2/10/16 @ 6:30pm

Rutland Southwest Supervisory Union
Office of the Superintendent
168 York Street
Poultney, VT 05764
Phone: (802) 287-5286
Fax: (802) 287-2284

Greetings, Wells Community Members and Parents,

Act 46, which was passed in the last Legislative Session, requires change to our current educational structures. As I am sure that you are aware by now, it is most challenging for Rutland Southwest Supervisory Union and its member school districts of Ira, Middletown Springs, Poultney, and Wells, since we have four different operating structures (non-operating PreK-12 choice; PreK-6 with 7-12 choice; PreK-12; and PreK-6 with designation to Granville). In addition, we have a student population (750) which is less than the minimal requirements to meet various components of the law. An initial study was completed that identified several possible options and provided the Boards with a framework to use when looking at other potential options for each school district.

As the Board considers which direction would be best for its students in the future, the framework will be used to determine the advantages and opportunities as well as the challenges and liabilities.

The law requires that each school district partner with like structured districts, thus having the same configuration. Following are a few examples of possible configurations:
- Wells would either need to partner with other districts that are also PreK-6 with designation or change the configuration to K-6 with choice and matching districts with similar structure.

• If Wells were to wish to continue to designate Granville, then it could align with Pawlet and Rupert in their merger study. The three towns and the Mettawee School District could form a RED (Regional Education District). They would all have to have the same configuration (K-6 and designation). They would have one Board and one budget. They could designate up to three school districts (Granville and Salem, New York and Poultney High School. There would no longer be choice beyond those three designated districts. If Wells’ parents and community wanted their students to be able to attend a variety of schools (Granville, Poultney, Burr and Burton Academy, and Long Trail, then Wells could join forces with a current partner Middletown Springs. Parents would then have choice for which school their children would attend for secondary school.

It is most important and critical for the community and parents to inform the School Board what their goals are for the education of Wells’ children. What vision do we have for our children/student’s education? What kind of school environment do we want for our children? What is the best way to achieve those goals? What important elements of education does the community want to be included? Once these questions are answered, the Wells Board needs to consider a partnership that will provide Wells with the outcomes wanted for our children/ students.

A Wells Community Forum will be held on Wednesday, February 10th at 6:30 pm at the Wells Village School to discuss these questions and to give input to the Wells School Board. It is important to know whether we wish to continue to designate or expand choice that currently exists and look for partners that will allow this to happen.

Joan Paustian Ed D, Superintendent

Please tell us your thoughts – Act 46 Wells Community Forum – February 10, 2016 at 6:30 @ WVS