Editorial: Vt. education commission faces tough nuts to crack

The task for the Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont is straightforward: devise a system that provides equitable, quality public education to all Vermonters — and make it affordable.

Being thankful isn’t always easy. That’s the realization many Vermonters may have post-election with a man unfit for the presidency in so many ways assuming power again, supported by a political party ever-more adjoined to him.

“Housing,” said Nevon Neary, executive director of the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, “doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere.”

With 2024-25 education property tax rate hikes well into double digits last year, it’s little doubt school boards will be primed for holding costs to a minimum for their upcoming budgets.

Trump’s dominance in the swing states reflected voters’ dissatisfaction with high inflation and the high cost of living that had followed the Covid 19 pandemic.

Vermonters witnessed as much of a change election as we’ve seen in the past couple of decades, as Republicans gained six seats in the Senate and 18 seats in the House.

In Addison County House and Senate races, here’s a key point to consider: What has caused the crises Vermont faces and who is in the best position to help solve the problem?

What’s interesting in the state’s House and Senate races this year is that most candidates from both political parties agree we need significant changes to create more affordable housing, reforms to funding education, and continuing to lower carbon emissi … (read more)

A new 70-acre historic site and network of interpretative trails in Salisbury allows people to explore the industrial, ecological and archeological heritage of a unique mill area driven by power of the Leicester River as it flows from Lake Dunmore.

New to the Middlebury Snowbowl, but certainly not the ski industry, Kim Essensa, took the reins as full-time general manager about three weeks ago and says she’s “excited to be here” and eager to use her years of customer service experience to enhance wha … (read more)

That Middlebury’s houseless population has become more problematic is an outcome of doing too little for too long. The issue has been recognizable for several years but came to a head a year ago when downtown vandalism and disruption prompted two dozen do … (read more)

Rep. Joe Andriano has launched a noble cause to raise funds for a nonprofit community center in Orwell to follow in the footsteps of Buxton’s Store, which has served as that town’s de facto community center for decades.

Vermont Republicans running for election to the House or Senate have two ready-made campaign issues — inflation and high property taxes — and many are using it to their full advantage.

We received several comments from area voters who noted, with some alarm, that voters are responsible for not losing their personalized ballot because the town clerk’s office may not have enough blank ballots if too many residents treated the official-loo … (read more)

The presidential debate Tuesday night was notable for many reasons, but one stood out for us: Kamala Harris showed the nation and the world how easy it is to manipulate Trump.