Vermont Access Network (VAN): Education-Join the Conversation Episode 5: Understanding the Cost of Education

Description

Vermont is unique in that it has a statewide property tax system (Act 60 and Act 68) in order to create equitable opportunities for our students no matter where in the state they live. This system allowed districts that had lacked adequate resources before Act 60 to add important programs. However, because the state’s enrollment has been declining (and because we have very small districts) we have among the highest levels of per pupil spending in the United States. As a response, current legislation (Act 156 and Act 153) incentivizes schools to explore school district/supervisory union mergers and Regional Education Districts (RED) in an effort to reduce per pupil spending. As Vermont’s enrollment numbers continue to drop, our schools can work together to provide services and create opportunities for our children. Roundtable Participants: · Armando Vilaseca, Secretary, Vermont Agency of Education · Bill Talbott, CFO & Deputy Commissioner, Vermont Agency of Education · Marilyn Frederick, Business Manager, Lamoille North SU · Robin Pembroke, Business Manager, Orange Southwest SU