A Great Opportunity to Ensure that Island Voices and Concerns are Heard in Montpelier
The South Hero School Board invites you to attend an Informational Meeting on Friday, May 2, 2014 at 6:30pm
In the Gym at Folsom
Meet with your local representatives to learn more about the two pieces of legislation that have been proposed around school district consolidation and how they might impact the Islands. (H.883 and H.889) There will be a brief presentation, followed by an opportunity to get your questions answered.
VSBA Update--Important Information about H.883
To All VSBA Members—
Education Governance Bill, H.883, Update
Intense activity on H.883 has continued over the past week. The movement of the bill back and forth between three House Committees: Education, Ways and Means, and Appropriations has been highly unusual. As of the end of this week, there are two key documents that need your attention:
One is the final amendment labeled Draft #5.2 that was approved by the House Education Committee on April 24, 2014. This is the primary bill that has emerged from all of this committee work.
The second is an amendment passed by the House Appropriations Committee labeled Draft #5.1 and dated April 25, 2014. This amendment deals with resources needed to implement the plan.
It is our understanding that these two documents will be the key items considered by the full House beginning on Tuesday.
Board members across Vermont have a wide range of perspectives on this topic. As a result, the VSBA has taken no position on the bill. We would again remind you that whatever your view, now is the time to make your opinion known to your representatives in the House.
H.883 has not yet gone to the Senate. The Senate Finance and Education committees have begun discussing some possible ideas of their own, mainly related to the functioning and structure of Supervisory Unions. However, it is not at all clear what direction they will take or if there is time for them to consider and act on this bill should it come to them from the House. There appears to be a strong desire by legislative leaders and the Governor to move something forward this year.
The VSBA will continue to monitor this situation carefully and will keep you informed of sudden shifts in plans and proposals.
For those who have raised specific issues about the bill over the past month, this version of the bill addresses several of those concerns:
Historic decisions to offer choice or to operate schools are clearly respected going forward.
Timelines are extended to provide a longer voluntary period and to provide full incentives and transitional supports.
Nothing in the bill would interfere with current efforts of districts to join together with their neighbors.
More extensive community process has been added in designing the “preliminary plan”.
A provision has been added to allow districts to appeal any concerns regarding their proposed placement in a final plan.
Additional agency resources have been identified to promote improved support for this process.
The legislature would now be required in 2018 to approve a final statewide plan before it could go into effect.
Vermont’s school boards have been thoughtful participants in this discussion and debate. It is now very important for your representatives to hear your perspective on the specific bill on which they will vote.
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/database/status/textonly.cfm?Bill=H.0883&Session=2014
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