I received permission from the VSBA to cross-post this email update on the status of H.883. For people who are interested there links at the bottom to three op eds written by other Vermont School Board Members. They contain a lot of interesting information and ideas about this bill. Anyway just more information for those of you who are interested or who would like to attend the hearing at the Statehouse.

Jill Wilson

All Vermont School Board Members

The discussion about school district configuration has continued to intensify. H.883 was passed by the House Education Committee on March 21, 2014. It has since been taken up by the House Ways and Means Committee. They have taken considerable testimony and have decided that they want to hear directly from people who care about this issue.

They have scheduled another public hearing at the Statehouse for Wednesday, April 9, from 5-7PM. Sign-ups to testify will begin at 4:30.

From our membership meetings, we are aware that opinions of board members vary widely. We know that some of you are strongly in favor of the bill in its current form. Others are strongly opposed.

Others have suggestions for changes to the bill or in the approach to its development. It is essential that this committee hear the full range of perspectives. We encourage board members to take advantage of this opportunity.

Below are links to op eds done recently by three board members. They exemplify the range of perspectives.

We will keep you informed about this debate at each step.

LACKING COMMUNITY BUY-IN
http://ow.ly/vdBtc

CONSOLIDATION WON'T WEAKEN DEMOCRACY
http://ow.ly/vdbrT

A CHALLENGE TO ALL VERMONT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
http://ow.ly/vqIhc