out–House committees have been working hard to find bipartisan support on policies that will help us achieve our shared goal of a funding formula that keeps our schools strong, providing students a high quality educational experience, and Vermonters can afford. We remain confident that we will end this session with immediate solutions and long-term plans that balance the needs of our students and our taxpayers.
“Our students are counting on us to make sure their education experience sets them up for a successful life after they graduate.” says House Majority Leader Lori Houghton. “House democrats are looking forward to connecting with their constituents during Town Meeting break to help inform the policy decisions we will be making in the weeks after Town Meeting break. We want and need to hear from you.”
Education Transformation Proposal- Draft Language~2-25-2025.pdf
2.28.2025. Montpelier, VT –House Democratic Caucus
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
