Non-profit seeking to grow VT’s middle class engages with the Task Force responsible for designing Vermont's new education governance system.
Vermont Business Magazine Earlier this week, Campaign for Vermont Prosperity (CFV) sent a letter to the Act 73 Task Force, identifying some of the pitfalls of Act 46 (the previous consolidation effort) and offering research-backed suggestions on how to avoid making the similar mistakes.
"Many of the same conversations happening today are a mirror image of conversations policymakers were having a decade ago when Act 46 was being formed," said Executive Director Ben Kinsley, "we have enough data now to know what did not work with Act 46 and we should learn from that."
Since 2010 Vermont has consolidated from 271 school districts down to the current 119. Act 73 contemplates further consolidation down to 10-20 regional school boards. At the same time, spending has accelerated to the point that Vermont now spends 79% more than the national average and outcomes have been declining since this latest consolidation effort. Vermont students now rank below average for performance when you account for demographics.
The letter focuses on approaches to addressing spending through shared services between school districts and staffing reductions while avoiding the removal of local school boards and their community ties. The letter can be found on the organization's website - CampaignForVermont.org
CFV is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to the vision of a more prosperous Vermont and growing middle class. They seek to accomplish these goals by reconnecting Vermonters to their government and advocating for more transparent policy-making.
8.13.2025. Campaign for Vermont
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