ACSD board cool to Ripton rule changes

A majority of the board on Monday reiterated its opposition to amending the ACSD’s charter in a manner that would give member-communities more power in electing their board representatives and a final say on whether their own elementary schools should close.

As a member of Ripton’s uniquely school-less school board, a day doesn’t go by that I don’t try to summarize our strange situation to an acquaintance.

A summary and update of Ripton’s ongoing withdrawal efforts.

The reading, at Tourterelle Restaurant in New Haven, is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 21, 4:30-6 p.m., and is open to the public.

I was astounded by Oliver Olsen’s comments in the Addison Independent article last week referring to Ripton’s withdrawal from ACSD.

The Vermont State Board of Education (VSBE) is giving Ripton a two-month extension to negotiate an agreement that could avert the town’s planned exit from the Addison Central School District.

Positions on both sides appear to make the chances for an accord unlikely before the Vermont State Board of Education (VSBE) re-examines Ripton’s withdrawal bid in November.

A few runners opted for the virtual race, but well over 100 participants came out to enjoy one of two race courses and a to-go lunch of homemade chili, cornbread, and a cookie.

“I don’t know of any school that celebrates the start of the year by burning something the students spent a month creating and building,” said Tal Birdsey, head teacher and co-founder of the school.

More than 20 people spanning multiple generations gathered at Ripton’s Spirit In Nature trails on Sunday, joining a Drum Circle organized by visiting musicians from Massachusetts.

The Ripton selectboard has appointed Bonnie Swan to succeed Ron Wimett — her late cousin — on the board until next March, when she and other local residents have the option of running for the remaining two years on Wimett’s term.

Runners and walkers from throughout the region are invited to beautiful Ripton, Vt., for a 5K/10K run or 5K fun walk.

Thanks to the work of Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, the popular 1.2 mile trail in Ripton is now accessible and suitable for wheelchairs.

Just three months ago, Ripton’s quest for independence from the Addison Central School District appeared to be a slam dunk. But the past several weeks have seen at least three area union school districts reject the notion of partnering with Ripton to prov … (read more)

The Ripton selectboard will soon appoint a local resident to carry on — at least in the short term — for former longtime Selectman Ron Wimett, who died suddenly on Sept. 5.