Ed reform process reaches pivotal point, local educators weigh in

Lawmakers have a big question awaiting them — how to move forward with the process of transforming Vermont’s education system. There local superintendents weigh in.

Hannaford Career Center leaders are asking the state to ramp up school choice among Vermont’s 17 Career and Technical Education hubs, which could increase enrollment and lower its tuition.

The Addison Northwest School District board in two meetings this month continued to wrestle with a spending proposal for the 2026-2027 school year.

This coming year, the nearly 31,000 students and families who save for education and training through VT529 will collectively save an estimated $1.5 million in fees.

Proposed improvements to the crowded middle school building include expansions to the gym, library, kitchen and cafeteria, along with new classrooms and common space.

Vermonters could see a nearly 12% property tax increase in 2026, according to early estimates from the state. 

The ACSD board on Monday voted 8-1 in favor of a plan to blend Shoreham’s kindergarten through 5th-grade students into Bridport Central School beginning next fall, and convert Shoreham Elementary School into a district Pre-K hub.

The ACSD board on Monday agreed to initiate the formal closing of Ripton Elementary School, a move that will still require a positive vote by district voters on Town Meeting Day.

Otter Creek Child Center cut the ceremonial ribbon on its newly completed renovations that will allow it to ramp up staffing and add 77 childcare slots.

During a Tuesday forum about Act 73, ACSD Superintendent Wendy Baker described the changing education policy landscape that could shape Addison County schools.

“The Act 73 Redistricting Task Force recognizes that closing small schools and creating mega-school districts will not solve Vermont’s rising education costs.”

The Mount Abraham Unified School District Board has narrowed in on a budget target for the upcoming fiscal year, and district officials will look to meet that target without reducing staff positions other than those absorbed through attrition. 

The numbers presented to the ACSD board on Monday were a very tentative, birds-eye view of Middlebury Union High School’s repair, maintenance and upgrade needs.

The Otter Valley Unified Union school board is exploring potential reconfiguration and closure of district elementary schools including Otter Creek Academy schools in Leicester and Whiting.

The ACSD board on Monday conducted its first review of a plan to educate both the Shoreham and Bridport K-5 student populations at Bridport Central School beginning next fall.