The Vermont House of Representatives has passed a shortsighted effort that will hurt children in the state under the guise of “supporting public education.”
H.483, “An act relating to the accountability and oversight of approved independent schools that are eligible to receive public tuition,” is really about what benefits certain adults (and the public school sector) while completely disregarding children and what is best to assure success for every child.
Support for this anti-independent-school bill is based on the misperception that independent schools serve an elite population and siphon off funding from public school students.
While this typification may be more true in some regions of the country, it is not an accurate portrayal in Vermont, where the combination of the small population and our community-based values make most independent schools dedicated to serving students who are not thriving in what are generally more well-funded and more populous (and therefore more socially desirable) public schools.
For the past decade or more, issues of school safety have been front and center in schools and communities across the country. The tragedy and injustice of bullying is finally becoming clear to educators, parents, and state leaders. Up to three-quarters of all students report being exposed to bullies...
Thanks for your March 9 editorial that explored middle-school plans in Bellows Falls. This is a once-in-a-half century chance to improve educational opportunities for children in this area. Renovating the current building will do little to improve education. There are more forward looking options, which your editorial alludes to.