Report Highlights Potential Savings
A recent report presented to Vermont lawmakers suggests that the state could potentially save up to $460 million in school spending without compromising educational outcomes. The “Picus report” outlines a range of cost-cutting strategies, including increasing class sizes, reducing administrative costs, and consolidating schools. Additionally, the report recommends that school districts should have an average student population of around 4,000. For classroom size, it suggests a cap of 15 students for younger elementary grades and 25 for students in grade 4 and above.
However, the report acknowledges that these recommendations are based on a different scale and model than the current vermont education system. It also does not explicitly propose the closure or consolidation of any specific schools. Despite this, the report is expected to intensify discussions around education finance reform, an issue that has been gaining momentum at the Statehouse. Some local school officials are already expressing concerns about the potential implications.
Local Concerns and Reactions
Ryan Heraty, Superintendent of the Lamoille South Supervisory Union, warned against using a one-size-fits-all approach to implementing these recommendations. “If you come in with a wrecking ball approach and say everyone is inefficient, I think that is a dangerous approach,” Heraty stated. Nonetheless, he agreed that changes to how Vermont schools are funded are necessary and urged local districts to focus on eliminating inefficiencies to improve educational outcomes.
Interim Education Secretary Zoie Saunders also weighed in, stating that before making decisions on class size caps or school consolidation, Vermont should establish clear benchmarks for cost savings and academic performance. “If they struggle to meet these benchmarks, then we can explore other options to support districts in achieving a high-quality education at an affordable rate for taxpayers,” she said. Saunders emphasized the importance of balancing educational quality with financial sustainability.
Broader Implications for Vermont Education System
Vermont lawmakers, including Rep. Peter Conlon (D-Cornwall), believe the report raises important questions at a time when school enrollment is declining, test scores are stagnant, and the state continues to have some of the highest per-pupil costs in the nation. “We need to understand how much change Vermonters are willing to accept to gain control over our educational system,” Conlon remarked, highlighting the need for community input in the reform process.
The Vermont-NEA, represented by Don Tinney, expressed skepticism about the report’s findings, pointing out that the current realities of Vermont’s schools are not accurately reflected in the recommendations. Tinney called for a shift away from the residential property tax in favor of an education income tax, which he argues would ensure the wealthiest Vermonters contribute their fair share. “This report overlooks the fact that school budgets are already among the most scrutinized decisions in Vermont. School boards and administrators work hard to balance the needs of students with fairness to taxpayers,” Tinney said in a statement.
