Board agrees to send representatives to voluntary regional merger exploratory meeting; no commitment to merger
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Summary
Members voted to have district representatives attend a neighboring districts’ meeting to explore voluntary merger options related to H.454, emphasizing information-gathering only and not committing the district to form or join any new district.
The Barre Unified Union School District #97 board voted to send district representatives to an Aug. 20 joint meeting hosted by neighboring districts to explore voluntary merger possibilities connected to H.454, the school consolidation discussions currently before the state.
Trustees approved a motion directing the superintendent to RSVP on behalf of the district and to send representatives; the motion was seconded and passed by voice/roll call. Board discussion repeatedly framed attendance as information gathering, not a decision to merge.
During discussion trustees noted that voluntary merges require large amounts of staff time and community engagement and raised practical questions about career centers and whether proposed maps from the state committee would align with any locally negotiated district plan. Peter (public commenter) urged inclusion of the career center in any regional conversation; board members agreed that career-center stakeholders should be part of the dialogue.
Vice Chair Giuliano said he would attend “to listen…just listening and asking questions,” and multiple trustees said they expected the superintendent and the board chair or vice chair to report back so the full board could consider any next steps.
Motion: ask superintendent to RSVP and send representatives. Second: Alice. Outcome: motion passed.