School board faces funding crisis as enrollment declines and expenses rise

In a pivotal meeting on January 15, 2025, the Barre Unified Union School District (BUUSD) board confronted the pressing issue of rising educational expenses amid declining student enrollment. As board members gathered under the fluorescent lights of the district office, the atmosphere was charged with concern over the sustainability of current funding models.

Paul Malone, a board member, highlighted the alarming trend of increasing costs—averaging between 5.5% and 6% annually—while student numbers are projected to plummet from 2,221 to just over 1,600 in the next nine years. "You can't have a drop in population and an increase in expenses," he cautioned, emphasizing the need for decisive action to avoid shocking the community with potential changes in funding or tax rates.

The discussion turned to the importance of advocacy at the state level. Bernadette Rose urged the board to leverage their lobbying resources to ensure that the needs of local schools are communicated effectively to state representatives. "We are the people who need to stand up for our kids," she asserted, calling for community involvement in advocating for adequate school funding.

Rachel VanVleet echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of maintaining school resources to prevent further enrollment declines. She pointed out that even a slight tax increase could lead to significant cuts in staff, which would adversely affect students with complex needs. "This community is going to benefit from having strong public schools," she stated, reminding the board that families are also taxpayers who will feel the impact of underfunded education.

Ellen Kaye added her voice to the chorus, warning against disinvestment in schools. "If you budget for your household, there aren't more people in the household, but the costs are going up. That's how that works," she explained, urging the board to prioritize funding despite the financial pressures.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the board faces a critical juncture. With rising costs and dwindling enrollment, the path forward will require careful consideration and community engagement to ensure that the educational needs of students remain a top priority. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to advocating for the future of education in Barre, leaving attendees with a sense of urgency and hope for collaborative solutions.