Please join us for a legislative update and community conversation on Saturday, March 3 at 12:00 in the meeting room at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library.

There's a lot to talk about, from property taxes to public safety, and we look forward to your questions, thoughts, concerns, and ideas.

Property taxes are, of course, greatly impacted by education funding. We've previously written about how this complex system works, but it bears repeating. Each school district's education spending is determined at a local level but our resources are pooled in the statewide education fund, as a result of a 1997 Vermont Supreme Court decision that found our state constitution requires "substantially equal educational opportunity to all students." There is an inherent tension in our system (a tension that may be reaching a breaking point): local school districts retain most authority over schools and budgets, yet we have a statewide education fund.

This week is national Public Schools Week and we will continue to be steadfast advocates for a strong public education system that serves all kids. We also know that our statewide system is strained, expensive, and the current level of uncertainty is not good for schools or communities. We look forward to talking in more detail about the complex issues at play and our hopes and plans for the path ahead to ensure a high-quality, sustainable public education system.

Please join us or reach out anytime!
Rep. Erin Brady
Rep. Angela Arsenault

May 19, 2024, 3 to 3:45 PM

May 22, 2024, 1 to 6 PM

May 22, 2024, 6 to 8 PM