Investing in the Future of Public Education

As we approach the start of a new biennium in the Vermont Legislature, fiscal austerity appears to be the prevailing disposition.  Given the concerns articulated by taxpayers to reign in escalating taxes,, it is reasonable to consider how sustainable it is for Vermont to spend 2.5 billion a year on education with a declining student enrollment.  It is certain that the Administration and General Assembly will consider policy decisions that address tax relief by adjusting the education funding formula to create downward pressure on school district spending.

Whereas it is necessary for both local school districts and the state to look for more ways to spend less money, it is also important that we continue to make essential investments in public education.  While it is important to consider cost containment measures, it is also essential to make strategic investments to ensure an efficient and effective education delivery system for the future of Vermont..  Three areas are a priority:  Teacher Workforce Development, Facilities and Community Schools.

Teacher Workforce Development

Challenges related to school workforce needs were exacerbated by the pandemic and have continued with the overall dynamics of our labor market.  Historically, most schools in Vermont did fairly well in hiring teachers. Yes, rural schools experienced more struggles with traditionally “hard to fill” positions, such as middle and high school math and science, but previously filled most positions without too much difficulty. Schools across Vermont, and the country, are experiencing sustained difficulties filling teaching positions with qualified candidates. 

With a decline in graduates from college educational prep programs, Vermont, like other states, has needed to depend largely on individuals entering the profession through nontraditional pathways.  Whereas there has always been a need, and pathway, outside of traditional programs, the substantial number of those becoming teachers with little or no training has placed immense pressure on our system.  Although we appreciate many individuals stepping up to become teachers, we have many individuals entering classrooms without the necessary background to provide high quality instruction.  Despite efforts from local school districts to provide mentoring and organizations like the Vermont NEA to provide scaffolding for those on emergency and provisional licenses to become licensed through the peer review process, we are in a response mode and have yet to fully develop successful practices such as registered apprenticeship programs and residency models statewide.  There is a need to eliminate the financial barriers to becoming a teacher and providing the expanded access to both traditional and non-traditional pathways. Two years ago, the Legislature appropriated funding for a loan forgiveness program for aspiring teachers and an Emerging Pathways Fund to support innovation.  Both of these funds are depleted.  These should not be seen as one time post-pandemic appropriations and be considered as long-range investments to ensure a high quality teacher workforce. 

School facilities

It has been 16 years since the State last provided aid for school construction or renovation.  With the loss of 30% state aid, many school communities have deferred needed renovations or even substantial maintenance.  Vermont schools on average are older than 60 years old, making them some of the country’s oldest.  With facilities cost increasing in recent years, any kind of substantial improvements are considered out of reach for most communities.  Schools need safe, efficient and effective spaces for learning.  First and foremost schools need an infusion of funding to attend to pressing capital improvements just to ensure they function for the safety and health of staff, students and community members that use our schools.  Secondly, schools often require reconfiguration to accommodate additional services or changes in instructional design.  

School Districts need the additional categorical aid for school construction if they are going to be able to advance projects through a community bond vote and not taking on all debt at the local level.  Needless to say, the State does not have millions of dollars in reserve to cover substantial facilities costs and will likely need to pursue a state-wide capital improvement bond program.  Nonetheless, this kind of investment will result in a more economical approach than more costly fixes down the road with continued deferred maintenance.  

Community schools

The Legislature passed Act 67 to promote a “Community Schools” model that includes: Integrated Student Supports, Expanded and Enriched Learning Time & Opportunities, Active Family & Community Engagement, Collaborative Leadership and Practices, and Safe, Inclusive & Equitable Learning Environments, has proven effective.  The $3,000,000 appropriation provided five grants to support pilot initiatives centered on aspects of the “five pillars” over three years.  Preliminary studies of these five pilots have demonstrated a positive impact on student outcomes.  The 2024 Legislature approved an additional $1,000,000 to support both continuation grants and additional grants for SU/SDs or schools.  

With the community schools model demonstrating results in Vermont, and in other states, it is a proven investment that will result in reduced cost for interventions and areas like dropout recovery.  Most importantly the investment supports increased measurable learning outcomes.  We must keep this model in mind as we continue to support our small schools in rural communities. Ultimately, we must invest in the sustainability of small, rural schools for the benefit of those children in those communities and for those communities to be vibrant.  That kind of investment is a long-range economic investment to rural areas of our state.

Without strategic investments in education, along with other areas like childcare and housing, we are doomed to respond to unaddressed needs that in the long run actually cost us more money.  A thriving economy and thriving communities require investment.  One of the most important investments we can make to support both is ensuring a thriving public education system.