The Hardwick Town School Board is starting to respond to Act 46, the new law that looks to reduce school spending, improve educational options for ALL students, and possibly consolidate school districts. An informational public meeting is scheduled for Hardwick residents to learn about this new law and help the School Board decide how WE will respond to Act 46.
The meeting is Thursday, Nov 12 from 6:30-7:30 in the Hardwick Elementary Gym. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE..
ACT 46: What is it? How will it change our schools? What will it cost? Will we lose local control? and on and on the questions go?
Do we have the answers? Very simply, NO!
Act 46 is a law that was signed by Governor Shumlin this spring. It encourages and supports local decisions and action. WE have to answer these questions together. The School Board and YOU, the registered voters, as owners of the school.
We do know that we have to DO something!
The law’s goals are to:
Provide equality in the quality and variety in the educational opportunities statewide;
Maximize operational efficiencies, with the goal of increasing the district-level ratio of students to full time equivalent staff;
Promote transparency and accountability; and
Do all this at a cost that parents, voters and taxpayers can support.
If nothing is done and in place by July 1, 2019, then we have to explain to the State Board of Education how we plan to meet these goals in our present structure or they will change it for us.
There are tax incentives to be had if we do a consolidation sooner, rather than later. An Accelerated merger plan gives a 5 year reduction in property taxes (10 cents in the first year and reducing by 2 cents each of the next 4 years). This route must be voted on between July 1, 2015 and July 1, 2016. The Board does not believe we can meet this deadline.
The Conventional merger also has the tax reduction, except it is only for 4 years and starts at 8 cents.
This merger would become operational after July 1, 2017 and before July 1, 2019.
There is a district wide advisory group that is starting to try and answer some of these issues. We will have to think “OUT OF THE BOX” No One has the answer as to how our school system will look by 2017!
The Hardwick Town School Board needs your help. We are having a community discussion on Thursday, November 12 in the gym. This meeting will start at 6:30. We would like you to think about a few questions:
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO PRESERVE?
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE DIFFERENT?
HOW CAN WE REPURPOSE THE EDUCATION OUR CHILDREN RECEIVE?
The School Board is looking forward to discussing ACT 46 and our educational future with you to work together in meeting the requirements of this new law.
Act 46 does not require that one plan fits all. We have to develop a plan that is best for Hardwick’s students (pre kindergarten to Grade 12) with a cost that can be sustained in the future. We are looking forward to our partnership and learning how to implement change in the least disruptive way possible.