Vermont Advocates for Community Involvement in School Closures

News Summary

The Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont calls for enhanced community involvement in school closure decisions, advocating for early engagement up to 18 months prior to any closures. This approach aims to improve transparency and ensure local perspectives are considered, moving away from the previous practice of only notifying communities after decisions were made. Key principles for decision-making include a focus on student needs and avoiding crises during closures. The Commission continues to seek collaborative solutions to foster community trust in educational governance.

Montpelier, Vermont — The Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont has advocated for stronger community involvement in school closure decisions. During a meeting on August 18, members agreed that communities should be engaged 1 to 18 months prior to any potential closures, moving away from past practices of informing communities only after decisions have been finalized. This approach aims to enhance transparency and responsiveness in a process that significantly affects local students and families.

The Commission, established by the Vermont Legislature, is tasked with developing a comprehensive plan regarding public school funding, district operations, and the organization of schools statewide, which includes the contentious matter of school closures. Furthermore, the Legislature initiated the School District Redistricting Task Force to provide recommendations on new school district boundaries, emphasizing the importance of clear district structures in the face of possible closures.

Among the members present at the Commission meeting were Chair Jay Nichols, Education Secretary Zoie Saunders, and various stakeholders, including Jennifer Deck Samuelson and John Castle. The discussions highlighted a consensus on the necessity of community forums and early engagement to guarantee that school closure initiatives consider the viewpoints and concerns of local residents rather than presenting them with decisions made behind closed doors.

John Castle, a member of the Commission, voiced skepticism about the trends of closing small, rural schools, arguing that such significant decisions should not rest solely with a small group. He emphasized the value of incorporating community input through public discussions, enabling residents to voice their concerns and make informed contributions to the decision-making process.

Key principles for the decision-making process were presented by Secretary Saunders, which included a commitment to a student-centered approach, early notification to communities, transparency throughout the process, and a preference to avoid making decisions during times of crisis or emergency. The Commission members collectively recognized that preventing sudden legislative actions that could surprise and distress affected communities would be crucial in fostering a more collaborative environment.

Chair Nichols reiterated the importance of early public discussion, although he cautioned against overly restricting the governing boards’ final authority in decision-making. Nichols believes that while community engagement is critical, the boards must retain the ability to make crucial decisions about school operations.

Jennifer Deck Samuelson proposed an innovative approach to decision-making, suggesting the implementation of a multi-layered voting system that incorporates both town and district level votes with varied thresholds for initiating school closures. This would ensure that a wider array of voices are heard and considered, thereby enriching the decision-making process.

The Commission is set to meet again on September 8 at Folsom School in South Hero, where the agenda will focus on equitable budgeting and enhanced community involvement in the educational process. This meeting will provide further opportunities for stakeholders to discuss their perspectives on public education’s future in Vermont and foster a collaborative approach towards significant issues like school closures.

Vermont’s efforts to engage communities adequately reflect a growing recognition of the need for inclusivity and transparency in public education decision-making. By prioritizing community input, the Commission aims to create a more balanced approach to school operations and funding moving forward.

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Additional Resources

• NBC 5: Copley Hospital Closing Birthing Center
• Wikipedia: Public Education in Vermont
• VTCNG: New Crisis Pregnancy Center Draws Concern
• Google Search: School Closure Decisions Vermont
• Vermont Daily Chronicle: Banned Writer Accuses Front Porch Forum
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education