Vermont Rural School Community Alliance Statehouse Press Conference recommended a thoughtful and balanced Approach to Education Reform
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 25th, 2025
Contact:
Dr. Cheryl Charles
802-376-8093, cherylcharles01@gmail.com
Vermont Rural School Community Alliance Statehouse Press Conference recommended a thoughtful and balanced Approach to Education Reform
Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Rural School Community Alliance (RSCA) came together last week at the statehouse to hold a press conference advocating for Vermont’s public schools and ensuring that any proposed education reform supports students, families, and communities while maintaining financial sustainability.
The RSCA consists of Vermonters from all walks of life—educators, parents, school board members, and community leaders—who recognize the crucial role public schools play in shaping the state’s future. At this time almost 60 boards, school boards, select boards and parent teacher groups have voted or have votes scheduled to become members. These communities stretch from Guilford in the south on the Massachusetts border to Holland in the north on the Canadian border. From Grand Isle in the west to Westminster in the east.
The RSCA understands the need to address the rising cost of education but has concerns with elements of the Scott Administration’s education transformation proposal. Any reform must consider the potential adverse impacts on rural children, elementary schools and communities, and must ensure actual savings for taxpayers.
“There are components of the proposed plan that will completely overhaul our public education system without due consideration for Vermont’s unique rural landscape and the role our schools play in our communities,” said Dr. Cheryl Charles of RSCA. “We must consider changes that support our children’s education, address costs, and ensure communities continue to have a voice in critical decisions.”
A Call for Thoughtful Reform
RSCA believes Vermont needs thoughtful, community-driven reforms that strengthen rather than dismantle our public education system. Instead of pursuing a one-size-fits-all approach, RSCA urges policymakers to consider alternative solutions that support Vermont’s diverse educational landscape. The alliance recommends:
- Supporting elementary schools as community hubs that enhance early learning and economic development.
- Encouraging regional collaboration for secondary school education while maintaining flexibility for local needs.
- Potentially moving t into larger supervisory union groups to foster cost-effective cooperation among districts without sacrificing local governance.
- Addressing critical issues such as skyrocketing health care costs, teacher shortages, school infrastructure needs, and access to student mental health services without destabilizing our education system.
“We recognize that Vermont’s education system needs thoughtful reform, but closing community elementary schools and dismantling local governance is not the answer,” said Dan MacArthur of Marlboro. “RSCA stands ready to work with legislators and communities to promote balanced, research-backed solutions that truly benefit Vermont students, families, taxpayers and communities.”
About the Vermont Rural School Community Alliance
The Vermont Rural School Community Alliance is a coalition of educators, parents, and community members dedicated to advocating for equitable, high-quality public education in Vermont. Our work is informed by direct experience in Vermont schools and leading research in rural education.
Contact vtschoolsrock@gmail.com for more information.
###