Gov. Phil Scott and his team unveiled a groundbreaking education reform proposal in the form of a 176-page bill for lawmakers to consider. The plan, known as the “education transformation proposal,” includes significant changes such as restrictions on private schools eligible for public money, class size minimums, and a 3% spending cap for school districts next year.
The proposal aims to streamline Vermont’s education governance and finance systems by consolidating supervisory unions, implementing a foundation formula for funding, and reducing the power of the State Board of Education. The goal is to save money by reducing staff and increasing educational opportunities while also tackling rising property tax rates.
Some controversial aspects of the plan include limits on private schools eligible for public funds and the creation of an optional school choice lottery system. Despite the magnitude of the proposal, there are still gaps to address, such as exceptions to new mandates and the handling of career and technical education and pre-kindergarten students.
Lawmakers have expressed some concerns about the ambitious timeline for implementing the proposal, with committees set to review and potentially make changes to the bill. Education Secretary Zoie Saunders emphasized that the proposal is a starting point and expects it to evolve as lawmakers provide feedback.
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