My head is spinning trying to keep up with all the permutations of Vermont H.454. It’s goal seems clear enough as stated by Governor Scott at the start of his current term. We need to get a grip on our steadily rising property taxes.

However, each version of H.454 carries associated costs, most notably the construction of new or renovated schools to accommodate the consolidation of students into larger schools.

As a retired educator, I’m wary of the legislation of educational changes that will weaken our schools. Vermont schools have long been respected nationally for our effective educational innovations. The qualities that enrich so many of our local schools cannot be measured in standardized test scores.

According to Senator Ruth Hardy of the Senate Finance Committee, it is not at all clear that H.454 will lower property taxes. In fact, Addison County taxes may become higher while our school funding is lowered — and we will have no local control of either situation.

I also share Senator Hardy’s concerns that the latest version of H.454 does not limit private school vouchers. It rushes the process of transformation without an effective and well-researched plan.

How about we start by addressing Vermont’s healthcare crisis? That would help every Vermonter and would also address the biggest driver of our increasing education costs.

Alice Leeds

Bristol