When the Vermont General Assembly began the 2009-2010 legislative session, the many who have long called for a complete overhaul of our education and educaiton funding system were met with a pleasant surprise.
Governor Jim Douglas took on the establishment in his Inaugural Address, by calling for a fundamental transformation of the way we do business, most importantly in education.
The Governor’s call for education funding reform is a welcome one to those of us in Stowe and in communities throughout Vermont. “Act 60 and 68 are fundamentally broken and beyond repair … Now is the time to build a new system - one that is fair and equitable, and respects the voice of voters, the pocketbooks of taxpayers, and the potential of our students.”
Afterwards, in the Stowe Reporter, I applauded the Governor for taking on this very critical issue, and encouraged our legislative leadership to accept the Governor’s invitation to work collaboratively on it. While the initial response from the legislative leadership was disappointing, there has now been a task force put together to work on this critical issue.
The fundamental fact is that the system is structurally flawed and must be addressed if we are to make it through this economic crisis and emerge a stronger state.
I am hopeful this work will result in a higher quality educaiton system paid for in a more equitable way. To ensure this issue remains a top priority, consider contacting your local representatives and senators, and/or writing letters to the editor of your local newspapers and statewide newspapers, and encourage your friends to do the same.
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